Page 94 of The Billionaire's Destiny

Ding.Doorbell.

I eyed him curiously.

“That’s Gunnar,” Rocco said. “They have a decision on my proposal.”

The board voted to put things on hold, and Rocco gave Marini Corporate all his attention. However, he’d become steadfast in his desire to make a change, and the negotiations had taken more time.

We left my office and glanced into Rocco’s, where storyboards and framed posters from old film projects hung on the few walls between sunlit windows. “It looks cozy in there.”

“It is,” he said. He had learned to make do, even after leaving behind his grand office at the Marini Estate. He moved here for me, waiting patiently for us to return to our lives together. Luca’s house was good for a weekend break; however, it was too small for him and his ambitions. And soon, he’d be traveling again for film work. We had always planned for me to join him, and now I could. My hand drifted to my stomach. Dr. Vitale said travel was safe.Butam I ready?The thought of walking outside in open spaces made my heart race and my stomach feel nauseous.Will Judge Colby try to hurt us again?

Gunnar walked inside and over to us. “Hello, hello, and…” He gave a playful wave at my stomach. “Hello to you, too. Now, no trouble out of you today. Okay?”

I laughed, and Rocco’s hand soothed slow circles on my back. “Little one’s all tucked in and cozy. So, is this sit-down news, or can we stay on our feet?”

“Better we stand because if you greenlight it, they’d want you at the announcement press conference,” Gunnar paused.

“Let’s stand. I’m ready,” Rocco said. He had spent a lot of time getting Walter ready to take over. The separation contract took longer with all the negotiations.

“Okay. The board has accepted Walter as CEO of Marini Corporate and co-chair of Marini Enterprise. You’ll get a special co-chair position to calm the board members who didn’t want you out completely. But your input will be limited, and Walter can make changes on his own, while you’ll need approval.” It was as if the crown had been passed, yet the treasures remained with Rocco. The shift wasn’t all good, and it was a blow to his inheritance. However, he still managed to smile like everything was fine.

I let out a frustrated breath. After everything Rocco had given to Marini Corporate and his family, it stung. But the real obstacle was Luca, unwilling to let anyone steer with a vision different from his own. Even so, Rocco deserved something good to come from all this. “Any good news, Gunnar?”

“Yes,” Gunnar said. “Rocco keeps his CEO salary, stock options, shares, and property. He still has a seat on the board and input on the future of Marini businesses. Walter reinstated Luca’s two billion dollar child provision as his first act and even gutted any of the stipulations. If you become pregnant and any complication arises, you still inherit the money to use in any way you choose.”

“No one opposed?” Rocco asked.

“Only Mr. Sears and Mrs. Ricci. Sears has lost a vote of confidence. He’s been given a severance package, and he’s freaking out about it. It’s glorious.”

We all laughed. Mr. Sears had taken a risk and lost everything. It was what he deserved for manipulating Luca’s will and trying to take control of the Marinis’ finances.

“Good,” Rocco said. “I’m happy with it.”

I touched his arm. “Are you sure?”

He grinned. “I am.” His eyes softened, turning almost wistful, and I knew what he was giving up was enormous. Even so, he looked lighter, the strain almost gone from his posture. He turned to Gunnar. “I’ll sign, and you’ll tell them I’m attending the press conference.”

“Will do,” Gunnar said. “I still think they are insane for letting you go. The stocks are still up at the moment, but the board and shareholders are bracing for a hit.”

Rocco shrugged. “They’ll manage. I have all the confidence in Walter.”

“Spoken like a politician,” Gunnar mused.

I groaned. “Never.”

“You heard the boss,” Rocco joked. He leaned over and kissed my cheek. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach. “I’ll change and be right back.”

“I’d…I’d like to go,” I said, clearing my throat.

They both frowned at me.

“Are you sure?” Rocco asked, his tone cautious.

I smiled and nodded affirmatively. It was too big a day for Rocco to be left to stand there on his own. “I’m nervous, but I want to be there with you.”

“Great. I’ll change into a suit and meet you back down here, and we’ll leave together.”

“I’m changing too,” I said, eyeing my yoga pants and theHello Gorgeousshirt Cassidy had mailed from Iceland.