Page 95 of The Billionaire's Destiny

Rocco disappeared upstairs, and I started to follow, but Gunnar blocked my path. He looked uncannily like Paul, his blond hair now a shade darker, making him strikingly handsome rather than very pretty. “I need to talk to you about something important.”

I raised my brows. “Yeah? What’s up?”

Gunnar hesitated, and I stiffened. He was never one to pause. He was always the most straightforward person I knew.

“I’m trying to put this delicately.”

I laughed nervously. “Or you can just tell me.”

He lifted his chin. “I’m dating your mom.”

My jaw dropped open. “What? She never said. Oh, my goodness. My mother? She’s, like, older than you.”

“Yes,” he said. “I don’t care, and I’m not asking for permission; I’m telling you so you won’t be shocked.”

I peered at him through my lashes. “Let me get this straight: are you having fun, or are you going to be her plus one for Thanksgiving?”

His lips spread into a wide grin. “Who knows?” He was being vague, and I suppose that meant that they were casually together.Casually hooking up? Unreal.

I smirked. “She’s…a little crazy.”

He beamed. “Yeah, and I’m an asshole. So, it’s a match.”

“Don’t hurt her,” I said and winced.

“It’s far from my intention,” he said, his tone turning serious. He then tapped his watch. “No more details.”

I snorted. “Hardly. You didn’t share anything.”

“I know, and the press hates to wait.”

I walked away, casting a backward glance at Gunnar and shaking my head. He really was an enigma. Mama said she wanted to play the field, to date rather than get serious.Who knows with her?She hid their relationship from me, but Gunnar wanted it out in the open. Was he sincere? Maybe it was hisheart that I should be concerned about. He had changed, and so had I. The girl I once was, sitting bravely on a park bench with Luca, felt distant now.

My fingers traced the scar.

Thinking about my father all the time was distressing enough, but waiting for him to try again to hurt me was just as bad.

When will it end?

Iscanned the sea of faces outside Marini Corporate, a wave of nausea tightening my throat. The heat from the camera lights and the staccato bursts of flashes pressed against my skin. Rocco squeezed my hand for attention, worry flickering in his eyes. “Are you sure this is okay?”

“Yes, I’ll be fine,” I said, forcing a smile as Rick and Zane flanked us, along with four security guards as we approached the podium in front of the building.

Walter and Rita stepped forward to join us. His familiar, easy demeanor, which I enjoyed spending time with over the summer, was now electrified by authority. He stood on equal footing with Rocco. A flicker of resentment sparked in me, but then I remembered Luca, who had once stepped aside to chase his own path, only to return with ventures that launched Mariniinto a new era. The family had welcomed him back as their leader.And they will do the same for Rocco.

A group of employees came out of the building and encircled us. One of them came over and whispered in Rocco’s ear loud enough for me to hear. “It’s time.”

Rocco pressed a kiss to the back of my hand before releasing me, stepping forward to join Walter amid a swell of cheers and applause. He playfully tapped one of the many microphones, turning on his charismatic charm that made everyone excited to listen. “Today marks a pivotal moment for us at Marini Corporate. Our mission is clear: to lead in redefining sustainable tech and drive innovation that matters. We continue to set the standard with the best team in the world.”

The employees clapped, and some cheered.

Rocco paused, then continued. “With Luca’s untimely death, I took back the seat at Marini Corporate. However, that has now come to an end, and it’s with great pleasure that I announce that Walter Marini, who has worked at Marini Corporate for the last thirty years and has risen to the position of Chief Operations Officer, has agreed to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer of Marini Corporate. There isn’t a better leader to continue our company’s success. Walter Marini.”

We all clapped, though murmurs rippled through the crowd, and the energy shifted with unease. Rocco hugged Walter, and he kissed Aunt Rita’s cheek before returning to stand with me.

Walter stood taller as he moved over to the speaker. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Rocco and Luca’s outstanding leadership. Their guidance and dedication to every employee have made Marini Corporate one of the best companies in the world and a great place to work. I remember my first day here, over thirty years ago, working the sales floor under Luca Marini’s watchful eye. He always emphasized the importance of hard work, dedication, and integrity. It’s a lesson I carry withme to this day. I take on this position with the same energy and enthusiasm for our company. Marinis will continue to grow in the years to come. Thank you.”

Rocco approached the podium again and stood with Walter for questions.