Chapter 9 - THE MAN BEHIND THE ENGAGEMENT
Lorenzo Rossi had spent thirty years building an empire.
He had also spent thirty years collecting leverage.
My investigators discovered that his firm was facing serious financial trouble.
Several investments had collapsed.
A major lender was demanding repayment.
And his partners were beginning to question the company's solvency.
He needed access to new assets.
Quickly.
My shipping terminals were worth hundreds of millions.
And through Vivien, he believed he had found a way to reach them.
Rebecca presented the findings in my office.
“Lorenzo is desperate.”
I studied the documents.
“How desperate?”
“Enough to risk everything.”
I nodded.
“And Vivien?”
Rebecca hesitated.
“She appears deeply involved.”
I looked down.
Three years of dinners.
Holidays.
Promises.
Plans for a future.
All of it had been built around a financial scheme.
That evening, Vivien found me in the drawing room.
She wore a black dress.
Her hair fell over one shoulder.
“Roman.”
I looked up.
“Vivien.”
She smiled.
“Are you nervous about Sunday?”
I studied her.
“Should I be?”
She laughed.
“Every groom is nervous.”
I stood.
“Tell me something.”
She tilted her head.
“What?”
“Why do you want to marry me?”
Her smile softened.
“Because I love you.”
I waited.
She stepped closer.
“Because you're strong. Loyal. Protective.”
I looked at her.
“And wealthy?”
Her expression changed.
“Roman.”
I nodded.
“Just asking.”
She touched my face.
“Don't let wedding stress make you suspicious.”
May you like
I gently removed her hand.
“I think suspicion is the one thing I should have listened to sooner.”
