Chapter 3 - THE CLAUSE THAT COULD DESTROY AN EMPIRE
Clause thirty-one was buried beneath dense language about dispute resolution.
Nina read it carefully.
Then looked at Vivien.
"Your English translation says disagreements must be resolved through arbitration in Milan."
Vivien nodded.
"Correct."
Nina swallowed.
"The Italian version says that if Moretti Imports disputes an operational takeover, the holding company may suspend access to jointly managed port facilities while the dispute is pending."
Adrien stared.
"For how long?"
"There is no fixed limit."
Silence.
Vivien's face drained of color.
"That could freeze our shipments."
Nina nodded.
"Across multiple terminals."
Adrien looked toward Bertellini.
"Is this true?"
The older man spread his hands.
"These are standard commercial protections."
Vivien closed her folder.
"No. They aren't."
Bertellini's expression darkened.
"You are insulting us."
Adrien leaned back.
"Then I suggest you explain why your English translation doesn't match the contract you want me to sign."
Nobody answered.
Adrien stood.
"The signing is postponed."
Bertellini slammed his palm against the table.
"You cannot do this!"
Adrien looked at him.
"I just did."
The Italian delegation gathered their documents.
Within minutes, they were gone.
Nina remained beside the table.
Her knees felt weak.
She had just contradicted six powerful businessmen.
In front of Adrien Moretti.
And she still had to ask Margaret whether she could take her lunch break.
Then Adrien turned toward her.
"Nina Whitmore."
She stiffened.
"Yes, sir?"
"Who taught you Italian?"
"My father."
He studied her.
"And who taught you to read legal contracts?"
May you like
Nina hesitated.
"That," she said, "is a longer story."
