in New York for the Internet company we’re considering buying. However, I should have made the time immediately.”
Vittorio knew Taviano was pointing out the obvious, not to Eloisa but to Stefano. They all, including Taviano, knew it wouldn’t be considered a good enough excuse.
“You announced to everyone at the meeting with the Saldi family that you were engaged to Nicoletta. That is impossible. The girl is . . .” Eloisa trailed off to search for the proper word.
“Be careful,” Taviano cautioned. “She belongs to me. You don’t have to like it, or sanction my choice, but she’s mine and I’ll defend her with everything in me.”
Eloisa threw her hands into the air. “Have all of you gone insane? I realize there are very few choices for you to make, but better an arranged marriage from a good family than scraping the bottom of the barrel. At least Sasha has a proper pedigree. Her lineage is one of great value to the riders. And Mariko has tremendous value. Her ancestors, at least on her father’s side, are some of the greatest riders in history. Even Francesca is better than the choices you and your brother are making. I feel as if you’re children, deliberately defying your mommy because you don’t like her. Just remember, you will be saddled with these women for a lifetime.”
“I’m sorry you don’t like my choice, Eloisa,” Vittorio said. “But she will be my wife and therefore a member of this family. I expect you to treat her with respect. You don’t have to love her or even see your grandchildren when we have them, if you don’t want to, but when you’re around Grace, I want her to feel as if you know she’s a member of our family. I also expect that you give her business your full support.”
“Her business?” Eloisa all but spat the words at him. “I believe it’s called KB Events for a reason. Katie Branscomb is the face of the business. Grace is a mere, very replaceable partner, and a not very good one at that, as I’ve pointed out to Katie on many occasions.”
“Actually, Eloisa,” Vittorio said, his voice pitched low. Ultra-calm. He knew every single family member could hear the lie in her voice. Eloisa had to know that. “Grace is a full partner for a reason, yes. Katie is the face of the business, talking and hand-holding difficult clientele, while Grace sees to every detail. It’s Grace that gives you the perfect event every time. I’m surprised you didn’t figure that out. Grace, because of Haydon Phillips, protected everyone by staying in the background, but as you’re usually so good at realizing what’s really going on, but didn’t, I’ll have to tell Grace she was particularly clever.” It was a compliment and yet not.
Eloisa scowled. “I can barely believe such a thing.” Her voice was caustic.
“You know damn well she’s a full partner for that reason, Eloisa,” Stefano snapped. “You investigate everyone. There’s no way you wouldn’t know.”
“Exactly,” Vittorio confirmed.
Unrepentant, but clearly reluctant to go into her reasons for lying, Eloisa shook her head and then turned her attention to her youngest son. “When did you ask Nicoletta Gomez to marry you? She’s too young for you.”
“She’s old enough.”
Vittorio noticed Taviano avoided his mother’s question and realization dawned. Taviano hadn’t asked Nicoletta to marry him. He’d proclaimed they were engaged and his voice had rung with truth only because he intended to marry her, not because they were formally engaged. He intervened before their mother could follow up.
“Stefano, what’s happened that we all needed to be here?”
Stefano glanced at his watch. “Giovanni is pulling up now and we’ll start as soon as he gets here. There’s been a few unsettling developments between the Saldi family and ours.”
Vittorio moved closer to his sister. Emmanuelle was seated in one of the larger wide-armed chairs, her legs drawn up tailor-fashion, a look Eloisa detested and often reprimanded her daughter for. Emmanuelle looked young and defenseless. Sad and very vulnerable. His heart went out to her and every protective instinct rose.
At Stefano’s revelation, Eloisa immediately looked at her daughter, her face a mask of accusations.
“Don’t.” Vittorio rarely used absolute authority in Stefano’s presence. “I’ve gone beyond calm to something else. Just don’t.” It was all the warning she was going to get.
Emilio opened the door to allow Giovanni into the room. He closed it after, no doubt standing in front of it on the other side to ensure they weren’t disturbed.
Giovanni greeted