A corner of Victor’s mouth moved, though it was not quite a smile.
“You told my sons I had taught them that people always leave.”
“I said you taught them leaving was inevitable.”
“There is a difference?”
“A large one.”
Marco set down his fork.
“Is she staying or not?”
Victor looked toward him.
“That depends on Ms.
Valente.”
“No,” Marco said.
“You said she was hired.”
The challenge in his voice was different now.
He was not trying to drive Serena out.
He was demanding that his father keep his word.
Victor reached beneath the folder and removed a second document.
It was an employment contract.
The salary was higher than Serena had expected.
Health insurance began immediately.
The position included private rooms in the east wing or a separate cottage on the estate grounds.
There was a standard probationary period, clear duties, and enough flexibility for Serena to care for Lucia.
Victor placed a pen beside it.
“This was prepared before dinner,” he said.
“Every candidate receives one if she passes the test.”
Serena looked at the signature line.
“You expected me to fail.”
“I expected the same result I received from the previous eleven applicants.”
“Eleven?”
Nico looked proud again.
“Twelve if you count the one who never got out of her car.”
Serena glanced at the smashed apple on the backsplash.
“I count her.”
Victor folded his arms.
“The contract is not charity.
You completed the task.
Whether you accept is your decision.”
“And the recording?”
“Also yours.
Copies have already been secured.”
“Why would you help me?”
Victor’s gaze sharpened.
“I am not helping you because you are helpless, Ms.
Valente.
I am employing you because you did what I asked.
I am preserving evidence because a man tried to purchase a decision that belonged to me.”
Serena almost laughed.
It was the most Victor Rinaldi answer possible.
She picked up the pen.
Before she signed, Marco spoke again.
“You have a daughter?”
“Yes.”
“Is she coming here?”
“If I accept the housing, she will.”
The four brothers exchanged a private series of looks.
Alessandro frowned.
“Will she touch our things?”
