Chapter 6 - THE TEN PERCENT THAT COULD DESTROY THEM
Rose did not want Benedetti Distribution.
She wanted a new convection oven.
A roof that stopped leaking.
And enough money to cover the twelve-thousand-dollar gap between Tessa’s scholarship and tuition.
Ten percent of a company worth hundreds of millions belonged to another universe.
Serena lived in that universe.
Which made her next words stranger.
“I need you to refuse the claim.”
Rose stared.
“Why?”
“Because if you accept it, the transfer triggers an audit.”
“So?”
Serena’s face tightened.
“That is none of your concern.”
“Then this conversation is over.”
Rose opened the door.
Serena did not move.
“The audit could expose my father.”
“Victor?”
“Yes.”
Rose crossed her arms.
“The man who stole you from our mother?”
“My father raised me.”
“He also forged documents against mine.”
Serena slapped the counter.
“You don’t understand anything.”
“Then explain.”
For one second, Rose saw something frightened beneath the polished surface.
Victor Vance had spent thirty years using Benedetti Distribution accounts to wash money through construction projects.
If Carlo’s original partnership were restored, independent accountants would review transactions dating back decades.
Victor could lose everything.
Serena too.
“Is that why you came here?”
“Yes.”
“To protect him?”
“Yes.”
Rose stared.
“Even after learning what he did to Elaine?”
Serena’s face hardened.
“He told me she gave me away.”
“That was a lie.”
“I know.”
That admission came painfully.
“But he is still my father.”
Rose understood more than she wanted to.
Love did not always disappear when truth arrived.
Sometimes it became uglier.
“You’re asking me to protect someone who hurt both of us.”
“I’m asking you not to blow up my life because you suddenly discovered a rich man owed your father money.”
Rose pointed toward the door.
“Get out.”
Serena left.
But before doing so, she turned.
“Luca will use you.”
Rose frowned.
“He doesn’t need to.”
“You think his interest is personal?”
Rose felt annoyance.
“His interest?”
Serena smiled.
“He hasn’t told you?”
“Told me what?”
“When Carlo died, Luca inherited controlling voting rights.”
“So?”
“If the Kowalik shares return, he loses unilateral control.”
Rose went still.
Ten percent did not sound like enough.
Unless votes were closely divided.
Serena saw understanding arrive.
“He needs you friendly.”
Rose said nothing.
“He needs you to vote with him.”
The front door closed.
The next morning Luca came for coffee.
Rose placed an espresso in front of him.
Then asked:
“How much power do my father’s shares have?”
His hand stopped.
That was answer enough.
“You knew.”
“Yes.”
“And didn’t tell me.”
“I was going to.”
“When?”
“When you had time to absorb Serena being your sister.”
“Convenient.”
“Rose.”
“Do not Rose me.”
He sat back.
“The board is forty-five percent mine, forty-five divided among family trusts, ten Kowalik. Whoever controls that ten effectively decides major actions.”
Rose laughed.
“So I’m not a baker anymore.”
“You are.”
“I’m a swing vote with pie crust.”
His mouth almost moved.
“Essentially.”
She glared.
He stopped.
Then Luca said:
“I don’t want your vote.”
Rose studied him.
“What?”
“If you claim the shares, appoint an independent trustee.”
That surprised her.
“You’d surrender control?”
“I’d surrender certainty.”
“Why?”
His eyes held hers.
“Because you’ve been manipulated enough.”
Something dangerous moved inside Rose.
Not fear.
Attraction.
She hated the timing.
Then Tessa rushed through the back door holding her laptop.
“Aunt Rose?”
Tessa was sixteen.
Rose had raised her since Rose’s younger brother died.
“What happened?”
Tessa turned the screen.
Her scholarship portal.
STATUS: UNDER REVIEW.
“Why?”
Tessa’s voice shook.
“Someone reported that your bakery is connected to organized crime.”
Rose looked at Luca.
He looked furious.
Then a new email appeared.
Anonymous.
REFUSE THE SHARES OR THE GIRL LOSES COLLEGE.
May you like
Rose finally understood.
Serena’s warning had become a threat.
