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“London?” I repeated questioningly.
She smiled. “You’ll hear about it.”
Paul leaned over and kissed my cheek. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
He seemed to understand that Mr. Marini also meant something special to me. Rocco must’ve shared it with them. He hugged Rocco tight, and it warmed my heart to see he had support.
Nadia kissed him and hugged him. Then, my grandparents came forward, all smiles this time. They shook Olivia and Nico’s hands politely but didn’t speak.
Grandmother touched my hair and took my hand. “We’ll see you again soon?” Her voice rose an octave, and it was the first time she had expressed a desire to see me. We had indeed reached a new plateau.
“I’d love that,” I said to her.
She smiled at me.
“Grandfather,” I said to Mr. Belfiore. His eyes widened in shock, but he quickly recovered and squeezed my hands. “We’ll be in touch.” They walked away and I could see a little tension between them. She had outsmarted his plan and my grandfather knew it and had to deal with it. I loved seeing him not getting his way for a change.
A tall, Nordic-looking blonde male in a dark suit stepped forward. He stopped to offer his condolences to the family, but then Rocco touched my back. “I’m going to have to meet with myparents right now. We’ll all meet at Marini Corporate to go over the will.”
I tensed. “The will? Already?”
Rocco nodded and exhaled long. “Yes. This isyourlawyer, Ian Unger.”
I shook his hand, though confused. “Lawyer? What do I need a lawyer for?”
“I’ll explain in the car. You look like you could use a coffee?” Ian said, his tone casual. Friendly.
I lowered my brow. “Uhm.” I turned back to Rocco and stared at him questioningly.
He leaned over my ear. “It turns me on that you look to me for assurance. That means you trust me. That’s what I want, Bella.” He kissed near my ear. “I need to speak with my family about our wedding privately first. We’ll all meet in the boardroom soon. All right?”
I nodded. It wasn’t an easy conversation to have and, from his mother’s shock, it wasn’t going to be good for either of us, knowing his mother had specifically asked us to wait. Still, this funeral was hard for Rocco and I knew he’d do whatever he could for everyone there, but he also needed someone there to support him. “Are you sure you want to go alone? I’ve got thick skin, I can handle whatever comes.”
He gave me a broad smile that warmed my insides. “I’m sure you do, but I don’t want you to have to use it. Go ahead. You’ll be fine.” He pecked me on the lips.
I turned to Ian. “I guess we’re going together.”
Ian beamed at me. “That’s the plan. Let’s get you out of here first.” He placed his hand on my back and led me through the side of the hall. A security guard disengaged the alarm and opened the door with a radio signal.
Zane was outside and led us quickly down the avenue, where he was double-parked with security around a Mercedes. Weclimbed inside, and the door quickly closed. The car started, and we joined the crowd of people trying to leave the funeral. It was packed.
I looked across at Ian, and he grinned. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Adelina. I’ve heard such good things about you from Rocco and the Cranes.”
I smiled. “Uh, Thanks. I haven’t heard anything about you.”
He nodded. “People rarely talk about lawyers until they need them.”
My stomach squelched. Lawyers most of the time means bad, but I wasn’t a Marini. “Why do I need one?”
“Because the Marinis are reading the will this evening, and Rocco wanted to make sure you had your own representation just in case something came up, like a change to the will.”
I frowned. “You think Luca changed it?”
He lifted his shoulders. “I think it’s important enough to prepare for anything when it involves billions. It’s always money and power with wealthy families. Rocco wanted to make sure you were supported.”
His words put me somewhat at ease, but I still had worries. “What’s the worst scenario?”
“There’s a new will, and it changes something significant. If so, it would be challenged by the family.”