Page 131 of Rio

“There isn’t a catch.You said there’s always something to learn, and I have learned from my father.For him, money is everything, and he doesn’t care about people or who he destroys in his … sorry, I’m getting too personal.”

He tilts his head, looking genuinely interested.“No, continue.If I’m to go into a partnership with you, I need to know everything.”

I steady my breathing, try to steady my thoughts so I don’t ramble on about the old man.

“We purchased the land near your flagship Amalfi hotel, and I can make sure no one else builds on it.We could expand.You’ve seen my ideas in the proposal?”

He nods.“There were some good ideas.”

“Thank you.I don’t see why business needs to be dog eat dog.I don’t need to ruin you to get something out of this.And you’re right—Knight Enterprises would never venture out here and build a luxury hotel brand.You already have one.That’s why I see this as a win-win.I’m overseeing an eco-resort in Belize at the moment, and I’ve learned that business doesn’t have to be solely about the money.It has to work for everyone, in different ways.”

“Interesting.You must have learned a lesson somewhere.”

This guy has wisdom and experience.I wish the old man could be the mentor and guide that Nico’s father must have been for him, and a small part of me feels envious.Like I missed out on something I can never have.I glance at the photo again, and clear my throat, forcing myself to look away.

“But I want to make it ethical,” I say, meeting his gaze again when I’ve composed myself.“I want it to work for the people who live there, because they will still be there after all the tourists have gone home.”

“I like what you’re saying.”

“Work has recently started on your hotel, but maybe we could turn the adjacent waterfront properties into exclusive villas and private residences, or add more amenities?That’s something we could talk about in more detail at a later time.”

“I have hotels which have wine-tasting and cooking classes.I have world-class spas.I believe we could do something.”He sits forward, elbows resting on the table, hands steepled together.“You understand that I don’t put my name on just anything, especially not when it carries someone else’s fingerprints.”

“I understand.That’s the point.It wouldn’t carry mine, or Knight Enterprises—just yours.The kind of privacy, exclusivity, and luxury location we’re talking about… no competition could match it.I’m not here to compete with you, Nico.I’m here to make sure no one else does.But more than that, I want a situation that works for us both.”

There’s a long pause, and he studies me like a man weighing whether a rival could also be an ally.And I very much want to be that.We are rivals—we want the same thing—but I want to be an ally.

“I’ll think it over.Why don’t you stay for dinner?We have a lovely restaurant here, and if I’ve made my mind up by dessert, we can talk details.”

“We’d love to—”

“We?”Nico raises an eyebrow.

“My girlfriend Raquel is here.She’s exploring the gardens.”

“Ah, then she’ll probably meet my wife, Ava.Why don’t we all meet for dinner?”

I like that idea very much.I like this man more than I thought I could like a stranger, and a business rival at that.I feel like we could be friends.

“That would be nice, but we’re meeting my mother for dinner later.She lives here.”

“Your mother lives here?But you’re in the States.”

“Yes, long story.She’s in Soave.”

“That’s not far from here at all.Family always comes first,” says Nico.“I tell you what—I’ll call you first thing tomorrow morning with my decision.”

A knock on the door interrupts us.

“Come in.”

In walks a young man, tall, gangly, handsome—a younger version of the man before me.I can’t believe I’m seeing three generations of the same family before me.

“Papa, I’m going to take the car.I’m going for football training, then out with Aurora.Mama says to let you know.”

“Drive carefully.”

“Yes, Papa.Sorry to interrupt.”The door closes.