Page 1 of Sev’s Blackmailed Bride (The Dante Dynasty #1)
He refused to lose.
He refused to allow anything—or anyone—to get in the way of his rebuilding Dantes into the formidable empire it had oncebeen.
Severo Dante fought for the calm control that typified his business dealings as he regarded his brothers.
He found it more difficult than usual to maintain an impassive facade, perhaps because the next few business decisions would prove vital to their overall future.
Passion was the hallmark of the Dante name, of the Dante image.
But the head of the company couldn’t afford to allow emotion to overrule intellect.
Too much depended on his ability to handle all that went on behind the scenes.
Where others provided the creativity that turned the sparkle and glitter of gemstones into the world’s most coveted wedding rings, Sev utilized logic and business acumen to drag Dantes back from the brink of ruin and propel its return to the public acclaim it had once known.
At least, that had been the plan until he hit this latest roadblock.
Sev turned from the panoramic view of downtown San Francisco and faced his brothers. “Timeless Heirlooms was in the perfect position for acquisition. Dantes should already have it tucked beneath our corporate umbrella. What the hell happened?” he demanded.
The Dante twins, Marco and Lazzaro, shrugged as one. “New designer,” Marco explained.
“It’s revitalized their company,” Lazz added.
“Who is this designer? What’s his name? Where did he come from?
” To Sev’s frustration, no one answered.
“We need to find out. Now. Timeless Heirlooms belonged to Dantes until we were forced to sell it off after Dad died. Now that I’ve solidified our financial position, Iwant TH back. And I want it back now.”
Marco paced restlessly. “Maybe we should reconsider taking over Timeless. Since we’re global again, I’d rather go head-to-head with them and crush them where they stand.
We’ve been cautious long enough. Let’s get moving,” he persisted.
“Expand from our wedding ring market into the areas we once owned—not just heirloom and estate jewelry, but all jewelry needs. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces. Hell, tiaras, if there’s a demand for them. ”
Sev shook his head. “It’s too soon. We need a really spectacular collection to launch us, and we don’t have that collection, or anything close to one.
Nor do we have a suitable marketing campaign, even if one should fall into our laps.
By taking over TH we corner that particular market in one simple move.
Once solidified there, we’ll choose our next target.
Something bigger and more impressive.” He turned his attention to Lazz.
“What’s our best approach for finding this new designer? ”
“TH is having a spring showing—” Lazz checked his notes with typical thoroughness “—tomorrow night. The Fontaines will be featuring their latest designs, as well as the creative geniuses behind them. One of them has created quite a buzz. Once we have the designer’s name, we can order a background check. Find his or her vulnerability.”
A cunning gleam appeared in Marco’s eyes.
“Better yet, we can hire him out from under the Fontaines. He’d make a fine addition to Dantes.
Then when we’ve bought out Timeless Heirlooms, he can go right back to what he’s doing now—designing contemporary pieces with the look and feel of heirloom and estate jewelry.
” A hint of ruthlessness colored his words.
“Only he’ll do it for TH’s new owners. Us. ”
“That’s a distinct possibility.” Sev considered his options before reaching a decision.
“Here’s what I want. It might look suspicious if we all attend TH’s show.
Lazz, you handle the background check and give us something to go on.
Marco, you’re the people person. You and I will attend the showing. I’ll speak to the Fontaines directly.”
Marco smiled. “While I use my natural charm and sex appeal to get the latest gossip.”
Lazz groaned. “The worst part is... he’s right. I’ve never understood how we can look exactly alike and yet women who won’t give me the time of day are all over Marco.”
A knock sounded at the door, interrupting a discussion that had been ongoing since the twins had crawled out of their respective cradles.
Their youngest brother, Nicolò, walked in.
Long considered the family “trouble-shooter,” he took charge when creative answers were needed to sort out a family dilemma.
Nicolò often claimed that he didn’t believe in problems, only solutions.
“Primo sent me,” Nicolò said, referring to their grandfather. “He thought you might have a job forme.”
Sev nodded. “I want you working with Lazz. He’ll fill you in on the latest developments with Timeless Heirlooms. We may need some innovative suggestions in the near future. ”
Nicolò inclined his head, his expression reflecting both his interest and his fierce determination. “I’ll get right onit.”
Sev folded his arms across his chest. “When Dad died and we discovered that Dantes teetered on the verge of bankruptcy, we were faced with some unpleasant choices—”
“You were faced,” Lazz interrupted. “You were the one forced to make the tough decisions and sell off all the various subsidiaries of Dantes.”
“Selling off the secondary holdings saved the core business and allowed us time to recover and rebuild.” Sev eyed each brother in turn.
“It’s been a long road back, but now we’re in a position to reclaim what we once lost. Iwon’t allow anything to stand in the way of doing that.
We all agreed that the first business we return to the fold is the heirloom and estate jewelry.
That’s Timeless Heirlooms. If this new designer is all that stands between us and reacquiring TH, then we either find a way to take them over.
..” His expression fell into merciless lines. “Or take them out.”