Daring to Trust the Boss

“For a year.” Constanzo laughed. “Even you have to admit if we can’t come to terms in a year, then there is no deal. But we will negotiate fairly because I want to retire next year. You will find me amicable.”

Fighting a feeling that this was too good to be true, or that there had to be a big, ugly catch, Tucker asked, “What do you want me to get for you?”

“You and three others expressed interest in my company.”

Tucker had figured as much, so he inclined his head.

“I checked all of your financials, then hired a private investigator.”

Not surprised by the review of his financials, but a bit put off by the P.I., Tucker said, “To see who could come up with the financing?”

“No. To see who can bring my son home to me.”

Tucker narrowed his eyes. This wasn’t a catch. It was a trick. “You don’t have a son. You never married. You have no children.”

Constanzo laughed. “I see you did your homework too.”

“We’re both smart businessmen. There’s no sense pretending we aren’t.”

Constanzo slapped Tucker’s knee. “That’s why I like you. You’re on top of things.”

“Yet somehow or another I missed the fact that you have a child. Either that, or you’re trying to trick me.”

“No trick. No one knows I have a child. Thirty years ago on a very busy, very hectic day, a girlfriend approached me saying she was pregnant. Believing she only wanted money, I had her removed from my office. She never tried to contact me again.”

Tucker sat forward. “And now suddenly you believe this woman’s claim, and you want me to find this child you’re not even sure exits?”

“Oh, he exists.” He glanced over at Olivia. “I’ve found him. I only need you to bring him home to me.”

“Constanzo, I—”

“—Don’t usually get involved in personal family problems to do a business deal?” He laughed. “Is that why you took Maria to lunch on Monday and promised to do something about her annoying cousin?”

“That was part of prying for information.”

“That was her undercutting her cousins.”

Tucker couldn’t argue that so he didn’t even try.

“Antonio’s mother—the girlfriend I spoke of—died when Antonio was a baby.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out an envelope and handed it to Tucker. “He’s in Italy now, but he grew up in foster care in the U.S.”

Tucker’s nerve endings puffed out. Foster care. The son of one of the richest men in the world had been raised by strangers. Had gone to sleep lonely. And probably grew up resenting the dad who’d abandoned him.

Which was why Constanzo wanted Tucker to be the one to talk to him. Without even knowing Constanzo’s son, he understood him.

“Your investigation went a lot further than I would have expected.”

“Yes, and you should be glad because until I went back as far as I did, other candidates to buy my company looked more promising.”

Tucker said nothing.

Constanzo sighed. “You’re the only one of the candidates who will know how to tell my son he has a father.”

“You’re saying he doesn’t know who you are?”

“No. He does not.”

“And you don’t want me to just drop in and say, hey, it’s your lucky day, your biological father is a billionaire.”

He rose. “I don’t care what you say. I leave that entirely to your discretion. With the stakes as high as they are I’m sure you won’t make a mistake.” He turned to Olivia. “Vivi, a pleasure to meet you. I think you will enjoy Italy.”

About to rise, Tucker stopped. “You want me to bring Miss Prentiss to Italy?”

He glanced at Tucker. “Why not?”

“Because she’s temporary, only standing in for Betsy, and she doesn’t know anything.”

“This trip has nothing to do with what she knows. You’re buying my company. Even you don’t know the things I’ll share if you win the chance to buy my enterprise.”

“Even so, she should stay here so that she has access to things I’ll need.”

“We have the internet in Italy, Tucker.” He laughed. “Besides, I now owe her for her hospitality. I pay her back at my home.” He grinned at Olivia. “My cook prepares a lasagna that will make you weep.”

She laughed.

He faced Tucker again. “I’m hoping to see you at my villa in the next day or two. Particulars are in the envelope. Good luck.”

He left the room and though Vivi popped out of her seat, Tucker watched the realization come to her face that it was too late. Constanzo had already reached the elevator. He pressed the button and the door swished open. There was no point in racing out to escort him.

As the elevator door closed behind Constanzo, Tucker ran his hands down his face. Suddenly the Echo deal falling apart meant nothing. He had an opportunity to get Constanzo Bartulocci’s entire enterprise. But, to get the chance for exclusive negotiations, he had to integrate Constanzo’s son into his life. And he had to take Olivia Prentiss with him. Had to. A wealthy man like Constanzo Bartulocci didn’t do anything without reason. He might be trying to make it look casual that he’d invited Olivia along, but after a few seconds to let it all sink in, Tucker knew better. There was a reason.

“I’m not exactly sure why Constanzo wants you on this job, but from the fact that he so clearly handpicked me, I’m guessing there’s a reason he’s insisting I take you.” He motioned her back to her chair. “Sit down. Let’s see what’s going on here.” He ripped open the envelope.