Italian Escape with the CEO

But Ava persevered. ‘Dolci is in trouble, will stay in trouble until we can get certainty and public confidence. Getting mired in a lengthy legal wrangle won’t help.’

The words fell into Karen Casseveti’s chasm of resentment. ‘Just leave. Come back when you are ready to fix the mess you made. If you had been a better daughter, then your father would not have done this.’

Liam’s heart ached for her as he saw the pain in Ava’s eyes, the quickly concealed flinch.

‘Perhaps that is true,’ she said quietly. ‘But at least I was given a chance to try to be a good daughter. They weren’t given a chance to be anything, not even a peripheral part of his life.’ She moved forward, approached her mother. ‘I know how betrayed you feel, but this was Dad’s fault, not Luca’s or Jodi’s.’

For a moment Liam wondered if Ava had got through but Karen shook her head. ‘I cannot believe you would take their side over me. Please leave now.’

Ava hesitated and then nodded. ‘I’ll call you later.’

She headed towards the door and Liam followed, knew there was nothing he could say that would turn Karen. He had spent years trying to mitigate Terry Rourke’s bitterness to no avail, sensed that Karen’s hostility ran equally deep. But at least Terry Rourke hadn’t blamed his son, hadn’t directed his anger against Liam.

Sensing Ava didn’t want to talk, he remained silent as she started the car and began the journey back to London, broke silence only when they were on the outskirts, had stopped to recharge Ava’s electric VW. ‘Are you sure you still want to go out for dinner?’ He knew how much Karen Casseveti’s words must have hurt Ava, but saw her expression close down into neutrality, knew she wouldn’t talk about it.

‘I’m sure

. If we don’t turn up that’s the exact wrong message to send out. It won’t help you. Or me.’

After that she adroitly changed the subject, manufactured small talk for the remainder of their journey, until they pulled up in the vicinity of the exclusive restaurant.

* * *

Ava focused on the click of her heels on the pavement, the cold February air that permeated the wool of her navy-blue button-down coat. Tried to push down and freeze the negativity and doubts swirled up by her mother. Allowed herself an awareness of Liam’s strength and warmth, knew she needed to channel that to play the role of adoring and adored girlfriend, to cast the spell of an illusory love for the public eye to behold.

Because she was going to make this charade work, at least achieve something to help her embattled company. And so she entered the glitz and glamour of the star-studded restaurant with confidence in her walk and in her smile. Chose her food with care—there was no way Ava Casseveti would be snapped with spinach in her teeth, or a food stain on her dress.

When the drinks arrived she raised her sparkling water, aware that many of their fellow diners were watching. ‘Cheers,’ she said.

‘Cheers,’ he answered. ‘Thank you for seeing this through.’

‘No problem. My mother thought this charade a good idea and she knows what she is talking about. So this dinner is important.’

‘Just because she knows about spin doesn’t mean she knows everything. When someone is obsessed by bitterness their perspective is skewed. Looking back now, I know my father’s was. I think your mother’s is too. She didn’t mean what she said about it being your fault. About you being a better daughter.’

The echo of her mother’s words stung. ‘Unfortunately the only person who would know that is my dad so I’ll never know for sure. But as you said you’re dealt the cards you’re dealt in life.’

‘Yes. Now it’s up to you how to play the hand. Seems to me you’ve got a tricky one. Maybe I can help. Maybe talking about it will help.’

‘I don’t want to talk about my mother.’

‘I meant help with Dolci. In my ruthless businessman role.’

‘You want to help me rescue Dolci?’

‘Yes. You don’t deserve to be in this position. I wouldn’t have lifted a finger for your dad but I’d like to help you.’

‘I appreciate that.’ And she did. ‘But there is nothing you can do. I am caught between a rock and a hard place. My mother wants me to overturn the will, work to oust Luca and Jodi. Luca and Jodi are refusing to engage so I don’t even know what they want. My dad seemed to think we would all miraculously become a happy family.’

‘What about what you want?’

Ava paused, fork halfway to her mouth. ‘Me? I’d like... I’d like us all to sit down and talk. But I’d also like world peace—neither is very likely.’

That pulled a smile from him. ‘I admit it’s hard to see your mother shaking hands with the usurpers. Right now. So maybe that needs to be your long-term goal. You need to think about what you can control now. Focus on a short-term goal, an obstacle you can overcome.’

Ava sat for a moment, tasted the succulent flavour of the perfectly cooked lamb and thought about his words. ‘I’d like to show the world that I am capable, or at least more capable than they think I am. That my ideas could work.’

‘Then pick an idea and do it. Your way.’