Italian Escape with the CEO

‘I have, my love. And every year I feel more thankful.’

There was obvious affection in the banter and Ava instantly suppressed a pang of what she really hoped wasn’t envy. Reminded herself that this was a moment in their married life that might not even be real. Perhaps they stayed together because a divorce would be too expensive.

Reminding herself of her role, she smiled but judged it best not to overdo it. Ray Beaumont was a shrewd businessman. His small grey eyes looked twinkly enough but she sensed the assessment and matched it with a friendly but non-gushy smile of her own.

Once the couple had walked off she murmured to Liam, ‘Do you want to go speak with him?’

‘Nope. This is about fundraising for a good cause and allowing our guests to network, not about trying to secure a contract. In truth, when I think about the victims we are raising money for my business concerns seem petty.’

The words hit home as she acknowledged the simple truth of them and knowing that made the arrival of Leonardo Brunetti easy to deal with. Because this event wasn’t about business—it was about fundraising. That was all that mattered here. There would be time enough for deals in the future. And so she greeted Leonardo and his wife the same way she had greeted everyone else and soon after that she and Liam joined the swirling throng of people.

Ava talked, smiled, chatted, mingled and all the while she was aware of Liam’s presence, the calm way he dealt with any problems, the quiet behind-the-scenes preparations for the auction. All done without drama or fuss.

They had agreed to auction off the items together, taking it in turns, and Ava stepped up to the podium first, faltered as she suddenly spotted her mother at a table, realised Karen Casseveti must have slipped in late. Liam followed her gaze and stepped closer to her. ‘Don’t let her spook you. This is your sh

ow. Not hers.’

Liam was right. It was time to show her mum that Ava too could put on a show, organise an event for a good cause other than the Casseveti brand. If her mother did decide to bring down the edifice then this would be Ava’s grand finale.

She brought the gavel down.

‘Guests. Liam and I would like to thank you for attending and soon we hope to be thanking you for digging deep and paying for these amazing items so generously donated to raise money for what I hope you agree is a worthy cause. I’m up first and I’ll be auctioning off a dress donated by my good friend and fellow model Anna Lise. Next up will be the camera used to photograph Hollywood icons donated by my wonderful friend and a fashion photographer herself, Emily Khatri. Unfortunately Emily can’t be here tonight but she says, “Bid high!”’

The bidding began with lots of good-natured banter and generosity and by the end of it Ava’s face wanted to crack from smiling so much, especially when she spotted Leonardo Brunetti win Luca’s donation—and a bit of her wondered if her brother had picked something that he knew Leonardo would like.

When the final bid was made guests began to circulate again and the band struck up. On automatic Ava looked round for Liam, wanted to share her happiness, maybe have a glass of champagne and toast their success. Her eyes scanned the room and then she froze as she saw Karen Casseveti heading straight for Liam. For a mad moment she wanted to throw herself between them. Forced herself to turn away to talk to a guest. It was perfectly natural for them to speak with each other.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

LIAM GLANCED AROUND the crowded room and a deep satisfaction rolled over him—the event was an undeniable hit and they’d raised a hefty sum for their cause. And he had stood by his decision not to discuss business with Ray Beaumont or any other of his clients. All he’d learnt about the charity had given him undoubted perspective. Honesty compelled him to admit that he still wanted to win the Beaumont contract, still wanted to mash AJ into the dirt, but if he failed he’d handle defeat a little better than he would have before.

‘You look thoughtful.’

He turned as Karen Casseveti approached. Today she looked amazing, all ravages of grief hidden, though her dress was a deep sombre black that conveyed a sense of mourning combined with style.

‘What a success. You must be proud of yourself.’

‘I am. Though most of the credit goes to Ava—your daughter is an exceptional fund raiser.’

‘Yes.’ Karen’s smile held a touch of resignation. ‘She had a good teacher. Me. But that isn’t what I would like to discuss with you.’

Caution warned him to tread with care. ‘Go ahead.’

‘I want to propose an alliance between us. I want your help. I want Ava to have what she deserves and that is Dolci. The company is her birthright and she should be the one at the helm. Not the Petrovellis.’

‘That isn’t what James believed. Or what Ava wants.’

‘Tcha. James was a fool when it came to sentiment. I am not and I won’t stand by and see Dolci destroyed and my daughter cheated. I want that will overturned. Even if I have to do it myself, then give Ava her rightful birthright.’

‘I understand how you feel but it is not up to me. Or you.’

‘But you could persuade Ava to see my point of view. My daughter loves you—you could influence her, guide her to do the right thing. It would benefit you both.’

Liam forced his expression to remain neutral even as panic blazed along his synapses and his brain scrambled. ‘I think you’re forgetting the truth about Ava and me.’ He kept his voice low and the words as open to interpretation as possible.

‘I am forgetting nothing. I know how this started but, whilst I may not be the world’s best mother, I know my daughter. More than that, I recognise love. Ava loves you for real. I can see it in how she looks at you, the way her eyes follow you across the room.’

Liam stared at her, unable to say a word, his entire body frozen as he struggled to command logic to come to his aid. Ava did not love him. She was faking it. Fake it till you make it. Oh, God, was that what they had done.