Gio sighed. “Don’t think about it. I will investigate it, Millie. If I can prove it, I will have your father locked up.”
I swallowed hard. “You’d really put Papa in jail?”
“Why? Do you have something else in mind?” He raised an eyebrow.
I shook my head. I knew Gio’s ways when it came to dealing with people he didn’t like, and as much as I despised my father right now, if what I suspected were true, I didn’t want Gio to kill or harm him. Maybe locking him up would be enough.
We fell silent for a moment. I wasn’t sure if I could sleep, so I allowed myself to just gaze at Gio.
“Millie, about having a baby…”
I hadn’t expected him to bring this up. I’d heard his reasons before, and I knew he was also worried about what might happen. As the mafia boss, he carried immense responsibilities. Having a child was his last option. I also understood that whatever had happened to him in the past had affected his desire to start a family.
“As of now, I don’t think I am ready. I still think… I can’t have them right now.” I wasn’t hurt by that because, as I’d said, I understood Gio’s reasons. “But I’m considering it. Maybe not for now, so bear with me.”
I smiled at Gio and nodded. I gently caressed his cheek before leaning in to give him a brief kiss.
“I understand, Gio.”
Baby steps, Millie. Soon, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Gio. Take it slowly. You’ll get there.
I fell asleep a few moments after my conversation with Gio. The following week, I was surprised to be called to our company. Gio said he wanted me there. He had something to tell me.
“Sir, Ma’am Millie is here,” Heidi, Gio’s secretary, announced.
She ushered me inside. I smiled at her before heading into Gio’s office. I found him talking to someone I believed was named Valerio. He smiled when he saw me. I walked over to him and planted a kiss on his cheek. I didn’t move away from his side as he placed his arm around me.
Gio put his phone down after, I assumed, talking to his cousin and turned to me.
“What’s going on? Why did you need me here?”
Before I could finish my question, the office door suddenly burst open, revealing my father, his face contorted with anger.
“Father?” I called out in disbelief.
“Mr. Pearce, you’re not allowed in here.”
Heidi tried to stop my father, but when Gio signaled her to let him pass, she allowed my father to enter. He dismissed Heidi, and she left the room, closing the door behind her.
“What the hell is this, Gio!” My father placed a document on Gio’s desk. “It appeared to be a memo sent to me earlier, stating that I was no longer the Chairman of my own company. It claimed that the decision came from Gio’s office!”
My eyes widened at my father’s words. I turned to Gio, seeking confirmation.
“That is correct,” Gio replied without hesitation. “I own 50 percent of the company’s stocks, which makes me the new Chairman of the Board. We discussed this with other shareholders, and they agreed with the decision.”
“How can this happen without me knowing it?!” My father was seething, and his neck turned red as his veins visibly pulsated.
“You forgot about it, Pa?” Gio remarked sarcastically.
Gio retrieved a document from his drawer and tossed it on the table. My father picked it up and read it carefully.
“You just signed this document, stating that you’re selling 30 percent of your shares and transferring the chairmanship to me. You still retain 10 percent as a board member.”
My father’s hand trembled as he held the document Gio had given him.
“This is… How did you make me sign this without my knowledge?” My father’s anger was evident on his face.
“You signed it yourself, Pa…”
My father’s eyes widened as he seemingly recollected something.
“You tricked me, Gio! You had me sign something the other day. Is this it? Why did you do this to me? I’m your father-in-law! I trusted you!” My father yelled.
“It’s not my fault you didn’t bother to read the documents before signing them. And yes, you are my father-in-law, which is why I retained 10 percent of the shares for you.” Gio stood up, placing both hands on the table and leaning towards my father. “As the new Chairman of the Board, I’ve already discussed with the other board members, and we’re appointing a new CEO for the company.”
My father shook with rage, and it was clear in his demeanor how he felt about Gio.
Gio glanced at me, and instead of the chilling expression he wore while facing my father, he smiled.
“I am appointing my wife, Millie Locatelli, as the new CEO of Pearce Rotomolding, which is rightfully hers.”
My eyes widened at his words, and my lips fell open in astonishment. What had he just said?!
“You can’t do that, Gio! You have no right! You played me dirty.”
“Aren’t you playing dirty as well, Pa? You twist things to your advantage, just like what you did to Millie. You hurt her when it’s just the two of you, but when you’re in front of others, you act as if you’re a saint. I’m just letting you taste your own medicine.” Gio scrutinized my father again. My father choked on his breath as Gio fixed his gaze on him. “This is why you shouldn’t trust people too much; they’ll stab you in the back. And, as I told you, I can be devious. Those who hurt my wife will either fall or die.”
My father slammed Gio’s table and ripped the document in anger before speaking again.
“You f*****g demon!” my father yelled at Gio.
Gio smirked, a smirk you’d rather not witness. It was the kind of grin that, when seen in this manner, signaled impending doom.
“No one ever claimed I’m an angel, and I certainly don’t feel like being one.”
The door swung open, and the police entered. They swiftly approached my father, presenting a warrant.
“Enrique Pearce, You are under arrest for the murder of Astrid Pearce.” the men in uniform handcuffed my father. “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you.”