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standing in the music room with Judith Carmichael s obnoxious voice and ugly words in her ears.
Mass swept into the foyer when Galen opened the door. He d called when he left Big Boy s to let
him know he was paying him a visit. He stood near the door and swept his gaze around. The villa was
just the way he d left it when he d given it up for Shaina taupe leather sofas and chairs, marble
tables, Persian rugs, crystal chandeliers, and expensive paintings on the walls.
 It s good to see you, Massimo, Galen said, holding out his hand for a shake.
Ignoring it, Mass took in the black and blue areas around his eyes and the scab on his lower lip. At
least Galen was healing, physically, while the scars on the wounds of Mass heart had just been
ripped wide open. Mass wanted to crack Galen s lip open again and watch him bleed.
Mass, you can t blame Galen if it was his mother who d called your mother. Promise me you
won t take your anger out on him. Shaina s warning rang in his ears. And his devious wife had made
him promise while they d made love to Beyonce s  Drunk in Love last night, and then this morning
in the shower to Case s  Shook Up. Both times her voluptuous body had bounced and undulated on
his shaft like he d never seen it done before. It was mind-blowing. He was still shook up. For her
sake and in anticipation of being shaken up again soon, Massimo kept the promise he d made to his
wife and unclenched his fists.
 Would you care for some coffee? Galen s voice broke into his reverie.  I just made a fresh pot.
 In your text, five days ago, you said you wanted to talk. What do you want to talk about?
Galen ran his fingers through his dark curly hair and leaned against one of the columns that
separated the small foyer from the open concept spaces of the kitchen, dining and living rooms.  I just
want to say I m sorry, in person. I m sorry, Mass.
Massimo looked him up and down. He was a handsome young man, which was no surprise since
he was an Andretti. He had their father s chin the same chin Mass had inherited.  What are you
sorry about?
 For saying those things about your mother. I shouldn t have. I didn t know that room was special
to you and I didn t realize that it was the anniversary of her death, and that Jabari had just died. If I d
known, I would have been more sensitive.
Meaning, you would have waited to ask for half of Andretti Industries. Caught me when I was in
a better mood, and much more receptive.  You don t know a lot of things, Galen. You also insulted
my wife by telling her that I forced her into marriage for money, the money you would have gotten if
she hadn t married me. So I ll ask you again. What do you want? Massimo just wanted to hear him
say it out loud, so he, Galen, could hear how absurd it was.
Galen crossed his arms and looked Massimo straight in the face.  I deserve half of Andretti
Industries. I m Luciano s son, too. I was neglected and denied my birthright through no fault of my
own. I deserve half of his estate, and I deserve a seat on the board.
Massimo laughed so hard, he had to brace his hand against the wall to keep from falling to the
floor.
 So this is a joke to you? Galen demanded in a vociferous voice.  You think it s funny?
Mass sobered up and cleared the frog from his throat.  I m not giving you half of A.I., Galen, nor
will you ever sit on the board. Andretti Industries belongs to me as the rightful legitimate heir of the
Andretti bloodline. It s the heritage of my children, and their children, for generations to come. My
kids won t be fighting yours for power, decades from now. I won t leave them such an unstable
legacy. And just in case Andretti Industries went under for some unfortunate reason, there was La
Banca di Bianchi, the second largest bank in Europe. In a few years, it would be the largest.
Massimo couldn t wait to groom Aria and her future siblings to take over the two empires he was
safeguarding for them.
 You expect me to just walk away empty-handed like I came? Galen asked.
 You can go out and start your own company. Carve out your own place in the world. I started La
Banca di Bianchi all on my own.
 You had Andretti money for a startup.
 Wrong. I borrowed every penny of that startup, and paid it back with interest. You can do the [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]