The Godfather’s Forsaken Rose Chapter 22
Adrian appeared on the split screen beside me. He wore casual clothes, but there was still an effortless nobility and wildness about him that came from generations of power.
He looked directly at the brand CEO, his tone turning serious.
“Charlie, Bella’s image, professionalism, and market appeal are obvious to everyone. The Castellano Foundation has always been one of your brand’s most important arts patrons, and I personally admire your philosophy. Choosing Isabella Moretti as global ambassador is the right decision.”
He paused and looked sharply toward Dominic’s side of the screen.
“As for irrelevant interference from outside parties, business has its own rules. Don’t drag private grudges and under-the-table tactics into a professional decision. It’s ugly.”
“Bella has reached this point through her own talent and hard work. She doesn’t need anyone to give her a chance, and she certainly doesn’t need to accept threats dressed up as conditions.”
Adrian’s words landed like a slap across Dominic’s face.
They also woke the brand executives up.
The Castellano family’s foundation and influence in Europe were not something the Morello family could match overnight.
Then I spoke.
In fluent French, I calmly explained my understanding of the brand’s century-long history, its craftsmanship, aesthetics, and core spirit. I connected those ideas to my own career and proposed a detailed, constructive plan for the ambassador campaign.
My presentation was professional, confident, and compelling.
It showed exactly what an international star should bring to the table.
It also made Dominic’s interference look petty and selfish by comparison.
The executives exchanged appreciative glances. Their previous hesitation disappeared.
By the end of the meeting, the CEO made the decision on the spot.
My global ambassador contract was officially signed.
Dominic’s screen went dark first after the brand’s polite but distant farewell.
He sat alone in the empty family office, the busy tone ringing in his ear. His face was livid. His fists clenched so hard the veins stood out along the backs of his hands.
His carefully planned blockade had failed completely.
Worse, it had become a stage that proved my ability and Adrian’s strength.
That night, on the top floor of one of New York’s most exclusive private clubs, Dominic shut everyone out.
The crystal ashtray before him was filled with cigarette butts.
He growled at his trusted lieutenant like a trapped animal, his voice full of frustration and incomprehensible obsession.
“Why? Why won’t she even give me a chance to make it up to her?”
“What can Adrian Castellano give her that I can’t? Money? Resources? Status? I can give her more. Ten times more. A hundred times more.”
“What does she want?”
The lieutenant looked at his nearly unhinged boss and hesitated for a long time before speaking carefully.
“Mr. Morello… perhaps Miss Moretti never wanted those things.”
Dominic froze, as if struck.
Not those things.
Then what did she want?
For the first time, he truly forced himself to think about a question he had never bothered to understand.
Was it trust without reservation?
A firm choice, made again and again?
The willingness to put her first?
Was it love?
The realization split through his confusion like lightning, only to bring deeper fear.
Just as Dominic sank into that painful whirlpool of obsession and reflection, sudden news exploded through his world.
Breaking news: continuous heavy rain in the southern Alps of France had triggered flash floods and mudslides. Communications in several towns had been cut off. Roads were destroyed. The situation was critical.
The urgent report from his deputy made Dominic’s heart stop.
Isabella was in that region.
She had gone there for a charity shoot with the International Children’s Fund, near one of the worst-hit towns.
Communications across the area were down.
No one knew whether she was alive.