Chapter 57 - The Zurich Contingency
We had barely returned to Villa Rossi when Giancarlo burst into the library, holding an encrypted satellite tablet that was flashing crimson with emergency alerts.
"Signora Francesca, Count Julian—it has started," Giancarlo announced, his voice grim. "Ten minutes ago, a coordinated legal injunction was filed simultaneously in Milan, London, and New York."
Julian instantly took the tablet, his brow furrowing as he scrolled through the barrage of incoming data. "Nicole’s family legal team, backed by Matthew Ross’s offshore trustees, has filed an emergency motion to freeze every asset associated with Rossi Enterprises and the Bellagio holdings."
"On what grounds?" I demanded, rising from the sofa, the fire in my blood replacing the exhaustion of the morning.
"Fraud and corporate malfeasance," Julian answered, his eyes blazing with fury. "They are alleging that your divorce settlement with Jason was secured through unlawful coercion and that your claims to the Rossi heritage in Florence are fraudulent. They have petitioned the European Commercial Tribunal to appoint a court-mandated receiver to seize control of your fashion houses and your distribution networks by tomorrow morning."
"They're trying to starve us out," Arthur said, standing beside the window, his gaze scanning the gathering storm clouds over the lake. "They know Jason is breaking in San Vittore. They know that if Interpol validates the evidence in the Hague dossier, the entire Ross-Vance cartel will be dissolved under international anti-racketeering laws. This injunction is their final gamble: bankrupt Francesca before she can officially claim her seat on the international board."
"Then we will not let them wait until tomorrow," I said, my voice hardening like tempered steel. "Giancarlo, prepare the private helicopter for Milan. We are calling an extraordinary emergency session of the Rossi Board of Directors tonight."
"Francesca," Julian cautioned, stepping close to me, his hands resting on my shoulders, his eyes searching mine. "They are desperate. Matthew Ross is cornered, and Nicole has nothing left to lose. They will have armed private security at the financial center. This is no longer just a legal dispute; it is an ambush."
"Let them bring their army," I said, looking straight into the eyes of the man who had stood by me through the darkest nights of my life. "Eleven years ago, I walked away from a courtroom with my head bowed, clutching a cardboard box of my belongings while Jason Vance and Nicole laughed at my ruins. I swore on my mother's grave that I would never bow my head to them again."
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Julian stared at me for a heartbeat, and then a fierce, proud smile spread across his aristocratic face.
"Then let us go to Milan, my lady," Julian whispered, leaning down to press a fierce, passionate kiss against my forehead. "And let us burn their empire to the ground."
