Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 101247 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101247 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
“Yes, Boss.” Vance appears instantly, as if he’s been waiting for Valentino’s call.
“Who’s our guy in Fox Media. Get him on the phone.”
“Okay, Boss.”
I gasp, wondering what Valentino is up to now. Thomas talks about Fox Media with so much disdain. He considers Rupert Murdoch almost like the devil incarnate, and he once swore to me that he would never work for an organization like that. He hates organizations that use their platforms to champion corrupt causes while important ones like human rights and freedom of speech remain buried.
“James Volkner,” Vance says, and hands the phone to Valentino, who instantly puts it on speaker for my benefit.
“Mr. Barone,” James Volkner says cordially. “Good to hear from you. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?”
“I need you to do something for me real quick.”
“Sure, anything,” James says crisply. “I’d love to help.”
“There’s someone I want you to employ. His name is Thomas Dwight. He’s twenty-seven years old. Graduated top of his class in English literature.”
I’m not even shocked that Valentino knows all these details about Thomas. Like he said, he’s the Boss. Nothing gets past him.
“Okay? Can he send in a resume?”
“No.” Valentino shakes his head. “I’m only doing this to prove a point.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ll send you his details shortly. I want you to reach out to him and offer him a spot in your organization. Just a junior position. Nothing too dazzling. But on one condition. That he can no longer champion human rights or freedom of speech, can you do that for me? Right now?”
“I’ll do anything within my power for you, and this is within my power. Forward his details to me, and I’ll call you back with a report in a few minutes.”
“Thank you, James.” He hangs up the call and hands the phone over to Vance. “Send James everything he needs.”
“Yes, Boss.”
Valentino turns to me. “Thomas will never agree to it,” I sneer. “I know him. He’s championed these causes all his life. He’s not going to give them up for a stupid junior job at Murdoch’s organization.”
“He’s been posturing,” Valentino argues. “Pretending to be what he’s not. But maybe that’s the kind of man you like. I’ve shown you all of me, but you frown down upon it and throw this bastard in my face every fucking chance you get. I’m the bad one, but I’ve never rubbed another woman in your face.”
“Doing it behind my back doesn’t make it any better.”
“I will not defend my honor to you, Francesca. I’ve done that many more times than I’m proud of. If this is what you believe, then so be it.”
He turns away at the same time the phone rings.
“It’s James, Boss.”
“Take the call and put it on speaker.”
Vance obeys.
“Mr. Barone.”
“James. What have you got?”
“It’s done. He will start at the office on Monday.”
“He took the job and agreed to stop championing his human rights causes?”
“Without hesitation.”
“Fire him.”
“Already?” James says, shocked.
“Immediately.”
It looks like James has a lot of questions, but he only says, “Okay, Mr. Barone. As you wish.”
“Thank you, James.”
“You’re welcome.”
When the call ends, Valentino hands the phone back to Vance. When he’s gone and the door is closed, he turns back to me.
“That’s your hero, Francesca. The man you love. That’s him. A big fat fake. An empty shell.”
I try not to let the shock show on my face, but my system is reeling from it. I can’t believe Thomas did that. Wow. And yet, I heard it myself.
“Let today be the last time you throw that worthless maggot in my face.” Valentino’s voice is cold and unforgiving. “If you want to compare me to someone, at least let it be someone worthy enough to clean my shoes.”
With that, he walks out of the room.
Chapter Forty
VALENTINO
By the time I walk into the living room, the fury in my body is hot enough to start a war. I’m ready to annihilate everything and everyone in my path. I swipe my arm over the side table, and some glass figurines go flying. They crash and shatter on the ground.
Vance, Dutch, and Roberto stand to their feet, watching me carefully. Vance looks like he’d rather walk over hot coals than be here right now.
“Is something wrong with Francesca?” Roberto ventures.
“Yes, something is very wrong. My own fucking family has betrayed me again,” I answer, turning to them. “They wanted to hurt me and they went through Francesca.” I turn to look at Roberto to gauge his reaction. “They made a video of me. Remember when I agreed to that stupid lap dance? The one with Rosalia.”
Roberto looks shocked. “What? Fuck. Who did that?”
“Federico did it.”
They all go silent. I advance on Vance. My fury knows no bounds.
“Why did you let Federico into my house when I was not home?” I ask. “You let him sit with my wife at my fucking table when you know he’s the last person I trust.”