Just as he would be, after he got back control of Zacco. His family’s company was his destiny. His future legacy.
What his father had lost, Stefano would win.
But he wanted Tess at his side—smiling, adoring Tess, so caring and kind. To keep her as his wife, he was willing to do almost anything.
But it hadn’t been enough. His name, his home, his jet, his fortune, and even his fashion house—all not enough for her. She continued to demand the one thi
ng he could not, would not give her.
What I want is for you to be brave enough to admit you love me, too.
Cold fury built inside him.
“You think I’m not brave enough?” he said, narrowing his eyes. “You’re calling me a coward?”
A lesser woman would have quailed, retreated.
Tess lifted her chin. “Yes.”
He sucked in his breath, staring at her.
Tess was no longer the naive girl he’d married, he realized, the one with rose-colored glasses and pink-hued dreams. Her lips, formerly always so ready to smile, were now pressed together in a thin trembling line. Her green eyes, which had once danced with optimism and hope, were flat, as if all the dreams had been pulled out of them.
Because of him?
He wanted the old Tess back. He wanted them to be who they’d been. He wanted to mess up her hair, to see her smile, to see her face light up with joy as he lowered his head to kiss her. His jaw tightened.
“I can’t give you what you want,” he said in a low voice. “Why can’t you understand that?”
“Why can’t you change?”
Funny, he thought dimly. She’d been hoping all this time he’d change. He’d been hoping she wouldn’t.
He said evenly, “Acquiring Zacco has to be my focus right now. Fenella Montfort is refusing to negotiate or even receive offers from my lawyers. It’s going to take all my time and energy to convince her to even see me. I am trying to make you happy in my absence. Trying to—”
“I know what you’re trying to do.” Her eyes pierced his soul. “Buy me off. But I won’t be part of it.”
His dark eyebrows lowered fiercely. He growled, “Tess, damn you—”
“No.”
Looking at her wan face, Stefano felt his heart twist. He suddenly wanted—
No. He fought the feeling, focusing on his anger.
“So what do you want me to do, Tess? Just stay here with you? Let Fenella Montfort keep Zacco? Surrender my family’s name forever? Our legacy?”
“No,” she said quietly. “What I want is for you to start a new legacy.” She looked down at her hands. She was twisting her enormous diamond ring around her finger. “That company is not the only thing that bears your name.”
She was talking about Esme, he realized. She and Tess also bore the Zacco name now.
Anger built higher. She was attacking him, and he had to defend himself. “I married you, isn’t that enough? I’ve been a good father. I’ve given you both everything I can. Even you—I’m offering you a position that any other young designer would kill for!”
“I know,” she said softly. “And I’m grateful.”
That was more like it. He leaned forward. “Then—”
“But I don’t want to be your employee. Only your wife.” She blinked back tears. “I wanted so badly for you to love me, Stefano. I would have given everything—my heart, my soul—to make it come true.” Reaching up, Tess unclasped the million-euro diamond necklace. “But I don’t want this.”