Part One
Prologue
Marcus
The team of lawyersfacing Marcus Ravelli did their best not to quake at the sight of his fury, all of them valiantly reminding themselves that they were full-fledged adults and considered the most accomplished in their industry.
But none of it did any good. The moment the high-powered CEO’s cold gaze settled on them, everyone jerked to attention.
Although Marcus Ravelli was relatively younger than most tycoons at twenty-six, his age was made inconsequential by the ease in which he wielded his power, accorded to him by the billion-dollar fortune that he had skillfully managed ever since graduating from college.
“Well then...”
The lawyers started perspiring upon hearing the strong accent that underlined their client’s words. It was a well-known fact that Marcus Ravelli had been educated in Europe’s best international schools from since he was a child. His command of English as well as other major languages in the continent was superb, and the only time his Italian accent became a little more pronounced than usual—-
“Are you telling me that none of you can do anything to circumvent this?”
—-was when his displeasure was of an unfortunate magnitude.
“Anything at all?”
The words, grated out in an undertone laced with fury, had everyone flinching.
When no one spoke, Marcus Ravelli bit out, “Somebody say something or you’re all fired.”
Everyone started talking, excuses and apologies pouring forth as the two teams of lawyers – one based in Italy, the other based in America – rushed to defend their inability to provide worthwhile solutions.
The contract was airtight,said the Italian team. Because Marcus Ravelli’s late grandmother fully owned rights to the business, and her grandson wasnotbeing forced to abide by the conditions set in her will, there was no way to nullify it.
Challenging its validity in court could be costly and take years,said the American team. Even worse, management of businesses subject to court disposition might temporarily revert to the government.
“It’s possible,” said one of the American lawyers with a gulp, “that you might lose control of the business—-”
“Enough.”
The other man quickly shut up.