Page 146 of Empire of Seduction

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Maggie

So many meetings.I was used to being outside, working with my hands, but since the fire I’d been stuck inside, researching and making lists. Rebuilding the winery wouldn’t be easy. Or cheap.

“Is there a way to generate more revenue that has nothing to do with wine?” Bruce asked, as we all winced at the cost of the projected renovations. “Like with the cottage. A way to bring in money while the replanted vineyard is maturing over the next five years.”

“I have an idea,” Carlo said. “But you might not like it.”

“I’m open to anything,” I said. “Let’s hear it.”

“Some wineries distill liquors in addition to wine. Gin, rum, and vodka don’t need to age.”

I was nodding before he even stopped speaking. “That’s a great idea. We could bottle it quickly, then invite people in to taste it, like influencers and writers. Maybe create a speakeasy vibe in here.” I glanced around the tasting room.

Mikey perked up. “Or what if we turned part of the cellar into an actual speakeasy? It’s private and intimate. Speakeasies are really popular in London and New York right now.”

For the first time in a week, excitement bubbled up inside me, replacing the grief. It was a relief to feel it, actually. “That one cavern, the one with the couch, would work. There’s even a bar there.”

Mikey lifted his hand to high-five me, so I slapped his palm. “That’s teamwork right there,” my brother said.

“Okay, what else?” I asked the group.

Bruce folded his arms. “What if we sold some of the archive bottles as exclusives? Collectors might want them.”

I sighed unhappily. Some of those wines had been here since my grandfather first bottled them. I’d hate to sell them. But what choice did we have? “Put some feelers out. See if there’s interest. I’m not opposed to it.”

“I know people,” Carlo said. “I can ask around. And I’ll see what I can do about getting your new plants cheaply. I have favors I can call in.”

Technically, he worked for Vito, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t grateful. “Thank you, Carlo. We appreciate that.”

A noise near the entry caught my attention. Heels on floorboards. Glancing over my shoulder, I caught Paloma D’Agostino striding into the tasting room like a model attacking the runway. Everything inside me tensed, locked up, like my muscles were walling me off to protect me.

Why was Vito’s sister here?

Then a scary-looking man walked in behind her, a serious frown stretched across his face. They bore a striking similarity to one another and instantly I knew.

This was Enzo. The older brother.

Shit.

No one moved. We all watched as the two strode confidently toward us. Paloma’s slick ponytail bounced, her lip stain firmly in place. She wore a jacket over a corset-ish top and tight black pants, looking like she just stepped out of the Sophisticated & Bitchy Store. Enzo D’Agostino also dressed well, was in good shape. I guessed he was in his early forties. The frown on his face made him look seriously intimidating.

“Ciao, ragazzi!” Paloma said to the room. The men around the table stood, but I remained seated. Cheeks were kissed and Enzo was introduced. Finally, Paloma addressed me. “Maggie, come stai?”

“Why are you two here?” I blurted. “Is the boss anxious for a report already? Not sure why he needed to send you in person, though, when email works just fine.”

Enzo chuckled. To his sister, he said in English, “She is exactly as you described.” To me, he said, “I like you already.”

“Oh, I’m so glad,” I drawled sarcastically. “Are you here to see Massimo? He’s in the kitchen.”

Paloma reached into her glossy luxury handbag and tossed a manilla envelope onto the table. I didn’t move to touch it. “What’s this?” I asked.

“Read it, per favore,” Paloma said. “Then we will talk.”

Carlo and Bruce left to give us privacy, so Paloma and Enzo took the vacant seats. Mikey started to rise, but I pinned him with a dark stare. “Don’t you dare.” I murmured as I reached for the envelope. There were papers inside. I caught a flash of legalese. Swallowing thickly, I asked, “Is he suing us?”

Paloma reached for the water on the table and poured herself a glass. “Don’t be ridiculous. Read it.”

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