Chapter 4They Called Me a Freeloader in My Own Empire

The annual wine dinner took place in early April.

By then, Sofia had served notice revoking my personal authorizations and was reviewing the estate lease. Camilla hadn't called. Finance still hadn't produced the statements.

The invitation, however, arrived on time.

Dinner was at the first winery. Rain had darkened the terrace, and the vines beyond it shone green in the evening light. The guests included winery managers, longtime clients of the Bellini family, and representatives from other families.

Usually, my aunt or I offered the first toast.

After my father's death, she had stood beside me and introduced me as his heir. When Camilla took over operations years later, my aunt had introduced her as the woman entrusted to manage the wineries.

This year's program listed only Camilla and Luca.

My table stood near the terrace. Aunt Elena waved from the front, but before we could speak, the host called Camilla to the stage.

She wore a dark evening gown. Luca stood beside her while photographs of the eleven wineries moved across the screen behind them.

“Thank you for your continued support,” Camilla said, raising her glass. “Luca and I will be leading our new partnerships together. Please speak directly to us about supply arrangements and expansion.”

The sales director was first to stand and toast her. Several buyers followed.

My aunt applauded. She didn't look at the program or ask why I wasn't beside them.

I set the card down.

After the speech, guests gathered around the stage. I was walking toward the terrace to call Sofia when Camilla stopped me.

“Vera. A moment. We need to tell you something.”

Luca took a white envelope from his briefcase. Several managers paused nearby.

“You missed last week's shareholders' meeting. The board has decided to suspend your dividends and retain the funds in the business.”

“I wasn't notified of a meeting.”

“Administration handles notices. Ask them. But we've made provision for your expenses.”

When I didn't take the envelope, he laid it on a tall table and pushed it toward me.

“That's your monthly allowance from now on, Vera. Learn to budget. You can't keep depending on Camilla.”

The flap was open. I could see the cash.

“Three thousand dollars. Administration will arrange monthly payments. The apartment's already paid for. This is enough to live on.”

Camilla nodded.

“Luca's only trying to help.”

I pushed the envelope back.

“Then explain this to me: why do you get to decide whether I receive my own dividends?”

Luca glanced at the people watching. His smile faded.

“As I said, it's a board decision.”

“Send me the resolution and minutes, including the reason for suspending payment.”

“Not tonight,” Camilla said. “You've never run a company. Expansion costs money. Everyone else is contributing. You could make a concession.”

“You asked for my shares. I refused. Now you've decided to withhold my income instead?”

“Those are separate issues.”

“Since I refused to sign, I've lost my office, my driver, and my card. Now the dividends. Tell me how I'm supposed to see them as separate.”

Her mouth tightened. The managers looked away.

Luca picked up the envelope and tried to slip it into my jacket pocket. I covered the pocket and stepped back.

“I don't want it. I want my dividends, not an allowance you decide to give me.”

He checked his watch.

“We have a video conference at headquarters. Get yourself a taxi. If you have questions, speak to administration tomorrow.”

They stopped beside my aunt on their way out. Camilla leaned close and said something. Aunt Elena looked toward me, worried.

I didn't go over to explain myself again.

Outside, I sent Sofia a message and called her.

“They've confirmed the dividend suspension. They're still refusing the accounts. Serve the notice withdrawing use of the executive floor. I'm coming to headquarters. Bring anything else I need to sign.”

“I'll meet you in the lobby.”

Half an hour later, Sofia checked my signatures and handed the notice to the building manager. He acknowledged it and went to make arrangements.

The elevator from the parking garage opened as we finished.

Luca was on his phone. Camilla stopped when she saw us.

“What are you doing here?”

I put my copies in my bag.

“My lawyer will explain.”

Her expression cooled. Luca ended his call.

“The clients are waiting. We can deal with this afterward.”

We took the same elevator upstairs.

Camilla walked straight to the executive suite and pressed her black-and-gold card against the reader.

A tone sounded.

ACCESS DENIED.