Page 104 of The Billionaire's Destiny

Henri smiled. “Rumors rarely reach reality. Of course, I’d never allow that to happen. So, let’s just enjoy ourselves for a friendly meal.”

“I could eat at home,” Rocco said and buttered his bread.

“It wouldn’t compare to what we serve here,” Henri shot back.

Rocco smirked. “You’re not pulling a George?”

“I’m not an ass, so no, I’m not,” Henri said. “Besides, I invited you to let you know I’m agreeing to invest in your studio and agreeing to us being friends.”

“Aren’t we friends, Henri?” Rocco asked in a light tone.

Henri smiled. “We are, but I only do business when we’re friendlier.”

“I’m the same way,” Rocco said and held up his glass. “To us, getting friendlier.”

“Indeed,” Henri said, glancing at me. “I would have invited my wife, but she’s moving with her lover to the home she got in our divorce.” I was taken aback by Henri’s candor. The sharpirony in his words hung in the air, leaving me unsure whether to express sympathy or simply acknowledge the raw truth of his situation.

“Well, at least it’s not a home you want to keep,” I joked.

Henri laughed. “I love her.”

“I do, too,” Rocco said. “More every day.”

I squeezed his knee under the table and whispered. “I love you.”

“How sweet,” Henri said in a flat tone. “We were sweet, too, but that’s what happens when you marry your lover. It kills lust.”

“For some,” Rocco said. “Depends on the person you marry.”

Henri scoffed. “I doubt it. So, what do you want us to do?”

“We’ll release a press statement,” Rocco suggested.

“Oui, faisons-le,” Henri agreed.

“Formidable. On trinque?” I lifted my glass.

“You speak French, Adelina?” Henri said in English.

I shrugged. “Collège français.”

Henri chuckled. “Hmm, I like this…college French you speak,” he said in an amused tone, and his glass lightly tapped mine.

I glanced at Rocco, and he winked at me.

The server brought our first course.

“So, tell me about your new films and locations,” Henri asked.

The conversation shifted to Rocco’s new films, and the mood lightened. The Renaults might not be as wealthy as the Marinis, but they belonged to the same elite circle. Their publicity was nearly as valuable as their money. It felt like something good was beginning.

I smiled, still uncertain how much Renault would ultimately commit. Yet, we’d shared a public lunch, a hopeful contract, and a declaration of partnership.

Sometimes, that was all that mattered.

Perchance to Dream’s publishing office stood high above Bryant Park, sunlight glinting off its Midtown tower. After checking in and passing through security, I rode the elevator to the fifteenth floor, where Lily Crane greeted me with a radiant smile. She wore a lilac turtleneck and dress pants, blending casual and elegant with ease. A streak of gray in her long black hair was the only sign of her years, while her face glowed with barely a trace of makeup. “Adelina, it’s so good to finally meet you in person.” Her smile was so infectious that I couldn’t help but return it as she extended her hand.

“Thank you. I’m so happy to meet you.” I shook her hand, though my heart wanted to hug her. She opened a door to a career I never dared to imagine.