Chapter 198

Two Days Later

“The meeting’s at nine, but intel suggests everyone will arrive early,” Anna said, walking beside Izzy. She flipped open a slim folder as they reached the elevator.

Izzy nodded, her thoughts preoccupied. This was her first board meeting since inheriting her grandfather’s shares—enough to make her the Rossi Group’s majority shareholder. She knew this day would come, but not so soon.

Anna continued, “You’ll be sitting at the head of the table today. The nameplate’s already changed.”

Izzy’s jaw tightened, but she didn’t break stride.

Anna added, “Here’s a quick rundown of the key players.” She handed Izzy a single sheet. Izzy glanced at it.

“Gregory Vasili is the one to watch. You’ve met him briefly—a tall, older man who mostly keeps quiet unless provoked. He was your grandfather’s closest rival and holds just under 21% of the shares. Enough to be troublesome if he chooses.”

Izzy’s eyes scanned the page. “Anything else I should know?”

Anna nodded. “His grandson, Frederik Vasili, is being groomed to succeed him. He’s sharp, cautious, and has attended more meetings lately. Gregory’s pushing to get him on the board by the end of the fiscal year. They’re old money, conservative, and not fans of sudden changes—or women in leadership roles.”

Izzy said nothing. She knew Frederik well and disliked him intensely.

Anna turned the page. “Then there’s Marla DuPont. French. CEO of a Parisian pharmaceutical company. She owns 9% and has two lawsuits pending regarding her company’s lab practices. She denies everything, but don’t let the red lipstick fool you—she’s dangerous.”

Izzy nodded as the elevator arrived. She remembered Marla’s blond hair and signature red lipstick from a previous encounter.

“On the American side,” Anna continued as they entered the elevator, “there’s Frank Dorsey and Linda Keating, both from Boston. Frank controls part of the East Coast logistics contract. He’s a loudmouth who talks over people. Linda pretends to be neutral but usually votes with Gregory.”

“Anyone on my side?” Izzy asked, pressing the button.

“A few,” Anna said, consulting her notes. “Leo Marchenko. Russian. Close to your father. Quiet, but he’ll support you if you’re prepared. And Victor Jin. Korean, based in Berlin. He joined last year during our German expansion. He’s new, but loyal—for now.”

Izzy leaned against the elevator wall, arms crossed.

Anna looked at her. “You’ll be fine. But expect pushback from Gregory. He’s been quiet since your grandfather passed, but he’s not irrelevant. Ian Joseph Morcant only became CEO because Gregory supported him. Don’t forget that.”

“I’m not giving him anything,” Izzy said, looking at Anna. Her secretary had been thoroughly briefed by Lawyer Alcaraz and knew exactly what Izzy needed to be aware of. The lawyer had done an excellent job.

Anna didn’t respond, but Izzy saw her nervousness despite her controlled expression. Izzy smiled.

When the elevator doors opened, the hallway was filled with assistants and staff pretending to work. Many knew Izzy was visiting and were curious about the Rossi Group’s new majority shareholder.

Izzy stepped out, her heels silent on the polished floor.

Anna followed, whispering, “Last thing: don’t let Dorsey bait you. He’ll try something.”

Izzy stopped at the boardroom door, looking at Anna. “Then he’d better be ready for my response.”

Izzy entered. The room, previously buzzing with conversation, fell silent as all eyes turned to her.

Izzy smiled. The meeting was scheduled for nine; it was clearly only eight forty. Yet everyone was already present. She chose not to analyze it and simply observed the room.

Ian Joseph Morcant, the CEO, stood as she entered. Izzy thought it impressive that he was already CEO of a multimillion-dollar company at what must be around thirty years old.

He wore a well-cut navy suit, silver tie, and round glasses that gave him a scholarly look, yet his posture was relaxed and open. He seemed equally at home in a boardroom or a university lecture hall.

Ian approached, extending his hand. Izzy shook it.

“Ms. Rossi!” he said, smiling. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’ve heard your name often.”

Izzy returned a faint smile. “I’m sure you have. It’s nice to meet you too, Mr. Morcant.”

“I’ve followed the company long enough to know your grandfather’s legacy,” Ian said, releasing her hand. “You have big shoes to fill, but from what I hear, you’ll manage well.”

“I’ll try to live up to the name,” she replied.

Ian gestured to the seat beside him. “You’ll be sitting here today.”

Izzy nodded and sat down, her eyes scanning the table. Small gold name plaques marked each seat. Marla DuPont, with her striking hair and impassive expression, sat three seats away. Linda Keating, already tapping on her tablet, sat beside her. Frank Dorsey leaned back, arms folded, observing Izzy.

Her gaze then fell on the man opposite Ian, at the far end of the table.

Gregory Vasili.

His posture was rigid, hands resting on his cane. His dark suit was impeccably tailored. Despite his age, he appeared alert and firm. His silver hair was precisely combed back.

Deep lines etched his face, but his pale blue eyes were sharp and calculating. Unlike the others, he didn’t smile or nod; he simply watched her. His stillness spoke volumes—a man who had witnessed much and forgotten nothing.

Before Izzy could ponder this further, Ian cleared his throat and placed his hands on the table.

“Since everyone’s here, let’s begin.”