Page 97 of Frayed Bonds

It isn’t often we all gather like this, usually, it’s in smaller meetings either just the family or my brothers and I with the board members. However, since this new partnership with Horatio will be affecting all Vitale investments, everyone has to be present.

A tense atmosphere fills the room, none of us are fans of spending large amounts of time with my uncle and their side of the Vitale dealings, Mattia excluded, so even Adriano is a bit fidgety.

“Gentlemen, it's time we deliberate on our next steps with Horatio joining us. Antonio, thoughts on the financial impact?” I turn to my brother who looks up from the piece of paper he’s sketching on. Quickly his hands disappear under the table leaving the pencil and piece of paper unattended. It makes me uneasy to see him unsure of our way forward but I’ll chalk it up to nerves.

Antonio adjusts his glasses. “Well, with the influx of capital, I propose an aggressive expansion strategy. We can channel a significant part into technology upgrades and global market penetration.”

It’s a good idea, this is the chance we've been waiting for since papá died and it could be our opportunity to use it to our advantage.

Enzo's chair creaks as he leans back and everyone's eyes are on him. “Antonio, while expansion is crucial, let's not disregard our existing clients. We need to ensure their interests are protected amidst this transition.”

“Enzo's right. We shouldn't risk alienating our loyal client base.” My uncle interjects, immediately jumping to support his son.

My eyes drift to Adriano who is already staring at my uncle in annoyance. “If we don't have any clients to retain then what’s the point of focusing on that?” Antonio asks

“Just because Vitale Holdings can’t maintain a stable client base doesn't mean the rest of the investment groups should suffer.” Enzo turns to face Antonio head-on, but I gently nudge him under the table reminding him this isn't the time or place to hash out family grievances.

“Easy to retain a client base when your portion of the investments is so small it doesn't make an impact on the annual turnover at all,” Gus quips from across the table, and my eyes nearly bulge out of my head.

Augustus has never been one to verbally get involved in these sorts of meetings. Nor would he ever, this hurriedly, come to our defence.

“Enough,” my voice echoes through the room. “Perhaps a dual approach? A portion for expansion and the rest for client retention.”

“Wise preposition,” Diego says, nodding. “Horatio’s connections are our new asset, but our current clientele remains the backbone of this firm. We need to find a balance.’’

As we continue to discuss the "delicate" balance between growth and stability, the majority of the shareholders also lean to a 70/30 approach to focus on attracting new clients more vigorously, while still using some capital to maintain and strengthen our current relationships with clients. A sudden knock disrupts the meeting's flow and silence fills the room instantly.

A young female rushes towards my side of the table. “Apologies for the intrusion, Mr. Vitale. Urgent call from Mr. Farina, sir.”

My heart sinks into my ass. “Is it him on the phone?”

“Yes, Mr. Vitale.”

I meet Antonio's eyes and they’re a mix of emotions and all I’m hoping is that mine convey some kind of apology as I stand but so does he.

“Which Vitale?” Antonio asks, standing to his full height and I don't miss the slight use of his usual intimidation tactics.

“Ambrose,” she says awkwardly and I nod.

“My apologies, gentlemen. We'll adjourn for now. Let's reconvene this evening at The Vice to finalise our approach.”

Heads around the table all nod and I rush out of the room to where she guides me to a phone.

“Mr. Farina?” Worry is clear in my tone as I answer.

“Ambrose,” he says and I sigh in relief to hear his voice and not the voice of a random nurse giving me horrible news. “Is there any chance you could swing around the hospital?” he asks and my brows furrow.

“I’m supposed to pick Valerie up this evening to come for visiting hours, but I can find out if she’s ready to go now, I-”

“Alone, Ambrose.” He cuts me off and I swallow abruptly.

“Yes sir,” I say. “I’ll be there soon.”

The entire ride to the hospital my mind keeps playing scenarios on repeat. Why would Mr. Farina possibly want to see me alone? A part of me contemplates whether I should call Val to tell her or not.

Then there’s also the look in Antonio's eyes as I left the meeting, a look can say a thousand things, and from what I can tell that might have been his final straw. I have to make it a priority to sit him down and tell him the truth man to man, whether he likes it or not.

When I arrive at the hospital, getting past security and the nurses is a breeze since Mr. Farina made it known that I’ll be popping in.

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