CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY - WHEN ALL FALLS APART

Halfway through the meal, Michael cleared his throat. "You know, I've been thinking about the company's recent struggles. I have some ideas that might help turn things around." Alessandro's head snapped up. "What do you mean, 'recent struggles'? The company is doing fine." Michael raised an eyebrow. "Come now, Alessandro. There's no need to put on a brave face. I've seen the numbers. The new product line isn't performing as well as expected, is it?" A hush fell over the table. Amelia watched as Alessandro's face darkened with anger. "And how exactly did you see those numbers, Uncle Michael?" Alessandro's voice was dangerously low. Michael waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, you know how these things get around. The point is, I think I can help. I have some connections that could really boost sales in the Asian market." Eloise clapped her hands together. "Oh, that sounds wonderful! Doesn't it, Alessandro?" But Alessandro wasn't listening. He stood up abruptly, his chair scraping ag