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He gave theet past the initial shock He cleared his throat “When I was in Paris, I was made an offer I can’t turn down”

“But you coainst us in order to win the estate,” Gia said

“We thought you wanted it,” Bianca said “What about the vineyard?”

“What about our family home?” Gia’s voice held disbelief

He hadn’t been sure how they would take the news, but he didn’t think he’d have to defend hi as both of you have moved away—far away—I didn’t think you’d care what happened to the estate”

“We care,” Gia said

Another strained silence filled the line

“But we care about you more,” Bianca said

“Bianca?” Gia said “You surely can’t want to part with our childhood home”

“What I want and for that matter what you want, doesn’t matter We picked our futures It’s tiht for him”

He should say so, but he wasn’t sure what that should be He loved his sisters and he didn’t want to do anything to upset them Would they understand that he just couldn’t stay here? He couldn’t have a daily reminder of his failures in life

“I’ht You were always there for us We’ll support whatever decision you make But are you really sure you want to do this?”

This time there was no hesitation “I’m sure”

“But where will you go?”

“What will you do?”