Moretti's solicitor arrived exactly one week after the initial threat, a thin man with cold eyes and an air of absolute certainty that Lucia found immediately irritating.
"Count and Countess Ferretti." He declined the offered seat, preferring to stand with theatrical authority. "I represent Antonio Moretti in his defamation suit against you both. My client's reputation has been irreparably damaged by your false accusations of financial impropriety."
"The accusations aren't false." Lucia remained seated, projecting calm despite her racing pulse. "We have three years of documented evidence proving systematic embezzlement."
"Evidence you claim to have." The solicitor's smile was thin. "My client maintains that any irregularities in the Marchese's accounts were caused by your own incompetent analysis, not his management."
Alessandro leaned forward. "Your client is welcome to that position. It won't survive scrutiny in court."
"Court proceedings are expensive and time-consuming, Count Ferretti. Even if you eventually prevail, the damage to your fledgling consulting business would be substantial." The solicitor pulled out documents. "My client is prepared to be reasonable. Retract your accusations publicly, provide written apology and compensation for lost wages, and we'll consider the matter resolved."
"How much compensation?" Lucia asked, already knowing the answer would be outrageous.
"Twenty thousand lire."
The number was absurd, nearly half what Moretti had actually stolen. Lucia felt anger spike cold and controlled.
"Your client stole fifty thousand lire from the Marchese di Soave over three years. We have receipts for materials never delivered, equipment repairs for machinery that doesn't exist, wage payments to workers never employed." Lucia kept her voice level. "We're not retracting accurate findings or paying extortion disguised as compensation."
"Then we'll see you in court. And when my client prevails, your consulting business will be finished before it properly begins." The solicitor gathered his documents. "Public trials are messy affairs. All your methods exposed to scrutiny, your background examined, questions raised about whether a woman with no formal training should be consulting on agricultural matters at all."
"Is that a threat?" Alessandro's voice had gone dangerously quiet.
"It's a prediction. The courts don't favor upstart consultants accusing established estate managers of crimes based on, let's be honest, rather aggressive interpretation of accounting irregularities." The solicitor moved toward the door. "You have three days to accept my client's terms. After that, we file formally and let the legal process determine truth."
After he left, silence filled the study like physical pressure.
"He's not wrong about the damage a trial could cause," Lucia said finally. "Even if we win, months of litigation would distract from business development. Potential clients would wait for resolution before committing."
"So we make this go away quickly." Alessandro was already writing. "Giorgio's journalist contact in Milan. We provide him with complete documentation, let him publish the story tomorrow. Public exposure before Moretti can control the narrative."
"That's aggressive."
"Moretti fired the first shot by threatening legal action." Alessandro's jaw was set. "We're simply responding with superior firepower. The evidence is irrefutable. Published documentation will destroy his credibility before trial even begins."
Lucia pulled the comprehensive analysis she'd prepared, three years of embezzlement laid out. "This is damning. Moretti will be ruined professionally."
"Good. He stole fifty thousand lire and is now trying to extort us for exposing it." Alessandro took the documents. "I'll have these copied and sent to Milan tonight. The story will run tomorrow morning."
"His solicitor will claim we're manipulating public opinion to avoid legitimate legal accountability."
"His solicitor can claim whatever he wants. The numbers don't lie." Alessandro's expression was grim. "We didn't create this situation, Lucia. We identified theft, reported it accurately, and are now defending ourselves against retaliatory litigation. We're not the villains."
That evening, while Alessandro coordinated with Giorgio about publication logistics, Lucia found herself in the southern section watching sunset paint the drainage channels gold. The project was nearly complete, weeks ahead of schedule, demonstrating exactly the competence Moretti's solicitor had questioned.
"My lady?" Marco appeared, still using his cane but moving with increasing confidence. "Didn't expect to find you out here at this hour."
"I needed space to think. Away from legal threats and business complications."
"Heard about the lawsuit. Workers are talking." Marco settled carefully onto a low wall. "Everyone here knows you're honest. That Moretti fellow was always suspicious. Orders that didn't make sense, expenses that seemed high."
"You noticed irregularities?"
"Nothing specific enough to report. Just a feeling things weren't quite right." Marco gestured to the completed channels. "But this, this is clear evidence you know what you're doing. This land was useless for thirty years. You made it productive in four months."
"The engineers made it productive. I just directed resources appropriately."
"You keep saying that, but you're the one who saw the potential when everyone else said it was impossible." Marco's expression was serious. "You're changing things here, my lady. Not just the land. The way we're treated, the wages we earn, the respect we get. That matters to us."
After Marco left, Lucia remained watching darkness settle over the estate. She'd wanted to improve one property, demonstrate competent management, build security for herself.
Instead, she'd accidentally started something larger. Labor reforms that challenged regional norms. Business practices that threatened established patterns. Agricultural philosophy that questioned fundamental assumptions.
No wonder Moretti was fighting back. She wasn't just exposing one man's theft. She was threatening an entire system built on exploitation and incompetence.
The scope was terrifying.
But also, it felt important.
***
The article appeared in Milan's most respected newspaper the following morning, occupying an entire page with meticulous detail.
"Systematic Theft Exposed: Estate Manager's Three-Year Embezzlement Scheme Uncovered by New Consulting Firm"
The journalist had taken Lucia's documentation and crafted it into narrative that was simultaneously damning and irrefutable. Moretti's theft laid out transaction by transaction, the patterns of fraud explained clearly enough for general readership to understand.
And at the center, Ferretti Agricultural Consulting presented as innovative business bringing modern analytical methods to traditional agriculture.
"This is devastating," Bianca said, reading over breakfast. "Moretti's reputation is completely destroyed. No estate will hire him now."
"That was the intention." Alessandro didn't look particularly sympathetic. "He chose to threaten us rather than accept consequences for his actions."
"The article makes you both sound brilliant. Especially you, Lucia." Bianca pointed to a particularly glowing paragraph. "Listen to this: 'Countess Ferretti's analytical methods represent a new approach to estate management, combining rigorous accounting practices with genuine agricultural expertise. Her identification of embezzlement that escaped detection for years demonstrates the value of systematic oversight.'"
"They're overstating my contribution." Lucia felt uncomfortable with the praise. "The numbers were obvious once examined carefully."
"Obvious to you. Not to the Marchese's previous accountants and solicitors." Bianca set down the paper. "This is exactly the publicity your business needs. Competence demonstrated publicly, your methods validated by results."
"It also makes us a target for anyone threatened by our approach."
"You were already a target. This just makes clear why people should think twice before attacking." Bianca's expression turned more serious. "Mother's going to respond to this. She'll see it as you expanding beyond your appropriate sphere."
"Your mother's opinion stopped mattering when Alessandro relocated her to Milan." But Lucia felt unease creep up her spine. The Dowager Countess was vindictive and patient. This public success would provoke response.
The first indication came that afternoon, a tersely worded summons from the local magistrate requesting their presence to discuss "concerns raised about the recent newspaper article and its potential legal implications."
"Moretti's moved faster than expected," Alessandro said, reading the summons. "He's claiming we defamed him through public accusation before any legal determination of guilt."
"Can he actually argue that successfully? We published documented evidence."
"He can argue it convincingly enough to create delay and expense." Alessandro's expression was grim. "This is exactly what his solicitor threatened. Dragging us into legal proceedings regardless of the evidence's strength."
They appeared before the magistrate the following day, a elderly man who looked profoundly uncomfortable with the situation.
"Count and Countess Ferretti. Thank you for attending." The magistrate gestured to seats. "I've reviewed the newspaper article and received complaint from Signor Moretti's legal counsel. This is... unprecedented situation."
"Because estate managers don't typically steal fifty thousand lire, or because they don't typically get caught?" Lucia kept her tone respectful but firm.
"Because accusations of this magnitude are usually handled through private legal channels, not public newspapers." The magistrate pulled out documents. "Signor Moretti's counsel argues that you've poisoned any potential jury pool through premature publication of allegations."
"The allegations are documented facts, not speculation." Alessandro produced their evidence file. "Every transaction detailed in that article is supported by receipts, ledgers, and financial records from the Marchese di Soave's estates."
"Nevertheless, publishing before legal proceedings conclude creates appearance of impropriety." The magistrate looked genuinely troubled. "I'm not suggesting you fabricated evidence. But the process matters. Justice must be both done and seen to be done properly."
"What are you asking us to do?" Lucia felt frustration building. "Retract accurate reporting? Pretend the theft didn't occur?"
"I'm asking you to allow the legal system to function without public pressure." The magistrate's tone was gentle but firm. "File formal charges if you believe crimes occurred. Present your evidence in court. But cease publishing accusations through newspapers."
"And if Moretti's counsel continues threatening us with defamation suits?"
"Then defend yourselves through appropriate legal channels. Not through press campaigns." The magistrate stood. "I'm not ruling on the substance of your claims. But I am instructing you to cease public commentary pending formal legal proceedings. Understood?"
After they left, Alessandro's anger was palpable. "He's gagging us while allowing Moretti's threats to continue unchallenged."
"He's maintaining legal neutrality. We published first, so we appear to be the aggressors despite Moretti initiating the conflict." Lucia felt exhausted suddenly. "We miscalculated. The publication was too aggressive."
"The publication was necessary to counter his threats."
"And it worked, but created new problems in the process." Lucia leaned against their carriage. "Now we're committed to formal legal proceedings whether we want them or not."
"Then we proceed with proceedings. File charges, present evidence, let the court determine guilt." Alessandro's jaw was set. "Moretti started this fight. We'll finish it."
The formal charges were filed the following week, initiating legal processes that the solicitor warned could take months to resolve. Meanwhile, their consulting business faced immediate consequences.
Two of Giorgio's potential clients withdrew their interest, citing concerns about the "legal complications" and "controversial methods." The Baronessa Valenti delayed her project start, requesting they "resolve current difficulties before taking on additional obligations."
Only the Marchese di Soave remained firmly supportive, sending a letter that was simultaneously encouraging and practical.
Count and Countess Ferretti,
The legal proceedings are unfortunate but necessary. Moretti's theft required exposure, regardless of his retaliation. Your methods remain sound, your evidence irrefutable.
I'm proceeding with our consulting agreement as planned. Let skeptical clients withdraw. Their loss will be my gain when your improvements demonstrate clear results.
Proceed with confidence. Justice takes time, but competence prevails eventually.
Marchese di Soave
"At least we haven't lost everyone," Alessandro said, setting down the letter. "The Marchese's support matters significantly."
"One client instead of seven. That's not sustainable business growth." Lucia stared at the pile of withdrawal letters. "We're failing before we properly started."
"We're facing temporary setback, not permanent failure." But Alessandro's voice lacked its usual certainty. "The trial will vindicate us. Other clients will return once Moretti's guilt is established."
"If the trial vindicates us. Legal outcomes aren't guaranteed by evidence alone." Lucia felt the weight of mounting complications pressing down. "Maybe we should focus on our own estate. Stop trying to build something larger."
"You don't mean that."
"I mean I'm exhausted from constant opposition. Every improvement creates new conflicts. Every success provokes retaliation." Lucia moved to the window, watching workers in distant fields. "Maybe competent estate management is enough. Maybe revolutionary transformation is too ambitious."
Alessandro crossed the room, his hands settling on her shoulders. "You're at it again. One setback doesn't invalidate everything we've built."
"Multiple setbacks. Moretti's lawsuit, client withdrawals, magistrate restrictions, regional labor conflicts." Lucia ticked them off. "How many complications before we accept this isn't working?"
"These aren't signs of failure. They're signs we're threatening entrenched interests effectively." Alessandro turned her to face him. "If we were ineffective, no one would bother fighting us. The opposition proves we matter."
"Opposition proves we're creating problems."
"Opposition proves we're creating change. Those aren't the same thing." Alessandro's expression was serious. "I understand you're exhausted. This has been relentless. But abandoning our plans now would validate everyone who doubted you from the beginning."
"Maybe they were right to doubt."
"They absolutely weren't right to doubt." Alessandro's voice was firm. "You've identified embezzlement on two estates, implemented successful agricultural improvements, developed revolutionary consulting methods, demonstrated competence repeatedly. The only thing you've failed at is believing in your own capabilities."
Lucia wanted to argue, to list all the ways she'd miscalculated or overreached. Instead, exhaustion overwhelmed her careful control and she found herself leaning into Alessandro's embrace, letting him support her weight.
"I'm tired," she admitted quietly. "Tired of fighting for credibility, of defending every decision, of proving myself constantly."
"I know. It's exhausting and unfair and you shouldn't have to fight this hard for basic recognition." Alessandro's arms tightened around her. "But you're not fighting alone anymore. We're in this together, remember? Partnership."
"Partnership doesn't make the fighting less exhausting."
"No. But it means you can rest occasionally while I carry the weight. Then I'll rest while you carry it. That's how this works." Alessandro pressed a kiss to her hair. "Let me handle the legal proceedings for now. You focus on the Marchese's project, demonstrate clear results, build the evidence that will ultimately matter more than any trial outcome."
"Dividing responsibilities."
"Leveraging our respective strengths. You're the agricultural expert. I'm better with legal and political maneuvering." Alessandro pulled back to meet her eyes. "Trust me to manage this part while you manage what you do best."
Lucia considered the offer. Surrendering control felt dangerous, like admitting inadequacy. But Alessandro was right that his skills suited legal navigation better than hers.
"Fine," she said finally. "You handle Moretti's lawsuit and the magistrate's restrictions. I'll focus on implementing the Marchese's improvements and completing our harvest."
"Division of labor based on comparative advantage. Very economically sound." Alessandro smiled slightly. "My wife, applying business principles to crisis management."
"Everything is business if you examine it properly."
"That's what I love about you." Alessandro kissed her forehead. "Now, go review the Marchese's property assessments. I'll coordinate with our solicitor about trial preparation."
As Lucia settled into work she actually understood and controlled, she felt some tension dissipate. Agricultural improvements were comprehensible. Legal proceedings were labyrinthine confusion.
Let Alessandro navigate that particular maze while she focused on what she did best.
That was partnership. Accepting that competence in one area didn't require competence in all areas. It was also, she realized, a form of trust. Believing Alessandro would protect their interests in arenas she couldn't manage personally.
That trust felt both vulnerable and necessary. She was learning that building something significant required accepting help. Even when accepting help felt like admitting weakness.
It wasn't weakness, she reminded herself. It was strategic resource allocation. Alessandro handled legal complications. She handled agricultural improvements. Together, they might actually succeed despite the mounting opposition.
That was the theory, anyway. Time to see if practice aligned with theoretical expectations.