Chapter 38: Dominic's Weekend with Alessandra and Roman's Shadow
Spoiler Warning: This summary contains detailed plot points from Chapter 38 of King of Greed. Read at your own risk if you haven't finished the chapter.
Summary
After a weekend spent entirely at Alessandra's apartment, Dominic returns to work in an unusually cheerful mood. His assistant Caroline is alarmed by his smiling demeanor. Dominic leaves the office at exactly five o'clock, a rare departure from Wall Street norms, and buys Alessandra a gold rose on his way to Floria Designs. Alessandra is stressed about the upcoming store opening. Dominic persuades her to take a break and eat dinner. While at a burger shop, Dominic receives a text from his estranged brother, Roman. At Alessandra's insistence, he invites Roman to join them. From Alessandra's perspective, Roman arrives cold and enigmatic. He describes his work as solving problems others cannot. Despite Dominic's apparent relief at reconnecting, Alessandra senses danger in Roman's eyes and worries that Dominic's guilt over their Ohio past clouds his judgment.
Key Events
- Dominic and Alessandra spend the entire weekend together, solidifying their rekindled relationship.
- Dominic's assistant, Caroline, notices his uncharacteristic cheerfulness and jokes about calling a doctor.
- Wall Street rumors circulate about a major upcoming event involving one of the banks.
- Dominic leaves work at five o'clock, advising a junior employee to enjoy his evening.
- He buys a gold rose for Alessandra, the twelfth of a planned thousand.
- Alessandra is overwhelmed preparing for the Floria Designs opening.
- Dominic convinces her to eat; they go to a gourmet burger shop.
- Dominic receives a text from his brother Roman.
- Alessandra suggests inviting Roman to join them, despite Dominic's hesitation.
- Roman arrives; his demeanor is cool and predatory.
- Roman cryptically states he works in the "solutions business," solving problems others cannot.
- Alessandra feels internal alarm bells and questions Dominic's judgment of Roman.
Character Development
Dominic shows a softer, more human side throughout this chapter. His enjoyment of a quiet weekend with Alessandra, his early departure from work, and his advice to a junior employee all contrast with his usual ruthless persona. He prioritizes Alessandra's well-being over his schedule and opens the door to a reunion with Roman, indicating a desire for family connection.
Alessandra remains a perfectionist, stressed about the opening, but she accepts Dominic's help and even encourages him to invite Roman. She trusts Dominic's judgment initially, but her instincts about Roman prove sharp. Her internal warning signals suggest she will not easily accept Roman into their circle.
Roman is introduced as a cold, calculating figure. His movements are compared to a night predator, and his green eyes hold no trace of humanity. He offers no details about his life, only vague references to solving problems. His presence unsettles Alessandra and raises questions about his motives and past.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
The gold rose symbolizes Dominic's renewed commitment. The fact that it is number twelve of a thousand suggests a long-term, patient courtship and a desire to make up for lost time.
The bubble of intimacy versus the outside world — The chapter opens with a blissful weekend sealed off from outside pressures, then gradually reintroduces work stress, Wall Street rumors, and finally Roman's intrusion. The bubble cannot last.
Family loyalty versus instinct — Dominic's willingness to reconnect with Roman stems from guilt over the Ohio incident. Alessandra's instinct warns her that Roman is dangerous, creating a tension between emotional obligation and self-protection.
The masks of Wall Street — Dominic's earlier professionalism is contrasted with the vulnerability he shows at home. Roman hides his true nature behind polite words. The chapter explores how characters present different faces to different people.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter marks the first proper meeting between Alessandra and Roman, setting the stage for future conflict. Dominic's decision to pursue a relationship with his brother, despite Alessandra's misgivings, plants seeds of distrust. The contrast between Dominic's softened behavior at home and the ominous subplot of Roman's arrival creates dramatic tension. Additionally, the rumors about a major bank event hint at future professional crises that will test Dominic's new priorities.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Alessandra suggest inviting Roman to dinner despite her misgivings?
Alessandra wants to support Dominic's desire to reconnect with his brother. She hopes the meeting will help Dominic heal the rift caused by their Ohio past, even though she is personally uncomfortable with Roman.
2. What does Roman's description of his job ("I solve problems other people can't") reveal about him?
It suggests he operates in a morally gray or dangerous line of work. The vagueness implies he is used to keeping secrets and may be involved in illegal or violent activities. His cold demeanor reinforces that he values results over ethics.
3. How does Dominic's behavior in this chapter differ from his usual Wall Street persona?
He smiles, leaves work early, makes breakfast, buys a thoughtful gift, and advises an employee to take time off. These actions show he is prioritizing his relationship with Alessandra and allowing himself to experience joy outside of work. This change worries Caroline and signals a shift in his character arc.