Chapter 91: Victorian Visitor

On Friday morning Helena went shopping for the unit. Zac and Fred were in the office looking over the details of the new properties.

On arriving back with some food items, an elderly gentlemen was in reception asking about unit 2201. They saw Helena and called her in.

Helena asked “May I enquire on who you are please?”

Silvio replied “I am Silvio Pisano and wish to see Rita!”

Helena shook his hand and advised “Were you close to her?”

Harry mentioned ‘Get him to the unit then explain, not here in the foyer.’

Helena continued “Please come up to the unit and we can talk.”

Helena took Silvio and his grandson Stefano up to the unit and made them a coffee. Sitting down at the dining table. Stefano went out to the balcony. He knew the talk was between them in private. Silvio asked “This is Rita unit, how do you have access, Is Rita OK?”

Helena explained about Rita’s passing and her inheritance. Going to her safe she showed him the copy of the death certificate and copy of her last will. Helena also showed her drivers licence to confirm her name. “I can get the originals here if you wish to see them.”

Silvio had a few tears. He stated “I have visited Rita every five years to see how she was and to give her an update of her properties in Victoria, NSW and ACT. I know this is her signature and during our last visit, Rita was looking into what she was going to do with her monies and assets. May I ask what do you intend to do please?”

Helena went on to explain that she is continuing Mrs R work helping other less fortunate and expanded to helping, quietly, other organisations like PCYC, Surf Clubs, etc. Stating she was not a glory hound.

Silvio laughed “Trust Rita to find a kindred spirit, Rita loved to work behind the scene as well. Have you found out all of your holding yet?”

Helena replied “No I am still finding them out.”

Silvio opened his briefcase and produced a list of properties and shareholdings “Well young lady. Here is a copy of your Victorian, NSW and ACT holdings. The total assets consist of some $72 billion dollars. You are the richest lady in Australia. Because they are tied up in trusts and share holdings. We do not advertise Rita’s status and I take it you do not want us to disclose either?”

Helena sat back in her chair, quietly saying “No, please, I don’t want the pressure it brings.”

Silvio called in his Grandson. “This was to be my last visit to Rita as my health is not good, I was to introduce my Grandson who, like me, is a solicitor and will take over handling your accounts, companies etc. Stefano meet Helena your new client.”

Stefano shook hands with Helena and sat down at the dining table.

Helena asked “Are you related to Luigi, who help Mrs R into buying the houses and homeless accommodation in Victoria?”

Stefano stated “Nonnuccio, my Nonno father was Luigi. In english he was my Great Grandfather.”

Silvio replied “Yes I use to see Rita come into his legal practice, she always had a kind word to say to me when I was growing up. I was proud of her. My father told me one day son you will take over her financial and legal affairs. Well today I am passing them over to my Grandson, I trust this will be suitable to you.”

Just then the door opened and Fred asked “Want some, oops, sorry did not realise you had visitors?”
Helena replied “Come in darling and let me introduce you. This is my husband Fred. He is studying to become an accountant and is currently compiling a list of my assets in Victoria. He is up to $43Billion.”

Fred shook hands with them and sat down next to Helena. Helena updated Fred on what had occurred todate then handed over the list from Silvio. He quickly glanced and groaned. “Damn more listings to add. Well you are certainly keeping me busy darling.”

Helena explained Fred is aware of all of my property and accounting matters. I also have two local solicitors who look after my personal affairs and a property manager for my local items here on the Gold Coast.

Silvio looked at Helena “I knew she used the cash monies to purchase additional places here. Rita kept the two operations separate. Are you aware of the local legal firm?”

“Yes” Helena replied “They are however, not aware of the Victorian side of my inheritance at all.”

Silvio smiled “Yes I recommended to Rita to keep them separate. I take it they charge the same as us, that is 4%.”

Helena smiled “Yes, there was a slight problem there when I took over but that is now solved.”

Silvio replied “Well at 4% they should have been making plenty. We only charge you 4% and we are very happy with that fee rate, will you allow us to continue at the same rate please?”

Helena replied “Yes no problems. I would like to meet your people some time if that is acceptable to you. I do like to know the people handling my affairs? What are you doing for lunch and are you staying here over the weekend?”

Stefano replied “We have not made any arrangements yet why?”

Silvio replied “I normally get a room at the pub but that when I was on my own.”

Fred replied I get you a room at the Calypso for a few days. How did you arrive here?”

Stefano “We drove in a hire car. Nonno does not like flying in the commercial planes.”