Chapter 7 - THE LEDGER THAT COULD DESTROY TWO FAMILIES
Clara had known about the Marino scheme for weeks.
She'd discovered unusual transactions while reviewing shipping invoices.
Payments routed through shell companies.
False warehouse expenses.
Contracts signed under questionable authority.
At first, she thought it was ordinary corruption.
Then she found the ledger.
It documented a plan to transfer control of Costa operations to the Marino family after the wedding.
Gabriel would retain his title.
But lose effective control.
Clara tried to warn him.
Twice.
Both times, he dismissed her concerns.
“Let the lawyers handle it.”
Then Isabella approached her privately.
The conversation happened in a hotel corridor after the engagement party.
Isabella smiled.
“Clara, I think it's time you found another job.”
Clara stared.
“Excuse me?”
Isabella stepped closer.
“Gabriel won't need you after the wedding.”
Clara swallowed.
“That's his decision.”
Isabella laughed softly.
“Sweetheart, you really don't understand how this works.”
Then she handed Clara an envelope.
Inside was a photograph.
Clara's younger brother, Daniel.
Standing outside his university.
A red circle drawn around his face.
Isabella smiled.
“Consider this professional advice.”
May you like
Clara's blood ran cold.
And three days later, she wrote her resignation letter.
