Chapter 11 - THE EMPIRE THAT ALMOST DESTROYED HIM
Vincent Caruso was arrested three days later.
Investigators connected him to the attempted abduction, the financial scheme, and several fraudulent contracts.
The evidence was extensive.
Damian cooperated through legal counsel.
He also began reviewing his businesses.
Not merely to protect his assets.
But to confront what he'd allowed to happen.
For years, he'd delegated authority to men who valued profit above everything.
Some had abused it.
Others had committed crimes.
Damian had ignored warning signs because confronting them would have been inconvenient.
Now he understood that indifference could be dangerous.
He removed several executives.
Commissioned independent audits.
Reorganized the staff assistance program.
Established clear reporting channels.
And began separating his legitimate businesses from illegal operations that had long been part of the Bellucci empire.
It cost him money.
Power.
Influence.
Some of his oldest associates called him weak.
Others threatened to leave.
Damian let them.
One evening, Marco found him standing in the chapel.
The same chapel where he'd heard Lily pray.
“Sir.”
Damian turned.
“What?”
“The board wants to know whether you're serious about closing the private gaming operations.”
Damian nodded.
“Yes.”
Marco hesitated.
“That's a substantial amount of revenue.”
“I know.”
“Your father would have objected.”
Damian looked toward the altar.
“My father believed fear was the only thing that kept people loyal.”
Marco said nothing.
Damian continued.
“I believed him.”
He looked at the pew where Lily had knelt.
“Until a little girl asked God to help her mother because she thought nobody else would.”
Marco's expression softened.
Damian swallowed.
“I don't want to build a life where children have to pray for things I could have helped provide.”
Marco nodded.
“Understood.”
He turned to leave.
Then paused.
“Sir?”
Damian looked at him.
“Yes?”
“You know the child doesn't care how much money you have.”
Damian smiled faintly.
“I know.”
“She likes you because you listen.”
May you like
Damian looked toward the altar.
For the first time in years, the chapel didn't feel empty.
