Chapter 11 - THE MAN WHO LOST HIS EMPIRE
Vincent Moretti was arrested six months later.
Investigators had uncovered evidence of financial crimes, intimidation, and involvement in the attempt to retrieve Isabella's notebook.
The inquiry into Isabella's death was reopened.
Gabriel's own businesses came under intense scrutiny.
Several executives resigned.
Assets were frozen pending review.
Some properties were sold.
Newspapers called it the collapse of the Moretti empire.
Gabriel didn't argue.
He had spent years building power.
Now he was learning what it meant to surrender it.
One evening, he sat in the library staring at financial statements.
Emma entered carrying tea.
“Long day?”
He laughed bitterly.
“Very.”
She sat beside him.
“Regrets?”
Gabriel looked at her.
“Many.”
He paused.
“But not about telling the truth.”
Emma smiled.
He looked toward the doorway.
Sophie stood there.
Watching.
Gabriel raised his hands.
Come here.
She ran to him.
He lifted her onto his lap.
She signed:
Are we poor now?
Gabriel blinked.
Emma translated, though he understood most of it.
He smiled.
“No, sweetheart.”
Then he signed:
We have enough.
Sophie considered that.
Then signed:
Can we still buy cinnamon rolls?
Gabriel laughed.
Emma laughed too.
“Yes,” he said.
May you like
“We can still buy cinnamon rolls.”
And somehow, that was enough.
