Chapter 11 - THE MAFIA BOSS WHO CHOSE THE LAW
Casius Ferraro faced a choice.
He could use his criminal connections to punish the people responsible.
Or he could allow the legal process to continue.
For most of his life, he would have chosen revenge.
This time, he chose something harder.
Restraint.
He provided investigators with records from the Ferraro organization.
He disclosed financial arrangements connected to the Ashford Foundation.
He cooperated through counsel.
And he accepted that the investigation might expose wrongdoing within his own businesses.
Luca Marino questioned him.
"Boss, you're giving them everything."
Casius looked at him.
"Not everything."
Luca frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Casius glanced toward the window.
"I'm giving them the truth."
The process was painful.
Several business associates turned against him.
Some threatened retaliation.
Others abandoned him.
Casius increased legitimate security measures and worked with authorities.
He began separating himself from the criminal operations he'd inherited.
The transition was difficult.
It required legal accountability, financial restructuring, and cooperation with investigators.
But for the first time, he felt as though he was building something rather than merely defending it.
One afternoon, he visited Sofia.
She sat beside the window, recovering.
"You look tired," she said.
He smiled faintly.
"I am."
Sofia studied him.
"You're changing."
Casius looked down.
"Trying."
She nodded.
"That's enough to begin."
Then she asked:
"How is Delaney?"
Casius hesitated.
"She's hurting."
Sofia sighed.
"Of course she is."
He looked at his mother.
"I don't know how to help her."
Sofia smiled sadly.
"Then don't try to fix her."
He frowned.
"What?"
"Listen. Respect her choices. Let her decide what she needs."
Casius was quiet.
Then nodded.
That evening, he called Delaney.
She answered.
"Hello?"
"It's Casius."
"I know."
He smiled faintly.
"I was wondering if you'd like to have coffee."
Silence.
"Not to discuss the investigation," he added.
Delaney hesitated.
Then said:
"Coffee sounds nice."
May you like
Casius closed his eyes.
For the first time in months, he smiled.
