Chapter 9 - THE FILE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Three days later, investigators uncovered a second layer of the conspiracy.
Santino and Camila had been diverting money through shell companies for nearly two years.
They used forged approvals.
False invoices.
And manipulated internal records.
The scheme extended beyond Moretti Holdings.
Several outside businesses were involved.
Lorenzo met with his attorney, Michael Grant.
The man had represented him for twelve years.
He was careful.
Methodical.
And unusually blunt.
"Enzo, your biggest problem isn't the attempted takeover."
Lorenzo frowned.
"Then what is?"
Michael slid a folder across the desk.
"Your own records."
Lorenzo stared.
"What about them?"
"Some of the transfers were made through accounts associated with your criminal operations."
Silence.
Michael continued.
"If you want to cooperate fully, you'll have to disclose things you've spent years hiding."
Lorenzo looked toward the window.
He knew what that meant.
Investigations.
Losses.
Possible charges.
The dismantling of parts of his empire.
He thought about Isabella.
His daughter had spent years living in a mansion surrounded by men with guns.
She knew which doors to avoid.
Which visitors frightened the staff.
Which conversations ended when she entered a room.
He had called that protection.
Now he wasn't sure.
"What happens if I cooperate?" he asked.
Michael looked at him.
"I can't promise the outcome."
Lorenzo nodded.
"And if I don't?"
Michael's expression hardened.
"Then you remain vulnerable to anyone who knows your secrets."
That evening, Lorenzo visited Isabella.
She was staying in a secure temporary residence arranged with the help of professionals.
Sophie had agreed to remain nearby until the immediate crisis passed.
Isabella sat at the kitchen table, drawing stars.
Lorenzo approached.
"Hello, Bella."
She looked up.
"Daddy!"
She ran into his arms.
He held her.
"Did you have a good day?"
She nodded.
"Miss Sophie taught me how to make pancakes."
He smiled.
"Really?"
Isabella giggled.
"She burned the first one."
From the kitchen, Sophie called:
"I heard that."
Isabella laughed.
Lorenzo felt something warm spread through his chest.
Later, Isabella asked:
"Daddy?"
"Yes?"
"Are you going to be home more?"
He looked at her.
The question was simple.
But it carried years of disappointment.
He swallowed.
"I'm going to try."
She studied him.
"Really?"
He nodded.
"Really."
That night, Lorenzo called Michael.
"I'll cooperate."
A pause.
"Enzo, are you certain?"
Lorenzo looked toward Isabella's bedroom.
"Yes."
May you like
He swallowed.
"My daughter deserves a different life."
