Chapter 7 - THE MAN ROMAN USED TO BE
Trevor’s attorney tried a new strategy.
Roman.
They painted Sadi as influenced by a dangerous husband.
The complaint emphasized Roman’s family reputation.
Old allegations.
Past investigations.
Associations.
Sadi came home furious.
“They’re making me look like your puppet.”
Roman was silent.
Too silent.
“What?”
He looked at her.
“They are not entirely irrational to examine me.”
She stopped.
Roman continued.
“I have done things I’m not proud of.”
He rarely spoke about his past.
Not details.
She never asked for confessions.
But she knew he had inherited an organization partly built through violence and illicit commerce.
Roman had spent years dismantling parts, legitimizing others, cutting ties.
Not sainthood.
Change.
He said:
“If your case is harmed because of me—”
“No.”
“Sadi.”
“No.”
She stepped closer.
“I decide whether being married to you is worth complexity.”
He watched her.
“And?”
“It is.”
Roman smiled faintly.
She continued:
“But if you ever interfere with my case without permission, I will leave.”
No hesitation.
“Understood.”
She believed him.
That was intimacy.
Not promising perfection.
Defining consequences.
---
Sadi gave a sworn statement.
Trevor’s lawyer asked:
“Did your husband encourage you to pursue Mr. Sloan?”
“No.”
“Did he offer resources?”
“When asked.”
“Does he have influence over financial institutions?”
“Yes.”
“Did he use it?”
“Not in my case.”
“How do you know?”
“Because I asked him not to.”
The lawyer smiled.
“And powerful men always obey their wives?”
Sadi looked directly at him.
“The ones who want to stay married to me do.”
May you like
Even the court reporter smiled.
---
