Chapter 12 - THE NIGHT THE VALERI EMPIRE NEARLY FELL
The investigation into Callum's transactions exposed irregularities involving companies connected to Lucien's business network.
Some executives had concealed unauthorized arrangements.
Others had maintained relationships with criminal groups from the Valeri family's past.
Lucien faced a choice.
Protect the old organization.
Or cooperate fully and accept the consequences.
He chose the investigation.
It cost him business partnerships.
Money.
Influence.
And the loyalty of men who had once feared him.
One evening, he told Ara:
“I may lose everything.”
She looked at him.
“Do you want to keep everything?”
He hesitated.
Then shook his head.
“Not if it means living like my father.”
Ara took his hand.
“Then don't.”
Lucien smiled sadly.
“You make it sound simple.”
She shook her head.
“It isn't.”
He looked at her.
She continued:
“But difficult doesn't mean impossible.”
May you like
Lucien squeezed her hand.
And for the first time, he believed he might be able to build something that didn't depend on fear.
