Chapter 8 - THE TEN-MILLION-DOLLAR OFFER
The Commission met in a private club overlooking Central Park.
Dante entered without his usual entourage.
Luca accompanied him.
Selene remained at a secure location with legal counsel, examining copies of the recovered records.
Massimo Valerio sat at the head of the table.
He was sixty-two, silver-haired, elegantly dressed, and known for never raising his voice.
When Dante entered, his uncle smiled.
"My boy."
Dante didn't return the smile.
"Uncle."
Massimo gestured toward the empty chair.
"We've been waiting."
"I know."
The other men watched carefully.
Massimo folded his hands.
"Your father would be disappointed by the disorder you've allowed."
Dante sat.
"Would he?"
Massimo's smile tightened.
"The reserves remain missing. Our partners are losing confidence. You have until Friday."
Dante looked around the table.
"Before anyone votes, I have a question."
Massimo sighed.
"Must we do this?"
"Why did you pay Professor Julian Harrow to destroy Selene Rostova's career?"
The room fell silent.
Massimo's expression didn't change.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
Dante placed a copy of the transfer record on the table.
Massimo glanced at it.
Then smiled.
"A donation to an academic foundation. Hardly a crime."
"Perhaps not. But the same foundation paid a company connected to the forged manuscript evidence."
Massimo's eyes narrowed.
Dante continued.
"And that company shares an accountant with one of the entities receiving diverted Valerio funds."
One of the Commission members leaned forward.
"Massimo, is that true?"
Massimo looked toward Dante.
"You've been listening to a disgraced waitress."
Dante's voice turned cold.
"Her name is Dr. Selene Rostova."
Massimo laughed.
"Are you in love with her already?"
Dante didn't answer.
Massimo leaned closer.
"Be careful, nephew. Women like that see money before they see men."
Dante stood.
"Meeting adjourned."
Massimo's smile disappeared.
"You don't have the authority."
Dante looked around the table.
"Then vote without me."
He turned toward the door.
Massimo called after him.
"Ten million dollars, Dante."
Dante stopped.
His uncle smiled.
"That's what you offered the waitress, wasn't it?"
Dante slowly turned.
Massimo continued.
"I'll pay her twice that to disappear."
Dante stared at him.
Then said quietly, "You still think everyone has a price."
Massimo's expression hardened.
"And you think she doesn't?"
May you like
Dante opened the door.
"That's why you've already lost."
