Chapter 4 - THE MAN WHO SOLD HIS LOYALTY
Victor Sloane had worked for the Bianchi family since Aurelio was twenty-one.
He had attended weddings.
Funerals.
Christenings.
He had helped Aurelio bury his father.
And he had managed the company's money through recessions, labor disputes, and federal investigations.
Aurelio trusted him.
That trust was why the discovery hurt.
Miriam presented the evidence in Aurelio's office.
He listened without interruption.
Then he asked:
“Are we certain?”
Dana answered carefully.
“We have evidence connecting Victor to an intermediary involved in the transfers. We don't yet know whether he authorized the theft.”
Aurelio nodded.
“Then we don't accuse him without proof.”
Miriam looked relieved.
“We should preserve records and involve the appropriate authorities.”
Aurelio turned toward the river.
“Do it.”
I sat quietly near the door.
I had expected rage.
Threats.
Someone being dragged into a basement.
Instead, Aurelio asked for documents.
That surprised me.
Later, when the others left, he approached.
“You were right to question the agreement.”
I shrugged.
“I just recognized the numbers.”
“No. You recognized that they mattered.”
I looked down.
“My professors used to say details were where people hid their mistakes.”
Aurelio smiled faintly.
“Smart professors.”
“Some of them.”
He laughed.
Then his expression grew serious.
“Paola, this investigation may become dangerous.”
I looked up.
“Because of Victor?”
“Because people who steal millions rarely welcome questions.”
I thought of Sofia.
Of our apartment.
Of the life I had built around protecting her.
“Then I need to know whether I'm safe.”
May you like
Aurelio nodded.
“So do I.”
