Chapter 7 - THE UNCLE WHO WANTED THE EMPIRE
Vittorio Moretti had helped raise Damen after his father died.
He taught him how to negotiate.
How to recognize betrayal.
How to survive.
Damen trusted him.
More than almost anyone.
Now he sat across from his uncle in a private office overlooking the Chicago River.
Vittorio smiled.
"You're distracted."
Damen said nothing.
His uncle poured whiskey.
"Problems with the Giordano wedding?"
Damen watched him.
"Serena is alive."
The glass stopped halfway to Vittorio's mouth.
For one second, his expression changed.
Then he recovered.
"Impossible."
Damen leaned forward.
"Is it?"
Vittorio set down the glass.
"Where did you hear this?"
"I saw her."
Silence.
Vittorio stared.
Then smiled faintly.
"That's extraordinary."
Damen studied him.
"You don't seem surprised."
His uncle shrugged.
"People make mistakes."
Damen's jaw tightened.
"Someone made my wife disappear."
Vittorio looked at him.
"Then find them."
Damen stood.
"I intend to."
He turned toward the door.
Then stopped.
"And Uncle?"
Vittorio looked up.
Damen's voice was quiet.
May you like
"If I discover you were involved, I won't protect you."
For the first time, Vittorio looked afraid.
