Chapter 10 - The Truth About Isabella's Last Night
Z
The investigation took three weeks.
Independent financial analysts verified the ledger's contents. Investigators obtained bank records, security footage, and testimony from former employees of Northstar Logistics.
A former driver eventually came forward.
He had been paid to follow Isabella on the night of the crash. He had not caused the collision, he insisted, but he had witnessed a second vehicle following her along the highway.
He had kept quiet because Salvatore had threatened his family.
The evidence did not prove every detail of Isabella's death, but it established a pattern of intimidation and financial concealment that could no longer be dismissed.
Then investigators discovered an email Isabella had sent to Elena Bennett shortly before the accident.
If anything happens to me, please make sure Dominic understands that the truth is not an excuse to become his father. He can protect his family without repeating the cruelty that has haunted it.
Chloe read the message in silence.
Her mother had not been trying to destroy the Russo family.
She had been trying to save it from the inside.
Rachel explained that the evidence would be presented to prosecutors, and that Dominic might face scrutiny for his own business dealings.
He did not object.
“I'll cooperate,” he said. “Everything they need.”
Leo looked surprised.
“Even if they investigate the organization?”
“Especially then.”
Dominic knew that choosing lawful accountability could cost him money, influence, and the loyalty of people who had benefited from the old system.
He also knew he could no longer demand that Mia grow up believing honesty mattered while he protected every secret that contradicted it.
At home, Mia continued working with her communication specialist.
Some days she signed constantly. Other days she preferred pictures or typed words on a tablet. She had begun telling Dominic when she was overwhelmed, and he had learned to ask before touching her.
One afternoon, she placed a drawing on his desk.
It showed the three of them sitting beneath a tree.
Chloe was holding a book.
Dominic was holding Mia's hand.
Above them, a bright yellow sun filled the page.
Mia pointed to the drawing of Chloe and signed:
Happy.
Dominic smiled.
“Are you happy when Chloe is here?”
Mia nodded vigorously.
Then she pointed to him.
“Papa happy.”
He looked at his daughter.
“Yes,” he signed. “Papa is happy too.”
That evening, Dominic asked Chloe to walk with him through the garden.
“I need to tell you something,” he said.
She stopped beside the fountain.
“Is it about the investigation?”
“Partly.”
He took a breath.
“I want you to keep working with Mia, but only if that's what you want. I'll pay you for your time, and you'll have a written agreement that protects your independence. You won't be expected to live here, abandon your job, or make decisions about your life around mine.”
Chloe looked at him carefully.
“That sounds reasonable.”
“There's something else.”
His voice softened.
“I care about you.”
Her heart gave an uncomfortable little leap.
“Dominic—”
“I know. I know you have reasons to be cautious. I'm not asking you to answer me tonight. I only want you to know that I don't see you as an employee or a solution to my daughter's problems.”
He paused.
“I see you as a woman I admire.”
Chloe looked away toward the darkening trees.
She had not expected honesty to feel more frightening than a lie.
“I care about you too,” she admitted. “But I won't become another secret in a powerful man's life.”
“You won't.”
“And I won't stay because I'm afraid of what happens if I leave.”
“Then stay only if you want to.”
She looked at him.
For once, there was no demand hidden inside his words.
Only a choice.
Chloe smiled.
“I'm not ready to promise anything.”
Dominic nodded.
“That's enough for now.”
Across the garden, Mia watched them through the glass doors.
She picked up her tablet and typed a message.
May you like
ABOUT TIME.
Then she giggled silently at her own joke.
