Chapter 8 - MATTEO’S LAST CARD
Matteo was not finished.
Losing the trust meant losing power.
Losing power meant desperation.
He contacted the press.
Anonymous leak.
Headline:
MAFIA EX-WIFE HID TRIPLETS FOR FIVE YEARS, NOW CONTROLS CROSS FORTUNE
My photograph appeared beside Gabriel’s.
The boys’ school name was almost published before Rachel threatened emergency legal action.
I was furious.
Not because people judged me.
Because my children became content.
Gabriel wanted to retaliate.
Legally, he said.
His face suggested other possibilities.
“Do nothing.”
He stared.
“Claire.”
“Nothing publicly.”
“He exposed our sons.”
“And screaming makes them more interesting.”
He hated that I was right.
Again.
The story burned for four days.
Then Serena did something unexpected.
She gave an on-record interview through her lawyer.
Not gossip.
A sworn public statement distributed alongside court documents.
She admitted she intercepted the pregnancy report.
Admitted Matteo encouraged concealment.
Admitted I had never sought Cross money.
Admitted Gabriel did not know the children existed.
And stated that I had lived independently for five years without requesting a dollar.
The narrative changed.
Not completely.
Internet strangers remained internet strangers.
But the factual record mattered.
Matteo responded badly.
He threatened Serena.
Text.
Then voicemail.
Evidence.
Very convenient.
His attorneys hated him.
Investigators loved him.
Matteo was eventually charged with trust fraud, intimidation, and financial offenses connected to his handling of Cross entities.
Gabriel did not arrange the arrest.
Did not threaten witnesses.
Did not send men.
He attended court like everyone else.
After Matteo was taken into custody, Gabriel sat in the hallway beside me.
“He’s my brother.”
“Half-brother.”
“That doesn't make it easier.”
“No.”
“My father loved him.”
“I know.”
“He raised us to compete.”
Gabriel stared at his hands.
“I thought I was protecting Matteo for years.”
“How?”
“Giving him positions. Money. Authority.”
“Maybe you were feeding the competition.”
He looked at me.
“Yes.”
Then:
“Do you hate Serena?”
I thought.
“No.”
He seemed surprised.
“I did.”
“What changed?”
“She told the truth when lying would have been easier.”
Gabriel nodded.
“Would you forgive her?”
“Not my job.”
He understood.
Serena had harmed him too.
He could decide what forgiveness meant.
“I don't think I want her back in my life.”
“That’s allowed.”
“I loved her.”
“I know.”
He looked at me.
“Does that hurt?”
Honest question.
I answered honestly.
“Less than it used to.”
Gabriel nodded.
Then:
“I’m sorry.”
“For loving her?”
“No.”
“For making you discover it the way you did.”
May you like
That mattered more.
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