Chapter 5 - THE MAN WHO STOLE TWENTY-TWO YEARS
Vittorio Moretti was seventy-one.
He lived in a gated estate outside the city.
He still wore expensive suits.
Still attended charity galas.
Still pretended to be a respectable businessman.
And he had spent twenty-two years believing his greatest secret was buried.
Until Salvatore appeared at his door.
Vittorio smiled.
“Salvatore.”
Salvatore didn't smile.
“Where were you in November 2003?”
Vittorio's expression changed.
“What?”
“The night my car exploded.”
Silence.
Salvatore stepped closer.
“You told Roman I was dead.”
Vittorio went pale.
Salvatore continued.
“You told me she stole from the family.”
His voice was dangerously quiet.
“And you knew she was pregnant.”
Vittorio looked away.
“Salvatore—”
“Answer me.”
Vittorio swallowed.
“I was protecting the family.”
Salvatore stared.
“From a woman I loved?”
“She was dangerous.”
“No.”
Salvatore stepped forward.
“She knew you were stealing.”
Vittorio's hands trembled.
Salvatore continued.
“And instead of facing what you'd done, you destroyed our lives.”
Vittorio lowered his eyes.
For the first time, he had no answer.
Salvatore looked at him.
“You took twenty-two years from me.”
His voice broke.
“You took my daughter.”
Vittorio whispered, “I didn't know she'd survive.”
Salvatore froze.
“What?”
Vittorio realized his mistake.
Too late.
Salvatore stared at him.
“You didn't know who would survive?”
Vittorio said nothing.
Salvatore stepped backward.
The truth was worse than he'd imagined.
May you like
His uncle hadn't merely lied.
He had intended to kill Roman too.
