Chapter 8 - THE BETRAYAL AT THE PIER
Dante refused to believe Adrian was responsible.
They had known each other since childhood.
Adrian had helped him survive a violent succession struggle after his father's death.
He knew Dante's businesses.
His weaknesses.
His secrets.
But the financial evidence was difficult to ignore.
Khloe's attorney arranged for the documents to be provided to federal investigators.
The records showed Adrian had approved shell-company payments using forged board resolutions.
Meridian Security created staged losses.
Northstar collected the proceeds.
Jared handled intimidation.
Vanessa concealed the transfers.
Adrian controlled the entire network.
Dante confronted him at a waterfront office.
Adrian smiled.
“You always were sentimental.”
Dante stared.
“Why?”
“Because you inherited everything.”
“We built these businesses together.”
“No. I built them. You inherited the name.”
Adrian admitted he intended to force Dante into financial collapse and acquire the legitimate companies through intermediaries.
Then he would control the port contracts.
Dante looked at him.
“You used people as disposable tools.”
Adrian shrugged.
“That's how your father built the empire.”
Dante felt the accusation land.
His father's methods had taught Adrian that fear was the foundation of power.
And Dante had spent years pretending he could keep the empire without preserving its worst habits.
Adrian reached for a gun.
Federal agents entered before he could fire.
Dante had agreed to cooperate with the investigation.
Adrian was arrested.
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But the conspiracy was not finished.
Jared was still missing.
