Chapter 7 - THE NIGHT DANTE FINALLY CHOSE HIS WIFE
Dante learned about the hidden compartment two days later.
Margaret Ellis contacted Samuel.
She explained that Richard Vale had used the emerald pendant to conceal information about financial accounts.
The necklace had belonged to Dante's mother.
Richard believed it would remain within the family.
But he had underestimated Edward Harrington.
Dante met Margaret in his library.
She handed him copies of the account records.
"The originals may be gone," she said.
Dante studied the numbers.
"What do they prove?"
"That the Harrington family diverted money from joint shipping ventures."
"How much?"
Margaret hesitated.
"Millions."
Dante leaned back.
"And my father knew."
"Yes."
"Why didn't he report it?"
Margaret looked down.
"He was involved in some of the transactions."
The admission struck him.
Dante had spent years defending his father's reputation.
Now he was learning that Richard had been both victim and participant.
That evening, Edward Harrington called.
"Dante."
"Edward."
"We need to settle this privately."
Dante stared at the lake beyond his office window.
"Settle what?"
"The misunderstanding at the gala."
"There was no misunderstanding."
Edward sighed.
"Celeste was emotional."
"She humiliated my wife."
"Your wife is making this difficult."
Dante felt something inside him turn cold.
"No."
Edward paused.
"What?"
"My wife has done nothing wrong."
A silence.
Then Edward laughed.
"You sound sentimental."
Dante looked at the photograph of Isabella on his desk.
"Perhaps."
Edward's voice hardened.
"You know what happens if you break the agreement."
"Yes."
"You'll lose access to the ports."
"Then I'll find others."
"Your investors will panic."
"Then I'll speak to them."
"You'll destroy years of work."
Dante closed his eyes.
For eighteen months, he had told himself he was protecting his marriage by keeping business problems away from Isabella.
Now he understood that his silence had been protecting the wrong people.
He opened his eyes.
"Edward, listen carefully."
"I'm listening."
"Your daughter will never stand beside me as my wife."
Edward said nothing.
Dante continued.
"And if anyone connected to your family contacts Isabella or attempts to access her medical information again, my attorneys will respond."
Edward's voice became dangerous.
"You'll regret this."
Dante looked at the photograph.
"No."
May you like
He took a breath.
"I've already regretted enough."
