Chapter 8 - THE BETRAYAL INSIDE THE FAMILY
The truth about Sophia's death began with a financial audit.
My cousin Marco had managed several of our shipping businesses.
For years, I'd trusted him.
He had grown up beside me.
Eaten at my mother's table.
Called Sophia his sister.
But the audit uncovered payments to shell companies connected to the men suspected of arranging the explosion.
Luca brought the documents to my office.
“Alessandro.”
I looked up.
His expression told me everything.
“Marco?”
He nodded.
I stared at the papers.
“No.”
Luca said nothing.
“Not Marco.”
He placed another document on the desk.
A transfer authorization.
Marco's signature.
Dated four days before Sophia died.
I felt the room tilt.
“Why?”
“We don't know.”
I stood.
Then sat again.
For the first time in my life, I was afraid of what I might do if I moved too quickly.
Luca watched me.
“What do you want?”
I looked at Sophia's photograph.
Then at the letter beside it.
Teach him that strength means making people feel safe.
I closed my eyes.
“Call the attorneys.”
Luca nodded.
“And the investigators.”
He looked surprised.
May you like
I met his eyes.
“I'm done burying the truth.”
