Chapter 9 - THE FATHER WHO BUILT A PRISON
Salvatore Moretti had spent decades building an empire of secrets.
He used legitimate businesses to conceal illegal financial activity.
He manipulated family members.
He forged documents.
And he treated loyalty as something he could purchase or demand.
The investigation uncovered evidence that he had attempted to gain control of Bennett Atlantic Holdings through fraudulent transfers.
It also revealed that Luca's supposed death had been staged after threats against his life.
Salvatore had believed fear would keep his sons obedient.
Instead, his own actions had driven them away.
Dante testified through the appropriate legal process.
He provided records.
Communications.
Financial information.
He also accepted scrutiny over his own involvement in the organization.
For the first time, he stopped pretending that being a Moretti meant he was above consequences.
When Miriam told me about the proceedings, I listened quietly.
"Do you think he'll go to prison?" I asked.
"Salvatore?"
"Both of them."
Miriam paused.
"I can't predict the outcome."
I nodded.
"Fair."
She continued.
"But Dante's cooperation is significant."
I looked toward Isabella sleeping in her crib.
"Good."
Miriam hesitated.
"Elena, he asked about her."
My chest tightened.
"What did he ask?"
"Whether she's healthy. Whether she's sleeping. Whether she likes being held."
I smiled sadly.
"She loves being held."
Miriam nodded.
"Would you like me to tell him?"
I looked at my daughter.
Then said:
"Yes."
It wasn't forgiveness.
It wasn't reconciliation.
May you like
It was simply the beginning of allowing Isabella's father to know something about her.
And for now, that was enough.
