Chapter 4 - The Mafia Boss's Greatest Secret
The investigation led them to an abandoned monastery above the cliffs.
There, behind a false stone wall, they found dozens of files.
Names.
Photographs.
Payments.
Disappearances.
Isadora opened one folder.
Her mother's name was inside.
So was hers.
But beneath both names was another word.
SUCCESSOR.
“What does this mean?”
Gio took the file.
His face went pale.
“Your mother controlled the Rossi family's legitimate holdings.”
Isadora stared at him.
“My mother?”
“She wasn't just involved.”
Gio looked toward the ocean.
“She was the person my father trusted most.”
“Then why did he betray her?”
“He didn't.”
Vittorio's voice came from behind them.
“He tried to protect her.”
Gio turned.
Vittorio entered carrying an old leather briefcase.
“Your father discovered that someone inside the family was selling information to rival organizations.”
“Who?”
Vittorio looked at Isadora.
“Your mother.”
She froze.
“No.”
“She was framed.”
Vittorio opened the briefcase.
Inside was a recording.
Isadora pressed play.
Her father's voice filled the room.
“If anything happens to me, protect Elena Marino. She knows where the accounts are.”
Another voice followed.
Margaretta.
“Then kill her.”
Isadora covered her mouth.
Gio stared at the recorder.
His mother had ordered Elena's death.
His own mother.
Then the recording continued.
Margaretta said:
“And make sure Giovanni never learns he has a brother.”
The recording stopped.
Gio stood perfectly still.
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then he whispered:
“She destroyed my family.”
Vittorio corrected him.
“No.”
He looked at Isadora.
May you like
“She destroyed both families.”
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