Chapter 8 - THE HOUSE AFTER FEAR
Vincent and Reynolds were charged.
Conspiracy.
Fraud.
Attempted murder.
Financial crimes.
Trust manipulation.
Other charges followed.
The Moretti name became front-page news for months.
Adrian could have fought everything.
Instead, he cooperated with investigations into the businesses Vincent exploited.
That cooperation also exposed some of Adrian’s own operations.
Not murder.
Not this conspiracy.
But enough.
He paid penalties.
Closed businesses.
Sold others.
Transferred day-to-day control of Moretti Holdings to a professional board.
Dante complained about committees.
Adrian complained more.
Titan approved because meetings meant Adrian stayed home.
Elena watched the estate change.
Fewer armed men indoors.
Staff could leave without permission.
Security rules became written instead of whispered.
Then she resigned.
Adrian read the letter twice.
“No.”
Elena raised an eyebrow.
He corrected himself.
“Why?”
“Better.”
She almost smiled.
“I was accepted into hospitality management training.”
He stared.
She had completed half a program years earlier.
Stopped when Mateo died.
Single mother.
Rent.
Life.
Now a Boston hotel group offered tuition assistance and full-time employment.
“Salary?”
“Higher.”
That hurt his pride for irrational reasons.
“Hours?”
“Better.”
“Benefits?”
“Also better.”
He sighed.
“You planned this answer.”
“I knew you’d interrogate me.”
“I do not interrogate.”
Elena stared.
“Fine.”
He hated that word now.
“Congratulations.”
Her face softened.
“Thank you.”
Then:
“Sophia will miss Titan.”
“Titan will miss Sophia.”
“What about you?”
The question slipped out.
Both became still.
Adrian looked toward the window.
“I’ll miss both of you.”
Elena’s heart moved in a way she did not appreciate.
But she smiled.
“We’re not leaving Massachusetts.”
May you like
He looked back.
“That helps.”
