Chapter 9 - THE MAN BEHIND THE MURDER
The truth emerged slowly.
Gabriel's investigation uncovered evidence connecting Elena Rossi's murder to a rival criminal organization that had operated in Sicily during the late 1990s.
The leader was a man named Carlo Ventresca.
Ventresca had wanted control of the Rossi shipping routes.
Elena had discovered evidence of his smuggling operations.
She planned to report them.
Before she could, she was killed.
Salvatore knew Ventresca was responsible.
But instead of revealing the truth, he allowed Antonino to believe he had ordered the murder.
Why?
Because Salvatore had made a secret agreement with Ventresca.
In exchange for leaving Gabriel and the Rossi businesses untouched, Salvatore agreed to remain silent.
Antonino never forgave him.
He fled Sicily.
And spent the rest of his life searching for Lucia.
Gabriel confronted his father.
“You let your brother believe you murdered his wife.”
Salvatore stared at the ceiling.
“I was trying to keep you alive.”
Gabriel shook his head.
“You were protecting your empire.”
The old man closed his eyes.
“Maybe.”
Gabriel stood.
“You destroyed your family to preserve your power.”
Salvatore said nothing.
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For the first time, Gabriel understood that his father wasn't invincible.
He was simply a frightened man who had spent his life making other people pay for his fear.
