Chapter 9 - THE BETRAYAL INSIDE THE FAMILY
The financial investigation revealed something Vincent had never suspected.
Anthony Bell had been moving money through several companies connected to Vincent's shipping operations.
But Bell wasn't working alone.
The transactions led to Vincent's cousin, Marco Romano.
Marco had grown up beside Vincent.
They had attended the same schools.
Buried the same relatives.
Built their businesses together.
Vincent had trusted him with access to accounts and personnel.
Now the records suggested Marco had helped Bell divert millions of dollars.
Ortega presented the findings carefully.
“Your wife noticed discrepancies.”
Vincent stared at the documents.
“She confronted them?”
“We believe so.”
“Did they kill her?”
Ortega didn't answer immediately.
“We're still establishing what happened.”
Vincent looked toward the window.
Marco had attended Catherine's funeral.
He had hugged Luca.
He had stood beside Vincent at the graveside and promised the family would always protect the boy.
Vincent felt sick.
That evening, Marco called.
“Vincent.”
His voice was casual.
“Been trying to reach you.”
Vincent looked at the phone.
“What do you want?”
“We need to talk.”
“About Catherine?”
Silence.
Then Marco said:
“You're making a mistake.”
Vincent closed his eyes.
“No.”
His voice was quiet.
“The mistake was trusting you.”
He ended the call.
Then forwarded the recording of the conversation to Ortega.
For the first time in his life, Vincent decided not to settle betrayal through violence.
May you like
He wanted the truth documented.
And he wanted the people responsible held accountable.
