Chapter 8 - THE WOMAN WHO KNEW THE TRUTH
The cassette contained my mother's voice.
I hadn't heard it in fourteen years.
When the recording began, I covered my mouth.
“My name is Isabella Romano Bennett.”
Her voice trembled.
“If this recording is found, it means I wasn't able to tell the truth myself.”
I began crying.
Dante sat beside me.
The recording continued.
“Lorenzo Moretti was murdered by someone he trusted.”
A pause.
“His brother, Vincenzo.”
Dante went rigid.
My mother's voice shook.
“Vincenzo arranged the killing to gain control of the family businesses. I discovered the payments. Elena Moretti helped me copy the records.”
I stared.
The recording continued.
“Vincenzo threatened my daughter. I had to disappear.”
My heart stopped.
Then my mother said something that made Dante's face drain of color.
“Olivia, if you ever hear this, I want you to know something.”
Her voice broke.
“You were never the reason I ran.”
I began sobbing.
“You were the reason I survived.”
The tape clicked.
Silence filled the room.
Dante sat motionless.
Then whispered, “My uncle.”
I looked at him.
May you like
He closed his eyes.
“The man who raised me.”
