Chapter 8 - THE FAMILY NAME THAT STOPPED BEING ENOUGH
Enzo eventually admitted the financial scheme.
Not immediately.
But documents don't become less persuasive because someone refuses to look at them.
He had siphoned money through reconstruction contracts for four years.
Some had been intended for communities still rebuilding after hurricanes.
That made Vincent angrier than the theft itself.
“You stole from people replacing roofs.”
Enzo looked down.
“You've done worse.”
Possibly.
Vincent did not deny it.
“That doesn't make this acceptable.”
Then Enzo said something Vincent couldn't forget.
“You taught us that money matters more than rules.”
Silence.
Not absolution.
But truth.
Vincent had spent two decades building an organization where success excused methods.
Enzo simply applied the lesson inside the family.
That recognition led to the hardest decision Vincent made.
He began separating Castellano Holdings from criminal operations.
Warehouses audited.
Port businesses restructured.
Cash-heavy companies sold or closed.
Some associates walked away.
Some threatened.
Authorities became involved in several historical matters.
Vincent's fortune shrank.
His sleep improved.
Marcus asked:
“You sure this is what you want?”
Vincent looked toward the office doorway.
The same doorway Adeline had pushed open with a stuffed alligator.
“No.”
Then:
“Do it anyway.”
May you like
Power had once meant making everyone obey.
Now Vincent was learning that sometimes power meant ending a system that benefited you.
