Chapter 13 - THE TRUTH ABOUT VICTOR HALE
Z
The investigation into Victor Hale continued for months.
Financial records connected his companies to suspicious payments from household accounts.
Additional evidence suggested attempts to influence Giovanni's trust arrangements.
Mrs. Gable's role became clearer as investigators reviewed documents and witness statements.
Brody's connection emerged through gambling debts.
He had borrowed money from people associated with Hale.
When he learned I was working at the Moretti estate, he tried to use that connection to gain favor.
But he had not expected Giovanni to remember me.
Or Lorenzo to return.
The authorities pursued the relevant allegations.
Those involved were given the opportunity to respond through counsel.
The legal process took time.
But the evidence gradually exposed the scheme.
Lorenzo refused to conceal wrongdoing.
He cooperated with the investigation.
Even when doing so brought uncomfortable attention to the Moretti family.
One evening, he sat beside Giovanni in the library.
“Dad.”
Giovanni looked up.
“It's almost over.”
The old man studied him.
Then typed:
GOOD.
Lorenzo smiled faintly.
“I should have protected you.”
Giovanni shook his head.
Then typed:
YOU ARE HERE NOW.
Lorenzo swallowed.
“I love you, Dad.”
Giovanni's eyes filled.
He slowly lifted his hand.
Lorenzo took it.
That evening, I arrived with Lily.
Giovanni smiled.
Lorenzo looked at me.
“Emma.”
I smiled.
“Hi.”
He stood.
“Can we talk?”
We stepped onto the terrace.
The air was warm.
The garden smelled of roses.
Lily slept inside with her grandfather and a caregiver nearby.
Lorenzo looked at me.
“I'm not the man I was when we met.”
I smiled.
“I know.”
He took a breath.
“But I'm still learning.”
I nodded.
“So am I.”
He stepped closer.
“Emma, I love you.”
My heart stopped.
He continued.
“I don't love you because you saved my father.”
Tears filled my eyes.
“I love you because you're brave. Because you're kind. Because you refuse to let cruelty make you cruel.”
I began crying.
He smiled sadly.
“I don't expect you to say it back.”
I shook my head.
“Lorenzo.”
He looked at me.
“I love you too.”
He stared.
May you like
Then smiled.
For the first time, he looked like a man who had been given something he never expected to deserve.
