Chapter 13 - THE FALL OF THE BELLINI EMPIRE
The trials lasted more than a year.
Victor Bellini was convicted on multiple financial crimes.
Other charges were resolved through separate proceedings.
Several former executives pleaded guilty.
The hotel paid substantial restitution and penalties.
Roman's companies underwent restructuring.
Some businesses were sold.
Others closed.
The old gambling network was dismantled.
Roman lost much of the wealth his father had built.
He also lost the reputation that had once made people lower their voices when he entered a room.
At first, that felt like humiliation.
Then it felt like freedom.
***
Emily graduated with honors.
Samuel attended.
Walter brought flowers.
Luis cried.
Henry took photographs.
Roman sat quietly in the back row.
Emily saw him afterward.
“You came.”
He smiled.
“You invited me.”
“I wasn't sure you would.”
“I wouldn't miss it.”
She looked at him.
He looked different.
Still tall.
Still serious.
Still unmistakably Roman Bellini.
But the sharpness around him had softened.
“How's the hotel?” she asked.
“Still standing.”
“Barely?”
“Some days.”
She laughed.
Roman looked at her graduation certificate.
“What's next?”
Emily smiled.
“I accepted a position.”
His expression brightened.
“Where?”
“The Lakeshore Hospitality Cooperative.”
Roman nodded.
He knew the organization.
It helped smaller hotels develop fair labor practices and employee training programs.
“Director of Workforce Development,” Emily said.
Roman stared.
Then smiled.
“Emily.”
“What?”
“That's extraordinary.”
She laughed.
“It's a job.”
“It's a job you earned.”
Her eyes filled.
“Thank you.”
He looked at her for a long moment.
Then asked:
“Would you have dinner with me?”
Emily's heart accelerated.
“As what?”
Roman smiled.
“As two people who no longer work for the same company.”
She laughed softly.
“That sounds dangerously reasonable.”
“I'm trying something new.”
She considered him.
Then nodded.
“Yes.”
Roman's smile was small.
But genuine.
May you like
And Emily realized she had never seen him look happier.
---
