Chapter 12 - THE BETRAYAL AT THE HEART OF THE EMPIRE
Carlo was arrested six weeks later.
Investigators alleged that he had participated in a conspiracy involving financial fraud, attempted murder, and intimidation of a witness.
Helena Voss was also charged in connection with the financial scheme and alleged conspiracy.
Both denied wrongdoing.
The proceedings attracted enormous public attention.
Matteo Costa, once believed to be untouchable, had nearly died inside his own estate.
And the woman whose observations helped expose the suspected poisoning was a housekeeper earning barely enough to survive.
During the investigation, Matteo also faced scrutiny over his own businesses.
Some operations were legitimate.
Others were not.
For years, he had hidden criminal activity beneath layers of corporate structure.
Now the authorities were examining everything.
His attorney warned him.
"Cooperating won't erase your past."
Matteo nodded.
"I know."
"You may lose control of the company."
"I know."
"You could face charges yourself."
Matteo looked toward the window.
"Then I answer for what I've done."
The attorney studied him.
"Why now?"
Matteo was silent.
Then he said:
"Because I almost died surrounded by people who were too frightened to tell me the truth."
May you like
He looked down.
"And I don't want to live that way anymore."
