Chapter 7 - THE REAL TARGET
Adrian had spent eleven years hiding from Luca.
That was his version of the story.
Matteo believed none of it.
I believed parts.
Abusers can still fear other abusers.
Monsters are rarely surrounded only by innocent people.
“Why would Luca want the Rossi bloodline gone?” I asked.
Adrian looked toward Matteo.
“Because your father killed ours.”
Matteo’s expression did not change.
Adrian continued.
“Twenty-six years ago, Vittorio Rossi and Carlo Bellini ran everything together.”
Elena closed her eyes.
She knew.
“Carlo wanted out,” Adrian said. “He had sons. He wanted legitimate businesses.”
Matteo looked at Elena.
“My father said Carlo betrayed him.”
“He did,” Elena whispered. “But not the way Vittorio claimed.”
Adrian continued.
“Your father ordered Carlo killed.”
Matteo remained still.
“Proof?”
Adrian reached inside his coat slowly and removed a cassette recorder.
“My father recorded Vittorio before the meeting.”
Matteo stared at it.
“Why didn’t Luca use this years ago?”
“Because revenge wasn’t enough.”
Adrian looked at me.
“He wanted Matteo to destroy himself first.”
Harper.
The affairs.
The paranoia.
The succession test.
The rerouted plane.
Every piece suddenly made sense.
Luca had not wanted Matteo dead quickly.
He wanted him isolated.
Distracted.
Without a wife.
Without loyal men.
Without an heir anyone trusted.
I looked at Adrian.
“And you?”
“I helped him at first.”
Matteo stepped forward.
I raised one hand.
He stopped.
That tiny act stunned both men.
Adrian looked at me.
“When Luca learned you had married Matteo, he thought it was fate.”
“Why?”
“Because I had already told him everything about you.”
My stomach tightened.
“Everything?”
“Your fears. Your habits. Your family. The fact that you forgive too easily.”
That hurt because it was true.
Adrian continued.
“Luca told me Matteo would eventually hurt you.”
Matteo’s jaw tightened.
“He was right,” I said.
Matteo looked at me.
I didn’t look away.
Adrian nodded.
“And once Matteo pushed you far enough, Luca planned to make sure you left carrying everything he needed.”
“What did he need from me?”
“Access.”
“To Matteo’s money?”
“No.”
Adrian looked toward the trust documents on the desk.
“To yours.”
I frowned.
“My money is legitimate.”
“That’s why he wants it.”
Matteo understood before I did.
“He needs clean capital.”
Adrian nodded.
“Luca’s been building a network outside Rossi control for years. But most of his assets are dirty or watched.”
I looked at the transfer confirmations.
“He expected me to move money after finding out about Harper.”
“Yes.”
My heart pounded.
“He knew I would leave.”
“He counted on it.”
“And the trust?”
“He expected you to use the same Boston attorney.”
I froze.
“How would he know my attorney?”
Adrian’s expression changed.
“That’s the problem.”
Matteo grabbed his phone.
“Who is it?”
May you like
Adrian answered:
“Your attorney works for Luca.”
