Chapter 6 - THE RECORDING
The final piece of evidence came from an unexpected place.
Luca's old penthouse.
Nia had avoided returning there for years.
Every hallway contained memories she had tried to bury.
But behind a loose panel in the study, they discovered a small recording device.
It contained dozens of files.
One was dated eight years earlier.
The night Luca had divorced Nia.
They played it.
Luca heard his own father speaking.
“Tell my son she left because she couldn't have children.”
Another voice answered.
Victor.
“What if she tells him she's pregnant?”
Anthony responded:
“Then we make sure he never receives the message.”
Nia covered her mouth.
Luca looked devastated.
But the recording continued.
Victor said:
“And if she has the children?”
Anthony's voice became cold.
“Then protect them.”
Nia looked at Luca.
For the first time, she understood.
Anthony had initially participated in the deception because he believed Nia was part of a scheme.
Then he discovered the truth.
But by then, Victor had already taken control.
Another voice appeared.
Evelyn.
“I can't do this anymore.”
Victor answered:
“You will.”
The recording ended.
Luca looked at Eva.
“You knew.”
“I suspected.”
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“Because Victor threatened to kill you.”
Nia stood.
“Where is he?”
No one answered.
Then the front door opened.
Victor walked inside.
He wasn't carrying a weapon.
He looked exhausted.
“I came to surrender.”
Luca stepped toward him.
“You destroyed my family.”
Victor lowered his eyes.
“I know.”
“You stole millions.”
“I know.”
“You lied about my children.”
“I know.”
“Why?”
Victor finally looked at Nia.
“Because your father left something behind that could expose all of us.”
“What?”
Victor pulled a flash drive from his pocket.
“Proof that the Moretti empire was built on stolen technology.”
Nia stared.
“Whose technology?”
Victor answered:
“Your father's.”
The truth was even bigger than the inheritance.
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Their entire fortune had been built on intellectual property stolen from Nia's family.
And now the evidence was in her hands.
