Chapter 11 - THE PRICE OF THE TRUTH
Vivien refused to identify the people she claimed were still protecting my father's empire.
She demanded immunity, a new identity, and enough money to disappear.
I refused every demand.
"You're going to tell the truth," I said.
She smiled bitterly.
"You think truth is a weapon? It's a currency, Lorenzo. Everyone has a price."
"Not everyone."
She glanced toward the staircase, where Elena stood with Mia.
For one terrible second, I thought she might attempt something reckless.
Instead, she laughed.
"Your weakness has a name, doesn't it? A little girl with your brother's eyes."
I moved between Vivien and the stairs.
"Don't look at her."
"Why? Because she reminds you that your family isn't what you thought it was?"
"Because you have no right to speak about her."
Vivien's expression hardened.
She finally revealed that my father's former business partners had helped conceal Adrian's death. In exchange, they had received access to the family trust and protection from prosecution.
One of them was Senator Malcolm Reeves, a powerful political figure who had attended my father's funeral and publicly praised his legacy.
The second was a judge who had signed the amended medical records.
The third was a man whose name Vivien refused to say.
She insisted he controlled the remaining evidence.
Before I could press her further, the mansion's lights went out.
Gunshots shattered the silence outside.
Rocco shouted for everyone to get down.
I pulled Elena and Mia into the study while guards secured the corridors.
When the emergency lights came on, Vivien was gone.
So was the metal box containing my father's original ledgers.
On the desk, someone had left a photograph of Mia sleeping in her bed.
May you like
On its back were six words.
Bring the records, or lose her.
