Chapter 7 - THE LAWYER WHO KNEW EVERY SECRET
Anthony Bellini had been Marcus Falcone's attorney and consigliere for fifteen years.
He'd negotiated contracts.
Settled disputes.
Protected family interests.
And sat beside Marcus at every major decision.
Now evidence suggested he had helped Isabella Cross plan the disappearance of Elena and her newborn sons.
Marcus couldn't believe it.
"Anthony?" he whispered.
Detective Morris answered.
"His name appears on the draft guardianship documents and several financial transfers."
Marcus closed his eyes.
Another betrayal.
Another person he'd trusted.
He thought about the dinner table.
Anthony sitting beside him.
Reviewing the family restructuring.
Making calm suggestions.
Acting as though everything was ordinary.
All while two newborn boys were being separated from their mother.
Marcus felt sick.
"Has he been detained?"
"Investigators are attempting to locate him."
Marcus nodded.
"I'll cooperate fully."
That afternoon, Elena arrived at St. Agnes under medical supervision.
Marcus waited outside her room.
When the doctor confirmed she was ready for a brief visit, he entered slowly.
She lay beneath a white blanket.
Her dark hair was spread across the pillow.
She looked exhausted.
But alive.
When she saw him, tears filled her eyes.
"Marcus?"
He stopped.
"Elena."
For several seconds, neither moved.
Then she began crying.
He approached carefully.
"I'm so sorry."
She shook her head.
"Where are my babies?"
His throat tightened.
"They're alive."
Her face changed.
"Both?"
"Both."
She covered her mouth.
"Oh, God."
Marcus knelt beside her bed.
"Matteo and Gabriel are safe. They're being cared for here."
Elena began sobbing.
"I thought they'd killed Gabriel."
Marcus took her hand.
"No."
She gripped his fingers.
"Isabella told me he died."
Marcus shook his head.
"She lied."
Elena closed her eyes.
For several minutes, she cried.
Marcus stayed beside her.
Then she whispered:
"Marcus, I tried to tell you."
His chest tightened.
"About what?"
"Isabella."
"I know."
"No."
Elena opened her eyes.
"You don't understand."
Marcus leaned closer.
"Then tell me."
Elena swallowed.
"She came to see me two months ago."
He went still.
"What did she say?"
"She told me you'd ordered her to arrange my disappearance."
Marcus stared.
"I never did."
"I know that now."
Tears filled her eyes.
"But she showed me documents with your signature."
Marcus closed his eyes.
Forged documents.
Another part of the scheme.
Elena continued.
"She said if I stayed, you would take the babies from me."
Marcus shook his head.
"Never."
"I was terrified."
"I know."
Then Elena looked directly at him.
"Marcus, Isabella didn't want to become their mother."
He frowned.
"What?"
"She wanted control of their inheritance."
Marcus sat back.
"What inheritance?"
Elena hesitated.
"Your father left a private trust."
Marcus went still.
"My father?"
Elena nodded.
"Isabella discovered it through Anthony."
Marcus's stomach tightened.
He knew about several family trusts.
But not one connected specifically to unborn grandchildren.
Elena continued.
"The trust becomes active when the first male descendant of your generation is born."
Marcus stared.
"How much?"
She looked frightened.
"Two hundred million dollars."
Silence.
Then Elena added:
"And Isabella believes that if both babies disappear, the money transfers to a second beneficiary."
Marcus slowly stood.
"Who?"
Elena looked toward the door.
May you like
Then whispered:
"Anthony Bellini's daughter."
