Chapter 8 - THE BODYGUARD WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
Gabriel Torres had protected Matteo Rossi for twelve years.
He knew Matteo's schedule.
His business dealings.
His private residences.
His security passwords.
And almost every secret Matteo had ever tried to protect.
Now Sophia Moretti was accusing him of being a traitor.
Matteo stared at her.
"Do you have proof?"
Sophia opened a folder.
Inside were bank transfers to an offshore account registered under Gabriel's former military identification number.
Matteo's expression hardened.
"How did you get this?"
"I intercepted records from Meridian Capital."
"That doesn't prove he knowingly betrayed me."
Sophia nodded.
"Then ask him why Richard Vale paid him two million dollars last year."
Matteo looked at Isabella.
"Stay with Sophia."
He stepped into the hallway and called Gabriel.
"Come to the west sitting room."
"Yes, boss."
Matteo's voice remained calm.
But inside, something had begun breaking.
He was tired of betrayal.
Tired of discovering that loyalty could be purchased.
Tired of losing everyone he trusted.
Five minutes later, Gabriel entered.
Matteo placed the financial records on the table.
"Explain."
Gabriel looked down.
His expression changed.
"Where did you get these?"
"Does it matter?"
Gabriel said nothing.
"Did Richard Vale pay you?"
A long silence followed.
"Yes."
Matteo felt the answer like a physical blow.
"Why?"
Gabriel looked toward the door.
"Because my sister is being held by Vale's people."
Matteo froze.
"What?"
"Three years ago, she discovered financial irregularities at a medical research company connected to Meridian."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because Vale threatened to kill her if I involved you."
Matteo stared.
"What did you give him?"
"Your travel schedules. Some business correspondence. Nothing that would directly endanger you."
Matteo's voice became cold.
"You don't get to decide what betrayal means."
Gabriel lowered his eyes.
"I know."
"Where is your sister?"
"I don't know. They move her."
Matteo turned away.
For several moments, silence filled the room.
Then Isabella entered.
She had heard enough to understand.
"Matteo," she said quietly, "your father is being held. My father is being held. Gabriel's sister is being held."
Matteo looked at her.
"What are you saying?"
"Whoever is doing this survives by making everyone afraid to ask for help."
Gabriel's eyes filled with tears.
"I never wanted to betray you."
Matteo studied him.
Then made a decision.
"You're giving the investigators every document and message you have."
Gabriel nodded.
"Anything."
"And you're surrendering access to my security network."
"I understand."
Matteo took out his phone.
He contacted a federal investigator whose office had quietly been reviewing the Rossi financial records.
Then he looked at Gabriel.
"Help them find your sister."
Gabriel covered his face.
"Thank you."
But before anyone could respond, Sophia rushed into the room.
Her wedding veil was gone.
Her face was pale.
"Matteo, we have a problem."
"What?"
"My husband knows."
"Nicholas?"
She nodded.
"He found the documents."
Matteo reached for his phone.
Then every light in the estate suddenly went out.
The building plunged into darkness.
May you like
A terrified scream echoed from the ballroom.
And somewhere upstairs, a gunshot shattered the silence.
