Chapter 10 - THE BROTHER WHO WANTED THE THRONE
Dante Moretti had no brothers.
That was the first thing Alessia thought when Bianca said someone inside the family had ordered Salvatore's death.
Dante stared at his mother.
"Who?"
Bianca's eyes filled with tears.
"Your uncle."
Dante went still.
"Uncle Franco?"
She nodded.
Franco Moretti had been Salvatore's younger brother.
For fifteen years, he had managed several businesses outside Chicago.
He attended family holidays.
Sent birthday gifts.
And called Dante every anniversary of Salvatore's death.
Dante slowly stood.
"Franco?"
Bianca nodded.
"He wanted control of the business empire. Salvatore discovered that Franco and Lorenzo were diverting company funds."
Dante stared at her.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I tried."
Her voice broke.
"After Salvatore died, Franco told me you would be next if I spoke."
Alessia squeezed Bianca's hand.
"Then what happened?"
"I began collecting evidence. Rosa helped me. We planned to contact the authorities."
Dante's expression hardened.
"Bellini discovered the plan."
Bianca nodded.
"One night, Dr. Hale arrived at the mansion. He said I needed treatment for a medical emergency."
She wiped her tears.
"I woke up here."
Dante closed his eyes.
For eleven years, his mother had been confined under a false identity.
While Franco attended family dinners.
While Bellini managed his finances.
While everyone told him Bianca was dead.
He looked toward the window.
"I trusted them."
Alessia stood beside him.
"That's what they counted on."
He turned toward her.
For a moment, his expression softened.
Then Rebecca entered.
"We've notified investigators about Franco."
Dante nodded.
"Good."
Rebecca continued.
"There's something else. The financial records show Bellini and Franco were planning another transfer."
Dante frowned.
"What transfer?"
"Control of several Moretti-owned companies."
"When?"
"Within the next seventy-two hours."
Alessia felt cold.
Dante looked at his attorney.
"Using what authority?"
Rebecca hesitated.
"A power-of-attorney document."
He stared.
"I never signed one."
"That's what concerns us."
Rebecca placed a copy on the table.
Dante's name appeared at the bottom.
The signature looked convincing.
But the date was wrong.
It had been signed while Dante was hospitalized after a car accident three years earlier.
He shook his head.
"I was unconscious."
Rebecca nodded.
"Then the document may be fraudulent."
Bianca gripped her son's hand.
"Franco won't stop."
Dante looked at her.
"He doesn't have a choice anymore."
But before they could discuss the next steps, Marco called.
His voice was urgent.
"Boss, Franco's men have entered the mansion."
Dante stood.
"Where are my staff?"
"Most are safe. But someone is missing."
Alessia felt her stomach drop.
"Who?"
Marco hesitated.
"Maria."
May you like
The young housekeeper who had packed Alessia's suitcase.
And according to the security footage, she had left the house carrying something wrapped in red fabric.
