Chapter 12 - THE QUESTION BILLY FINALLY ASKED RAFE
Billy had trusted Rafe Santangelo more than she wanted to admit.
He'd defended her when everyone else stayed seated.
He'd arranged medical care.
Protected the documentary footage.
And allowed independent investigators to examine businesses connected to his own family.
Now Sabine was claiming Rafe had argued with Anna before her death.
Billy arrived at his office carrying a copy of the statement.
She didn't sit.
"Did you know my sister?"
Rafe looked up.
His expression changed.
"What?"
"Anna Ror."
He remained silent.
Billy's throat tightened.
"Did you meet her before she died?"
A long pause.
Then he nodded.
"Yes."
Her stomach dropped.
"You knew?"
"I met her once."
"And you didn't tell me?"
Rafe lowered his eyes.
"I didn't recognize her name when we first met. I remembered the meeting after seeing the workshop records."
Billy stared.
"When were you going to tell me?"
"I should have told you immediately."
"Yes."
She placed the statement on his desk.
"Sabine says you argued with Anna."
Rafe studied it.
Then closed his eyes.
"We did."
Billy felt sick.
"About what?"
"She came to my office demanding to know who controlled the foundation's shipping companies."
"And?"
"I told her to speak with Dominic."
Billy laughed bitterly.
"The same man she was afraid of?"
Rafe nodded.
"I didn't understand that then."
"Did she tell you?"
"She said the foundation was stealing designs and money. I thought she was describing a contract dispute."
Billy stepped backward.
"And you sent her back to the people she was accusing."
His face tightened.
"Yes."
For several seconds, Billy couldn't speak.
Then she whispered:
"My sister asked you for help."
Rafe nodded.
"And I failed her."
He didn't offer an excuse.
Didn't blame Sabine.
Didn't blame Anna.
He simply sat there, facing the truth.
Billy's eyes filled.
"I need time."
Rafe nodded.
"Take whatever time you need."
She turned toward the door.
Then stopped.
"One more question."
He looked up.
"Why were you engaged to Sabine?"
Rafe exhaled slowly.
"Our families' businesses were connected. I believed the marriage would stabilize several legitimate ventures."
Billy shook her head.
"Did you love her?"
A long silence.
Then Rafe answered.
"No."
Billy looked away.
For the first time, she understood how many lives had been shaped by powerful people treating marriage, loyalty, and reputation like business contracts.
She left without another word.
Three days later, investigators uncovered an archived call recording.
Anna had contacted Rafe's office on the night of her death.
The receptionist transferred her call.
But Rafe wasn't the person who answered.
Dominic Santangelo had intercepted it.
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And on the recording, Anna said seven words that changed the case.
"I know where Lorenzo Santangelo is hiding."
