Chapter 5 - The Video from Sub-Level Two
Dante tapped the master control console on the orchestra podium, activating the gigantic 8K projection screens spanning the ballroom walls.
The screens illuminated with the high-definition surveillance feeds extracted from the terrace cameras twenty minutes prior.
Projected across forty feet of digital display was the crystal-clear footage of Celeste Moretti cornering Elena Vance near the edge of the infinity pool.
The audio roared through the concert hall’s surround sound speakers with horrifying, undeniable clarity.
On screen, Celeste could be seen violently grabbing Elena’s wrist, twisting her arm behind her back while shoving a set of legal papers into her face.
”Sign the irrevocable surrender of Maya’s trust fund, Elena, or I will have the child protective services take your bastard daughter to a state asylum tonight!” Celeste hissed on the recording.
Elena could be heard sobbing, her voice breaking through the speakers: ”I will never give you Marcus’s name, Celeste! I will scrub your floors until I die, but Marcus’s blood belongs to Maya!”
Then, the video showed Celeste sneering with sadistic fury, planting both hands squarely against Elena’s chest, and hurling her backward into the deep water.
The sickening splash and the subsequent laughter of the seventy guests echoed through the ballroom like an indictment from the heavens.
Several socialites in the back row began to weep in shame, covering their faces with their silk wraps to hide from the glaring screens.
Celeste stood paralyzed on the parquet floor, her mouth opening and closing in utter disbelief as her private extortion was broadcasted to the entire room.
“That video is an unlawful surveillance recording!” Celeste screamed, thrashing toward the stage.
“It is inadmissible in any court in this state!”
“This isn't a state court, Celeste,” Dante spoke, stepping down from the stage and walking toward her with absolute, unyielding dominance.
“This is the Moretti family tribunal.”
“And under our ancient blood charter, anyone who attempts to extort, starve, or murder the wife of a fallen commander is sentenced to total asset forfeiture and permanent exile.”
Dante signaled Leo Rossi, who stepped forward holding a pair of heavy, solid steel restraints.
“Leo, secure Miss Moretti in the subterranean holding vault beneath the docks,” Dante commanded.
“Strip her of her jewelry, freeze her domestic credit lines, and confiscate every electronic device registered to her name.”
“Dante, please! I am your cousin!” Celeste wailed, dropping to her knees on the parquet floor, clawing at his leather shoes.
“Our fathers built this empire together! You cannot treat me like a common street criminal!”
Dante looked down at her with cold, unyielding disgust, stepping back so her hands fell into the dust.
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“My father built this empire with honor, Celeste,” Dante said softly.
“You turned it into a slaughterhouse of greed, and tonight, you will sleep in the very cellar where you kept Elena for fourteen months.”
