Chapter 7 - THE FATHER MATTEO COULDN’T SAVEDaniel’s testimony confirmed Luca and Bianca had been stealing from Romano-controlled businesses for almost two years.
The original strategy was political as much as financial.
Matteo would marry Bianca.
The Carusos would gain influence inside Romano companies.
Compromised board members would weaken Matteo gradually.
Luca would position himself as the reasonable alternative.
But Daniel discovered something much older.
Seven years earlier, Matteo’s father had died when his car went off a rural road.
Everyone accepted mechanical failure.
Daniel’s records showed otherwise.
The crash had been arranged.
By Luca.
Matteo listened to the report without speaking.
When the call ended, he walked toward the windows.
“Leave.”
Emma remained where she was.
“Emma.”
“No.”
He turned.
Something behind his eyes cracked.
“My father trusted him.”
“I know.”
“He made me promise to protect Luca.”
His hands began shaking.
He immediately hid them behind his back.
Emma crossed the room and took one.
Matteo stared at their joined hands.
“I should have known.”
“You are not responsible for another man’s betrayal.”
“In my world, failing to see betrayal gets people killed.”
“And becoming a monster afterward won’t bring your father back.”
His gaze sharpened.
Emma held on.
“What does Luca expect you to do?”
Silence.
She answered.
“Pick up a gun.”
Matteo looked away.
“Become the grieving son he understands.”
“What do you expect?”
“A man strong enough to wait.”
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Matteo lifted her hand.
Pressed his forehead against her knuckles.
More intimate than a kiss.
The following afternoon, Sophia Romano disappeared.
Her abandoned car was found near the river.
A message arrived.
Bring the drive.
Come alone.
Emma found Matteo in his study loading a pistol.
“I’m coming.”
“No.”
“Your mother trusts me.”
“That’s why you’re staying.”
Emma stepped into his path.
“You called me family when it was convenient.”
“This is different.”
“You don’t get to announce I’m your fiancée to half of Chicago and then decide I become furniture when your family is in danger.”
“You could die.”
“So could Sophia.”
“Emma.”
“You’re afraid.”
“I’m not.”
She placed her palm over his chest.
His heart was pounding.
“You are terrified.”
“Of what?”
“Loving people.”
Matteo caught her wrist gently.
Emma continued.
“Because once someone matters, they can be used against you.”
His father.
Sophia.
Emma.
Every locked door inside him.
“If something happens to you—”
“Then make sure it doesn’t.”
The exchange was set for an abandoned church forty miles outside Chicago.
Matteo agreed Emma would remain in the armored vehicle.
Emma agreed too.
May you like
She meant it.
For approximately four minutes.
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