Chapter 11 - The Man Who Sold His Own Blood
The evidence was impossible to ignore.
Dante's signature appeared on the transfer authorization, along with a confidential account number known only to three people.
Dante.
His attorney, Richard Coleman.
And his late father's former financial adviser.
Richard Coleman had served the Moretti family for twenty years.
He had attended Dante's wedding, celebrated Matteo's birthday, and stood beside Dante during every major business negotiation.
"Richard wouldn't do this," Dante said.
Sofia looked at him coldly.
"Then why did he pay Thomas?"
Dante took the phone and studied the transaction.
"Because someone cloned my authorization."
"Convenient," Sofia replied.
Elena stepped between them.
"Enough. We need the truth, not another family war."
Dante looked at her.
She could see the conflict in his eyes.
For years, he had believed his enemies were outside his home.
Now the danger was coming from people he had trusted.
They returned to the estate under heavy security.
Matteo refused to leave Sofia's side.
The two children sat together in the family room, looking through old photographs of their mother.
Elena watched them from the doorway.
"They're going to need time," she whispered.
Dante stood beside her.
"So will I."
He took her hand.
"Elena, there's something else you need to know."
She turned.
"What?"
"Before my father died, he created a private trust. It contained several properties, offshore accounts, and controlling shares in businesses he never officially disclosed."
"And?"
"If Sofia's children are alive, they're the rightful beneficiaries."
Elena frowned.
"Why would he leave everything to them?"
"Because he knew what he had done."
Before Dante could explain further, the front door opened.
Richard Coleman walked into the estate.
He looked perfectly composed in a navy suit, carrying a leather briefcase.
"Good evening, Dante."
Dante didn't stand.
"Sit down, Richard."
The attorney noticed Sofia.
His expression barely changed.
"Well. This is unexpected."
Sofia immediately recognized him.
"You're the man who visited my foster home."
Richard's hand tightened around the briefcase.
"I believe you're mistaken."
"You told my foster mother that my biological family was dangerous. You paid her to keep me away from them."
Dante slowly rose.
"Is that true?"
Richard sighed.
"I did what was necessary to protect this family."
"From what?"
"From your father."
The room went silent.
Richard placed a document on the table.
"Your father was preparing to transfer control of the organization to Sofia's children. He believed they were the only legitimate heirs capable of rebuilding the family."
Dante stared at him.
"So you killed them?"
"I arranged for them to disappear. Your father ordered the rest."
"Did you arrange Sofia's accident?"
Richard's expression hardened.
"She was becoming a liability."
Dante moved so quickly that two guards barely had time to react.
He grabbed Richard by the collar and slammed him against the wall.
"You killed my sister."
Richard smiled.
"No, Dante. Your father did."
Dante's grip tightened.
Then Richard whispered something that made him release the attorney.
"Your father didn't die of natural causes."
Elena's blood ran cold.
Richard adjusted his jacket.
"He was murdered. And the person who gave the order was standing beside his hospital bed."
Dante stepped backward.
"Who?"
May you like
Richard looked directly at him.
"You."
