Chapter 6 - The Brother's Betrayal
The revelation hung in the air like toxic smoke, poisoning every breath we took in that office.
Damian stood perfectly still, processing the horrific reality that his own stepbrother had masterminded this cruelty.
Lorenzo wanted the Caruso empire for himself, and a legitimate heir would have cemented Damian’s absolute control.
So, Lorenzo orchestrated a tragedy, ensuring the biological heir died, and replaced her with a peasant’s child.
He assumed the truth would never be discovered, and that my baby would just be a pawn in his sick game.
"Lorenzo threatened to kill my family if I didn't comply," Dr. Vance whimpered, wiping his sweaty brow.
"He knew the surrogate's baby was failing, so when this woman came in, he ordered the swap."
I stepped forward, unable to contain the absolute, burning wrath of a mother who had been robbed.
I grabbed the heavy glass paperweight from his desk and slammed it violently onto the floor near his feet.
"You let me mourn a pile of fake ashes for two years!" I screamed, tears of pure rage streaming down my face.
"You destroyed my life for a paycheck, and you expect us to feel sorry for you?!"
Dr. Vance cowered, covering his head with his arms as if expecting a physical blow.
Damian gently placed his hand on my shoulder, his touch surprisingly warm and grounding amidst the chaos.
"He is not worth your energy, Elara," Damian said softly, pulling me back from the trembling coward.
Damian turned his cold, dead eyes back to the doctor, who was desperately praying for mercy.
"You will sign a full, detailed confession documenting Lorenzo's involvement in this crime," Damian ordered smoothly.
"And then, you will turn yourself into the federal authorities and spend the rest of your miserable life in a cage."
Dr. Vance nodded vigorously, too terrified to argue with the mafia king's decree.
"If you ever try to run, or if you warn Lorenzo that I know the truth, I will find you."
Damian didn't need to finish the threat; the lethal promise in his eyes was absolutely clear.
We walked out of the hospital, the heavy burden of the truth pressing firmly upon our shoulders.
When we climbed back into the armored SUV, Damian didn't order the driver to head back to the estate.
"Take us to the safehouse in the mountains," Damian commanded his driver, checking his loaded weapon.
I looked at him in surprise, my protective instincts instantly flaring up for my daughter.
"Why aren't we going back to Leah?" I asked, a fresh wave of panic gripping my chest.
"I already ordered my men to move Leah and Maria to the safehouse," Damian explained calmly.
"Lorenzo has spies within my organization. The moment I strike against him, the estate will become a warzone."
He looked at me, a profound, undeniable sincerity shining in his dark, storm-filled eyes.
"I failed to protect my biological child, Elara. I will not fail to protect you and Leah."
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I swallowed hard, realizing that our lives were now inextricably, permanently tied together.
We were driving into a war, but for the first time in two years, I didn't feel completely alone.
