Chapter 5 - The Fiancée's Real Mission
Luca reached the chapel in less than five minutes.
Vanessa stood beneath the stained-glass windows, holding a small iron key.
Beside her was Richard Cole.
The old lawyer looked pale but composed.
"Put the key down," Luca ordered.
Vanessa turned.
"Luca, you need to listen."
"That's what you've been saying since you entered my house."
Richard stepped forward.
"Mr. Moretti, this situation is more complicated than you understand."
Luca raised his gun.
"Then explain it quickly."
Vanessa looked at him.
"I didn't come into your life for your money."
He laughed without humor.
"You wore a diamond ring paid for by my father while planning to steal his family records."
"I came because my grandmother was dying."
"Your grandmother is alive."
"Because I found her."
Luca's expression changed.
Vanessa continued.
"She told me everything. She told me Alessandro stole her son. She told me Elena helped him. I wanted to find Adrian and bring him home."
"Then why did you agree to marry me?"
"Because Richard told me the chapel documents were the only proof that Adrian had a legitimate claim to the family."
Luca glanced at the lawyer.
"You're using her."
Richard's face remained expressionless.
"Your father left instructions. The firstborn son was to inherit controlling ownership of the family holdings. You were never meant to become head of the organization."
Luca stepped closer.
"My father is dead. His instructions mean nothing."
Richard smiled.
"Not when the trust agreement says otherwise."
Vanessa held out the key.
"I was trying to get the records before Adrian did."
"Why?"
"Because he isn't the man you think he is."
Richard suddenly lunged toward her.
A gun appeared in his hand.
Marcus fired.
The shot struck Richard's shoulder, sending him crashing against the altar.
Vanessa screamed.
Luca rushed forward and kicked the gun away.
"Marcus, secure him!"
Richard groaned.
"You don't understand what you've done."
Luca crouched beside him.
"Then start talking."
The lawyer laughed weakly.
"Your father didn't die naturally."
Luca's expression turned cold.
"What?"
Richard looked at Vanessa.
"Tell him."
Vanessa began shaking.
"My grandmother told me that Alessandro was poisoned."
Luca stood.
"By whom?"
Vanessa looked directly at him.
"By Elena."
For a moment, the chapel was silent.
Then Luca grabbed Richard by the collar.
"You're lying."
Richard pulled a small recording device from his jacket.
"Your father recorded everything. Including the night Elena threatened to expose his second family."
Luca took the device.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I was paid to keep quiet."
"By whom?"
Richard smiled through the pain.
"Your brother."
Before Luca could question him further, a second gunshot echoed from outside.
Marcus rushed to the chapel entrance.
"Boss!"
A black SUV was speeding away from the mansion.
Luca recognized the driver.
Adrian.
May you like
He had come for the documents.
And he had taken Elena.
