Chapter 14 - PLAN TWO
If Matteo’s health declined, if he suffered a long incapacity, or if he died unexpectedly, Vittorio wanted legal documents ready before anyone else could react.
Forged documents.
Pre-signed approvals.
A fake marital amendment.
But Paul’s statement introduced a darker possibility.
Vittorio had already once ordered a “warning” that killed a man.
Rachel said what everyone was thinking.
“People who normalize dangerous accidents eventually stop caring how accidental the outcome is.”
Matteo canceled the wedding publicly.
The press exploded.
He released one sentence:
The ceremony will not proceed due to serious legal matters under investigation.
He released no details about Elena or Mia. Elena had asked for privacy, and he gave it.
That afternoon, she came to his office.
“I’m resigning.”
Matteo looked up.
“Why?”
“Because every hallway in this house reminds Mia of Bianca.”
“I can move you to another property.”
“That’s still your property.”
He understood.
“What do you need?”
“A reference.”
“That’s all?”
“And the wages I’m owed.”
He almost smiled.
“Of course.”
She continued.
“You keep trying to solve everything by giving people something.”
He leaned back.
“That bad?”
“Sometimes.”
“What should I do instead?”
“Listen when someone tells you what they need.”
He looked at her.
“What do you need?”
“A month somewhere safe. Then a job where Mia does not have to be grateful to anyone for letting us stay.”
Matteo nodded.
“I can arrange legal support without tying it to employment.”
“Yes.”
“And your choice of reference wording.”
“Yes.”
He started writing.
Then Elena placed the brass key on his desk.
“You should keep this.”
“No.”
“It belongs to your family.”
Matteo pushed it back.
“It belonged to Marco.”
Her eyes filled.
Before she could answer, Dominic entered.
“Matteo.”
“What?”
“Vittorio escaped transport.”
Elena’s face drained.
May you like
Dominic continued.
“And Mia’s school bus route was found in his car.”
