Chapter 12 - The Night Dante Chose the Truth Over the Family Name
Victor was arrested at dawn.
The charges concerned fraud and obstruction.
The fire investigation continued separately.
Dante handed over his family's ledgers.
He knew what that might cost him.
His companies would be audited.
Old alliances would collapse.
Men he once trusted would turn away.
I asked why he was doing it.
“Because your mother deserved better,” he said.
“And because I did wrong.”
He met Agent Reyes without his guards.
He answered questions for six hours.
He admitted ordering threats.
He agreed to cooperate.
He did not ask me to defend him.
That mattered more than flowers ever could.
I watched from the hallway as he left.
For once, he looked ordinary.
Tired.
Older than his years.
Not a king.
Just a man facing consequences.
He stopped beside me.
“I won't ask you to wait.”
“Good,” I said.
“I have my own life to build.”
May you like
He gave a small nod.
Then walked into the rain alone.
