Chapter 13
The federal investigation moved with unprecedented speed over the following weeks.
With Julian’s master ledger and Emma’s digital forensic work, the entire criminal network surrounding Meridian Trust was dismantled piece by piece.
Corrupt politicians resigned, shell companies were seized by the Treasury Department, and Bellanova was cleared of any wrongdoing by the state liquor authority.
Emma returned to her Columbia law classes, though her life was no longer ordinary.
Reporters occasionally staked out her campus lectures, eager to interview the law student who had helped bring down one of New York’s most notorious syndicates.
She ignored them all, focusing entirely on her constitutional law exams.
On a crisp Friday afternoon, as she walked down the stone steps of the law library, a familiar black sedan idly waited at the curb.
The rear door opened.
Dante stepped out, wearing his signature charcoal suit.
He didn't look like a hunted man anymore.
He looked like a man who finally owned his world.
Emma walked over to the car, stopping just short of the open door.
“Are you stalking me, Mr. Vance?” Emma asked playfully, crossing her arms.
“I’m offering you a professional consultation,” Dante corrected with a faint smile.
“Oh? And what does the consultation entail?”
“My legal counsel retired unexpectedly,” Dante said smoothly, gesturing to the interior of the car. “And I happen to know a brilliant second-year law student who specializes in corporate restructuring and white-collar defense.”
Emma looked at the car, then back at the library steps where her future lay wide open.
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“My hourly rate is very high,” Emma warned.
“Name your price,” Dante replied.
