Chapter 2 - The Skeleton in the Moretti Family Vault
The tension in the banquet hall became suffocating. Two of Luca’s armed bodyguards immediately shifted their weight near the double doors, blocking every possible exit route. In the Moretti domain, nobody defied the boss, and nobody threatened a family member under his roof.
“Richard,” Luca’s voice dropped to a terrifying whisper as he turned to face Vanessa's father. “Is that true?”
Richard Bellini tried to maintain his composure, straightening his silk tie. “Luca, think about our business alliance. The Bellini shipping ports combined with your northern territories—we are building an empire. Are you really going to let a maid's gossip destroy months of negotiations?”
“Answer the question,” Luca repeated, taking a slow, deliberate step forward. The aura of absolute power radiating from him made half the guests flinch. “Were you planning to force my brother out of Chicago?”
Michael stared at Richard in disbelief. “You... you set me up. You told me Luca was auditing my accounts and that my life was in danger if I didn't take the buyout and leave town tonight.”
Vanessa rushed forward, grabbing Luca’s arm with manic desperation. “Darling, please! He’s just protecting our future! Michael has been reckless with syndicate funds, and my father only wanted to clean up the family's liabilities before our wedding!”
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Luca slowly turned his head to look at Vanessa. His expression was so devoid of emotion that it made her recoil in horror. He didn't pull away from her touch immediately, but the look in his eyes told everyone that Vanessa had just crossed an invisible line from which there was no return.
“Liabilities?” Luca said softly, his voice like cracking ice. “Michael is my blood. Nobody touches my family. And nobody makes deals behind my back in my own house.”
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