Chapter 17 - THE LOYAL MAN WHO SOLD THEM OUT|
Nora did not want to believe Marcus was involved.
He had protected her since the night she spoke to Aurelio. He had found the stolen bracelet, traced the messages, and helped uncover the truth about the family.
But the photograph showed him meeting someone who worked for Salvatore.
Dante refused to dismiss the possibility.
“Marcus has been with the family for twelve years,” he said. “That doesn't make him innocent.”
“Could the photograph be staged?”
“Yes.”
“Then we need more than a photograph.”
Dante nodded.
They arranged a discreet review of the security logs. Marcus had accessed several restricted files during the previous month, including the records concerning Isabella's departure from Sicily.
He had also deleted a video from the mansion's east entrance.
When confronted, Marcus denied working for Salvatore.
“I met the man because he claimed he had information about the threat to your family,” he said. “I wanted to find out what he knew.”
“Why delete the footage?” Dante asked.
“Because the meeting would have looked suspicious.”
“It was suspicious.”
Marcus looked at Nora.
“I never intended to hurt you.”
“Then tell us the truth.”
He hesitated.
Finally, he admitted that Salvatore had paid him to monitor Dante's movements. Marcus had accepted the money after his younger brother was threatened. He had told himself that he was protecting his family by cooperating.
But he had not known about the murder plot until the night of the terminal.
“Why didn't you come to us?” Dante asked.
“Because I thought I could control the situation.”
Dante's expression hardened.
“That's what every traitor says.”
Marcus lowered his head.
“I know.”
Nora watched the exchange with a heavy heart. She had learned that fear could explain a betrayal without excusing it.
Dante ordered Marcus removed from security duty and handed over to investigators. He did not punish him privately, despite the temptation.
Instead, he provided the evidence and allowed the authorities to decide what happened next.
That evening, Nora visited Aurelio.
The old man was recovering from his injuries in a guarded suite. He asked her to sit beside him.
“I owe you an apology,” he said.
“You owe me several.”
He nodded.
“I cannot repair what happened to Isabella or Catherine. But I can help you recover what remains of your family.”
Nora looked at him.
“Family is not a debt you pay.”
“No. It is a choice you make.”
She thought about Dante, who had given her room to decide what she wanted, and about Salvatore, who believed blood gave him ownership.
“I don't know what I want yet.”
“Then take your time.”
Before she left, Aurelio handed her a small envelope.
Inside was a deed to a modest house in Brooklyn and a document establishing a trust to cover Isabella's medical expenses.
Nora stared at him.
“I can't accept this.”
“You can. The house belonged to Isabella before she left Sicily. Your grandfather arranged for it to be purchased here years ago, but she never knew.”
Nora held the papers.
For the first time, the Vescari name had offered her something without demanding obedience in return.
Then Aurelio's expression changed.
“There is one final truth you need to hear.”
He looked toward the door.
“Salvatore has a son.”
Nora frowned.
“Who?”
May you like
Aurelio whispered a name.
“Dante.”
