A Wealthy Restaurant Owner Slapped a Seven-Month-Pregnant Waitress and Fired Her for Defending an Elderly Coworker—But When Her Estranged Mafia Boss Brother Saw the Video, He Discovered a Secret That Connected Her Dead Husband to the Man Who Had Humiliated Her The slap cracked across Natalie Parker's face so loudly that the violinist stopped playing.

The photograph became the next priority.

Natalie remembered the restaurant opening. She and Daniel had attended because Harbor Crest had invited several employees and their spouses. Daniel had introduced her to Anthony, who had been charming and generous that evening.

He had complimented her dress.

He had told Daniel that he was lucky.

At the time, Natalie had thought he was simply being friendly.

Now she wondered whether Anthony had already been hiding something.

Detective Hayes arranged a formal request for Bellissimo's office records and security footage. The restaurant owner was notified that evidence relevant to an investigation might be required.

Anthony's attorney responded within hours.

He denied wrongdoing and claimed the restaurant had no records connected to Daniel Parker.

The denial made Natalie even more suspicious.

Meanwhile, Dominic's team located Richard Bell's New Jersey property. The house was empty, but a neighbor confirmed that a man matching Richard's description had visited twice in the previous month.

One visit had taken place the night after Natalie was fired.

Alessandro was furious.

"He's watching her."

"Possibly," Dominic replied. "But we need evidence before making that claim."

"Then get it."

Natalie listened from the kitchen.

"Stop talking about me like I'm a package you need to protect."

Alessandro turned.

"I'm trying to keep you safe."

"Then listen to me. I want to know what happened to Daniel. I don't want you sending men around my apartment or frightening people who might help us."

He lowered his voice.

"I won't."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

The next morning, Detective Hayes called.

A former Bellissimo employee had contacted her. His name was Victor Lane, the payroll manager seen in Tyler's video.

He wanted to cooperate.

Victor met them at a law office with his attorney present. He looked exhausted and frightened.

"I never wanted anyone hurt," he said.

Detective Hayes asked him to explain the payroll deductions.

Victor admitted that Bellissimo had maintained two sets of financial records. One showed the amounts employees were actually paid. The other listed higher wages and tips, allowing the company to claim larger expenses and create false investment reports.

Some of the missing money had been routed through shell companies.

"Who ordered it?" the detective asked.

"Anthony Russo. Richard Bell helped set it up."

"And Daniel Parker?"

Victor looked at Natalie.

"Daniel discovered the difference."

Natalie leaned forward.

"What happened after he discovered it?"

"He contacted Richard. He thought Richard would help him expose the scheme."

"Why?"

"Because Richard had originally introduced the investors. Daniel believed he was being misled too."

Natalie remembered the photograph.