Chapter 14 - THE WEDDING THAT WAS NEVER MEANT TO HAPPEN|
The recording confirmed that Anthony had been preparing to overthrow Luca for years.
But the most disturbing part was the second conversation.
Anthony and Simon discussed a plan to use Victoria's engagement to gain control of the Costa businesses.
Victoria was supposed to marry Luca.
The marriage would unite their families and give Anthony access to the remaining shares of the company.
I looked at Victoria.
"Did you know?"
She shook her head.
"I thought my father wanted a business alliance."
"Your father?"
"Yes. He has been working with Anthony."
Luca looked toward Dominic.
"Find Sterling."
But Victoria spoke before he could leave.
"You won't find him."
"Why?"
"Because he's already on his way here."
As if summoned by her words, the mansion's front doors opened.
Richard Sterling entered.
He was a tall, silver-haired businessman with a polished smile.
"Good evening, Luca."
Luca remained seated.
"You're not welcome here."
Richard glanced at me.
"So this is the nurse."
I said nothing.
He looked toward Victoria.
"Come home."
She shook her head.
"No."
His smile disappeared.
"Don't make this difficult."
"You lied to me."
"I protected you."
"You sold my future to Anthony."
Richard sighed.
"Marriage is a business arrangement. You would have had everything."
Victoria stepped backward.
"I don't want everything."
Luca stood.
"Get out."
Richard laughed.
"You still think you're in control?"
He placed a document on the table.
It was a transfer agreement.
According to the document, Anthony had acquired controlling shares in several Costa businesses.
The signatures appeared legitimate.
Luca examined the papers.
Then he looked at Dominic.
"Who authorized this?"
Dominic shook his head.
"Not me."
Richard smiled.
"Your father did."
He produced a second photograph.
Victor Costa was standing beside Anthony in front of a private jet.
The date was three days earlier.
Luca looked as if someone had struck him.
"Where is he?"
Richard closed the folder.
"Somewhere you can't reach."
Victoria stepped forward.
"Father, stop."
Richard turned toward her.
"You have no idea what I've done for you."
"You destroyed my life."
He slapped her.
The sound echoed through the room.
Luca moved immediately.
But Victoria raised her hand.
"Don't."
She looked at her father.
For the first time, there was no fear in her eyes.
"I won't marry him. I won't sign anything. And I won't help you steal from this family."
Richard smiled coldly.
"Then you are no longer my daughter."
He walked toward the door.
Before leaving, he turned to me.
"Enjoy your new family, Emma. You have no idea what kind of people you've chosen."
That night, Luca received a call from an unknown number.
A man's voice spoke.
"Your father wants to meet."
Luca asked where.
The man answered.
"At the church where your mother was buried."
May you like
Then he added:
"Come alone. If you bring the nurse, she dies first."
