Chapter 17 - THE BROTHER'S CONFESSION|
Matteo's reply changed the direction of the investigation.
The message suggested that he had known about the planned interference with Lorenzo's vehicle, but the words did not establish whether he intended the accident to cause serious injury. Investigators would need to examine the full communication history, surrounding circumstances, and other evidence before drawing conclusions.
Jonathan arranged for Matteo's attorney to be informed of the recovered material and requested a formal interview.
This time, Matteo agreed.
The meeting took place in a legal office with both attorneys present. Lorenzo attended by invitation, but he was warned not to interfere with the questioning or pressure his brother.
Matteo entered wearing the same polished suit he had worn on the night of the study confrontation. His confidence seemed thinner now, but he still carried himself as though the world would eventually bend to his wishes.
“You wanted to see me,” he said.
Lorenzo looked at him.
“I wanted to know whether you remember the night of my accident.”
“Of course.”
“Then tell the truth.”
Matteo glanced toward his attorney.
The interview began with questions about Northstar Maritime, the disputed medical reports, and the power of attorney. Matteo denied knowing that the financial transfers were improper. He claimed the medical documents had been prepared in good faith and that Vanessa had exaggerated his role in the vehicle incident.
When shown the recovered messages, he stopped speaking.
His attorney requested a break.
Afterward, Matteo agreed to provide a limited statement.
He admitted that he had known Vanessa was arranging for Lorenzo's vehicle to be inspected outside the family's usual repair service. He claimed she had told him the work was routine.
He also admitted that he had discussed the possibility of Lorenzo being declared medically incapable of managing the business.
But he denied cutting the brakes or ordering anyone to do so.
“Why did you write, 'Make sure he survives'?” Lorenzo asked.
Matteo stared at the table.
“Because Vanessa said she wanted the accident to frighten you. She wanted you to withdraw from the company, not die.”
“You knew she was planning something dangerous.”
“I knew she wanted you out of the way.”
“And you did nothing.”
Matteo's jaw tightened.
“I thought I could control it.”
Lorenzo let out a bitter laugh.
“You thought you could control a woman who was willing to destroy my life because she wanted a company.”
“I thought I could fix everything afterward.”
“You let me believe I was losing my mind.”
Matteo looked away.
“I know.”
“You let her hit me.”
“I know.”
“You watched me lose three years of my life, and you came into my room demanding my signature.”
Matteo's eyes filled with tears.
“I was afraid.”
“So was I.”
The words hung between them.
For a moment, Lorenzo saw the younger brother who had followed him through the gardens as a child, begging to be included in every game. Then the memory disappeared beneath the weight of what Matteo had done.
“I don't know if I can ever forgive you,” Lorenzo said.
Matteo nodded.
“I don't expect you to.”
He agreed to cooperate further with the investigation, including providing access to records held by his attorneys where legally permissible. His cooperation would be evaluated alongside the evidence and his own conduct.
Outside the office, Abigail waited beside Jonathan.
Lorenzo approached her slowly.
“How do you feel?” she asked.
“Like I have finally heard the truth from someone who owed it to me.”
“Does it help?”
“A little.”
He looked toward the street.
“I thought revenge would feel like power. Instead, I feel tired.”
Abigail took his hand.
“Then rest.”
That evening, they returned to the estate. Rosa reported that Vanessa had left her apartment and was believed to be staying at a property owned by one of her associates.
The investigators were aware of her location and continued gathering evidence.
Lorenzo did not send anyone after her.
He spent the night reading his father's letters and making notes about the foundation's future. He decided that the legitimate businesses would be independently audited, and any profits linked to misconduct would be handled according to the law.
Near midnight, Jonathan called again.
A second recording had been recovered from the old archive system. This one contained Vanessa's voice discussing the accident with an unidentified person.
At the end of the recording, she said:
“Matteo thinks he was the only one I needed.”
The other person laughed.
Vanessa continued.
“He was useful. But the man who gave me access to the car was never Matteo.”
Jonathan paused.
“The voice has not been identified yet.”
Lorenzo stared at the phone.
“Then who was it?”
May you like
The attorney answered carefully.
“We believe it may be someone from your father's inner circle. Someone who was present at the estate the night before the accident.”
