Chapter 12 - The War Council|
Thirty minutes later, three black SUVs were parked inside an abandoned warehouse near the East River docks—the Moretti family’s private tactical hub.
Inside the quiet office above the warehouse floor, Marco sat at a computer terminal, verifying the financial data from Isabella’s flash drive.
Dante stood behind him, staring at the monitor, his arms crossed over his chest, his expression set in stone. Isabella sat in a leather armchair near the door, wrapped in a dry jacket Marco had provided, holding a mug of hot coffee.
"It’s all here, Boss," Marco reported, pointing to the screen. "The Zurich auction receipt for the real sapphire, the wire transfers to the Genovese accounts, and the shell company signatures. It's Carlo's private digital signature on every single document."
Dante didn't say a word. He walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the grey river, his hands clenched into tight fists at his sides.
"He lied to me," Dante whispered, his voice dangerously calm. "I gave him control of Brooklyn. I treated him like my own brother."
"He used your loyalty against you, Dante," Marco said softly. "He knew you would never suspect him."
Dante turned around, looking at Isabella.
"Sal is calling a full council meeting at the estate at ten o'clock," Dante said quietly. "All nine captains will be there. Carlo will be there."
Isabella looked up from her coffee cup. "And what are you going to do?"
Dante walked over to her chair, dropping to one knee in front of her, bringing his eyes level with hers. The cold, distant Don was gone; in his place was the man who had looked at her with absolute devotion four months ago when he proposed.
"I am going to finish what was started last night," Dante said softly. "And I am going to make every person who doubted you bow their head before you."
Isabella stared at him, her heart aching. "I don't want them to bow, Dante. I just wanted you to believe me."
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Dante reached into his vest pocket, pulled out the three-carat diamond engagement ring, and held it gently in his palm between them.
"I never stopped believing you, Isabella," he murmured. "I was just too weak to show it. Keep the ring... or throw it in the river. But come with me to the estate today. Let me clean your name."
