Chapter 16 - THE NIGHT CARLO CAME FOR THE BABY|
We left New Hampshire before sunset.
My father came with us, carrying the original research files in a locked case. He agreed to testify, but he wanted protection for my mother and for Matteo.
Luca promised both.
The estate was under heavy security when we returned.
Marco met us at the entrance.
“We have a problem.”
Luca handed him the case.
“What happened?”
“Carlo's people attempted to access the hospital records again. This time, they used a court order.”
“Who signed it?”
“A judge with documented financial ties to Northstar.”
Luca's expression hardened.
“Get the order challenged.”
“Already done. But there's more.”
Marco looked at me.
“Someone followed your mother's ambulance when she was transferred to the private recovery center.”
My heart dropped.
“Is she safe?”
“Yes. We moved her to a protected location.”
Luca turned to Marco.
“Find the people responsible.”
That night, I woke to the sound of a distant alarm.
Luca was already out of bed.
He checked the security monitor.
A vehicle had stopped beyond the estate gates.
Then another.
He grabbed his phone.
“Marco. Lock down the property.”
A moment later, the lights in the hallway went out.
I sat up.
“What's happening?”
“Stay here.”
“No.”
“Evelyn—”
“I am not going to hide while you face them.”
He looked at me, then placed a small emergency phone in my hand.
“Stay behind me.”
The security team moved through the house. Somewhere downstairs, glass shattered.
Luca guided me toward the reinforced safe room.
We were almost there when a guard appeared at the end of the corridor.
“Mr. Varenna, we have a breach.”
Luca stepped in front of me.
“Where?”
“East entrance.”
A loud crash echoed through the house.
Then a voice called out.
“Luca!”
It was Carlo.
He stood at the far end of the corridor, flanked by two armed men.
“Give me the files,” Carlo said.
“No.”
“Don't make this difficult.”
“You've had twelve years to explain yourself.”
Carlo smiled.
“Your father was right. You always were sentimental.”
Luca's face became stone.
“You took my son.”
“I protected the family.”
“You stole him.”
“I preserved an asset.”
Matteo appeared behind the security team.
“I'm not an asset.”
Carlo turned.
For the first time, his smile disappeared.
Matteo stepped forward.
“You told me my father didn't want me.”
Carlo said nothing.
“You told me my mother was dead.”
“Matteo, you don't understand.”
“I understand enough.”
Carlo raised one hand.
One of his men moved toward the boy.
Luca reacted immediately.
He pushed me behind him and ordered his security team to intervene.
The corridor erupted into chaos.
The attackers were restrained, and police officers arrived within minutes.
Carlo was taken into custody.
But as he was led away, he looked directly at me.
“You think this is over?”
Luca stepped forward.
“Say one more word to my wife.”
Carlo ignored him.
“Ask your father what happened to the original research director. Ask him why he was willing to destroy his own family.”
My father stood near the staircase.
Carlo smiled.
“Because Richard Brooks wasn't just trying to expose Northstar.”
May you like
He looked at me.
“He helped create the program that made your pregnancy possible.”
