Chapter 12 - The Last Moretti War
Closing criminal operations created enemies.
Salvatore Rizzi led the final opposition.
He believed Adrian had betrayed his father’s legacy.
Rizzi tried to seize several businesses.
Threatened employees.
Attacked a warehouse.
Adrian had every opportunity to respond using the old methods.
He didn’t.
He gave evidence to prosecutors.
Victor nearly smiled himself to death.
“You called law enforcement voluntarily.”
“Yes.”
“Who are you?”
“Annoying.”
Mara approved.
Rizzi tried one final intimidation.
A photograph of Leo outside preschool.
Adrian’s old instincts returned violently.
Mara saw.
“No.”
“He photographed Leo.”
“I know.”
“I can end him tonight.”
“And become exactly what he expects.”
Adrian stared.
“He threatened my child.”
“Then protect your child by making sure you’re still free to raise him.”
That sentence stopped him.
Adrian cooperated with federal authorities.
Rizzi was arrested.
The case exposed remaining Moretti-linked crimes.
Adrian testified.
Publicly.
His father’s reputation collapsed.
Some newspapers called Adrian a traitor.
He framed one headline.
Mara asked why.
“Dad would hate it.”
She laughed.
The Moretti name changed.
Not clean overnight.
But different.
Adrian invested legal assets into construction, housing, logistics, and rehabilitation programs.
He established a fund for families harmed by Vincent’s old operations.
Evelyn donated nearly everything she had inherited.
“Trying to buy forgiveness?” Adrian asked.
“No.”
“Then?”
May you like
“Paying debts.”
Better.
