Chapter 9 - When the Billionaire Lost Everything
Three months earlier, Dante Moretti could have purchased Bellini’s without checking his bank account.
Now his corporate cards were frozen.
His board removed him temporarily.
Reporters surrounded every property he owned.
And somehow Cara had never liked him more.
He moved into a modest safe house with Noah while investigators examined the company.
Cara brought groceries.
Dante stared into the bags.
“What is this?”
“Food.”
“I recognize food.”
“Congratulations.”
He held up instant noodles.
“What exactly am I supposed to do with these?”
“Boil water.”
“I own restaurants.”
“You currently own an electric kettle.”
Noah laughed until he nearly fell from his chair.
Dante learned.
He burned eggs.
Destroyed laundry.
Bought the wrong detergent.
Cara teased him mercilessly.
And underneath the absurdity, something healed.
Without executives and chauffeurs, Dante had to become a father.
He walked Noah to school.
Helped with homework.
Attended soccer practice.
Noah began calling him Dad regularly.
Vanessa rented an apartment nearby.
Co-parenting was awkward.
But possible.
Then Cara returned to Bellini’s.
Her manager stared at her.
“You vanished during a shift.”
“I know.”
“You became national news.”
“I know.”
“You kissed Dante Moretti outside a mine.”
Cara blinked.
“How do you know that?”
“Internet.”
She groaned.
He smiled.
“You still have a job.”
Cara almost cried.
That night Dante appeared at table fourteen.
No security entourage.
No expensive suit.
Just a dark sweater.
Cara approached.
“What can I get you?”
“Dinner.”
“Very ambitious.”
“And maybe another chance.”
“At dinner?”
“At us.”
Cara’s humor disappeared.
Dante looked nervous.
It was extraordinary.
“I don't know what my life looks like anymore,” he said. “But when I picture the version I want, you're in it.”
Cara sat opposite him.
“You're technically making your waitress sit during her shift.”
“I'll tip well.”
She smiled.
Then kissed him.
Applause erupted from the kitchen.
Cara turned.
“I hate everyone who works here.”
Dante laughed.
But their happiness lasted only until Marcus arrived.
Victor Romano had surfaced.
He had contacted federal prosecutors.
May you like
He was offering evidence against Dante in exchange for immunity.
And some of the evidence looked devastating.
