Chapter 16 - The Exchange
Carlo wanted three things.
The flash drive.
Alessandra’s inheritance claim.
And Luca’s resignation from every Moretti holding governed by the old charter.
He gave us four hours.
If Luca agreed, Carlo would become controlling trustee of the legacy estate structure.
Billions would change hands.
Luca did not hesitate.
“Prepare it.”
Alessandra stared at him.
“You cannot.”
“He has Grace.”
“This empire employs tens of thousands of people.”
“He has my daughter.”
Nothing else needed saying.
I looked at Luca.
This terrifying billionaire would burn his empire to the ground for a baby he had known for less than a week.
Derek had rejected her because he feared embarrassment.
The difference was unbearable.
Carlo selected an abandoned monastery in the hills.
One vehicle.
No visible weapons.
Luca and I went together.
“You should stay.”
“No.”
“Emma.”
“She is my daughter too.”
He stopped arguing.
At sunset we entered the monastery courtyard.
Carlo stood beneath the ruined bell tower.
He was older than Luca.
Thin.
Elegant.
Almost ordinary.
Grace rested in his arms.
I wanted to tear the world apart.
“Give her to me.”
Carlo smiled.
“Her mother.”
He looked at Luca.
“And her father.”
The word sounded like an insult from his mouth.
Luca held up the signed documents.
“Everything you asked for.”
“The drive?”
Luca showed it.
“Alessandra’s waiver?”
“Yes.”
Carlo nodded.
“Place them down.”
Luca obeyed.
“Now Grace.”
Carlo smiled.
“Not yet.”
My blood froze.
“You gave your word.”
“I gave Derek my word for years.”
He laughed.
“Ask him how valuable that was.”
A car engine sounded behind us.
Derek stepped from the darkness.
My heart dropped.
“You.”
Derek looked at me.
“I’m sorry.”
Carlo handed Grace to him.
“Take her.”
Derek stared at the baby.
Then at his father.
“Where?”
“The car.”
Derek did not move.
Carlo’s expression changed.
“Do it.”
Derek looked at Grace.
She opened her eyes.
Then wrapped one tiny hand around his finger.
Something broke inside his face.
“No.”
Carlo stared.
“What?”
“I said no.”
Derek walked toward me.
Carlo reached inside his coat.
Luca moved.
A gunshot exploded.
I screamed.
Derek fell.
But he did not drop Grace.
He twisted his body and protected her as he hit the stone.
I ran.
Luca tackled Carlo.
Police vehicles roared into the courtyard from both entrances.
Brittany had transmitted the location the moment Carlo called.
I took Grace from Derek.
Blood spread across his shirt.
He looked at me.
“Is she okay?”
“Yes.”
His eyes closed with relief.
“Good.”
Paramedics rushed forward.
Carlo screamed while officers dragged him away.
“You think this ends with me?”
Luca turned.
Carlo laughed through bloodied teeth.
“Ask Alessandra who ordered Eleanor’s accident.”
I froze.
My mother had died in a highway crash.
At least that was what I had always been told.
May you like
Carlo smiled.
“Your mother didn’t die by accident, Emma.”
