Chapter 3 - The Brother Who Stole a Child
Matteo Moretti had spent five years living comfortably inside Vincent’s grief.
He attended Lucia’s funeral.
He stood beside Vincent at the cemetery.
He poured whiskey into a glass and said, “At least she is at peace now.”
All the while, he knew Vincent’s daughter was alive.
He knew Maria Stanton had helped the baby disappear.
And he had spent years searching for her.
The gunfire at the Starlight Diner had not been random.
The Falcones had not been targeting Vincent alone.
Someone had discovered Isabelle’s connection to Maria Stanton.
Someone had found out she was pregnant.
Someone believed killing her would erase the final trail.
Dominic returned from the security room just before dawn.
“We found a leak,” he said.
Vincent looked up.
“Who?”
“Matteo.”
Isabelle went silent.
Dominic placed a phone on the table.
A series of messages appeared on the screen.
Matteo: The girl works at the diner on Ashland.
Matteo: Moretti goes there sometimes after meetings.
Matteo: If the Falcones strike, make sure no one walks out.
Another message followed.
Matteo: Especially the pregnant one.
Vincent’s face did not change.
That was when Dominic became afraid.
Because the most dangerous thing about Vincent Moretti was never his anger.
It was his calm.
“Where is he?” Vincent asked.
“His penthouse is empty. His private plane left Midway thirty minutes ago.”
Vincent looked at Isabelle.
She was holding both hands over her stomach.
“Do not go,” she whispered.
He turned toward her.
“My brother tried to murder you and my grandchild.”
“You said that like I belong to you.”
The words stopped him.
Isabelle’s voice shook, but she did not look away.
“I did not ask for this family. I did not ask to be caught in your war. I only wanted to work enough shifts to pay my bills and raise my baby safely.”
Vincent looked down.
For the first time in years, someone had spoken to him without fear.
And she was right.
“You do not belong to me,” he said quietly. “You never will.”
Isabelle studied him.
“Then what happens now?”
May you like
Vincent looked toward the dawn breaking beyond the reinforced windows.
“Now I make sure no one ever uses my name to hurt you again.”
