Chapter 12 - The Burden of Evidence|
When Catherine brought a copy of the leaked email to Elena’s apartment, Raphael read it three times in complete silence.
Elena sat on her sofa, wearing a comfortable sweater, her hand resting over the small, distinct swell of her stomach. She was now twenty weeks pregnant, and the baby’s health had fully stabilized.
"Nonlethal," Raphael said softly, his voice trembling with suppressed rage. "He thinks because he didn't intend to murder you, it makes him merciful."
"It makes him a psychopath," Elena said calmly.
Raphael turned to her, his jaw set hard. "The federal indictment drops tomorrow morning. Nico will be arrested at his home in Greenwich."
"Good," Elena replied.
"It doesn't feel like enough," Raphael confessed, sitting beside her and burying his face in his hands. "He put you through hell. He put our child at risk. And all he gets is a team of expensive lawyers and a comfortable bail hearing."
Elena reached over, placing her hand gently on his arm. "Raphael, look at me."
He looked up, his eyes bloodshot from weeks of poor sleep.
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"He tried to destroy us to win a business contract," she reminded him. "Instead, his company is facing bankruptcy, his reputation is ruined, and he’s facing federal conspiracy charges. You didn't have to become a monster to beat him. That is the victory."
Raphael stared at her for a long moment, then slowly leaned forward, pressing his forehead against her stomach, listening to the quiet rhythm of their growing family.
