Chapter 16 - The Dominoes Fall|
The deposition proved to be the final blow to Caruso Development.
With the federal indictment looming and internal emails splashed across financial headlines, Caruso Development’s board of directors officially ousted Nico Caruso from his role as CEO.
His father, Salvatore Caruso, was forced out of retirement to issue a humiliating public apology, attempting to salvage what remained of the family’s legacy.
Meanwhile, municipal authorities officially awarded the multi-billion-dollar New Jersey freight terminal contract to Moretti Infrastructure Group.
On the evening the news broke, Raphael returned home to their shared brownstone carrying a large box of takeaway Thai food—a subtle nod to the night Elena had first taken her pregnancy test.
He set the food on the kitchen island and wrapped his arms gently around Elena from behind, resting his hands over her abdomen.
"We won the terminal contract," Raphael murmured against her hair.
"I saw on the news," Elena smiled, turning in his arms. "How do you feel?"
Raphael paused, taking a slow breath. "Honestly? Relieved. But not because of the money."
"Then why?"
"Because when I heard the news, my first thought wasn't how to crush Salvatore," Raphael admitted quietly. "My first thought was whether we had enough time to finish setting up the nursery before July."
May you like
Elena kissed his cheek softly. "The therapy is working."
"Don't start," Raphael grumbled, though a genuine smile broke across his face.
