Chapter 7 - STRIPPED|
"Nora," Dominic said without taking his eyes off Chloe. "Read her the ledger."
Nora stepped forward, tapping the screen of her tablet. Her voice was clear, calm, and filled with unwavering strength.
"At 4:30 AM, Miss Marlow attempted to transfer thirty million dollars from the Russo Maritime Trust," Nora read aloud. "At 5:12 AM, she called Vincent Marro's private line to report that Dominic was alone and unassisted. At 6:00 AM, she took three million dollars worth of unregistered conflict diamonds from the master safe."
Chloe stared at Nora in pure, hatred-filled shock.
"You?" Chloe spat, her panic turning into venom. "You're taking the word of a stupid, penniless maid?! She cleans my toilets!"
"She saved my life," Dominic interrupted, his voice dropping into an icy whisper that cut through the room like a blade. "While you were stealing my mother's diamonds, she was putting her life on the line to hand me your betrayal."
Dominic reached out, taking hold of Chloe's right hand.
With slow, deliberate pressure, he pulled the six-carat engagement ring off her finger. She tried to pull back, but his grip was iron.
"This ring was worn by my mother," Dominic said, dropping the glittering jewel into Nora's open palm. "You aren't fit to touch it."
"Dominic, you can't do this!" Chloe begged, dropping to her knees on the floor, grabbing at the hem of his trousers. "I love you! We can fix this!"
"Marco," Dominic commanded. "Call Federal Agent Vance. Tell him we have Vincent Marro and Chloe Marlow caught on federal wire fraud, high-seas grand larceny, and attempted murder charges."
"No! Not federal prison! Dominic, please!" Chloe shrieked as Marco dragged her away from his boots.
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Vincent Marro glared at Dominic, his teeth clenched in rage. "This isn't over, Russo! My syndicate will burn your docks to the ground!"
"Your syndicate surrendered ten minutes ago, Vincent," Dominic said, leaning down to speak directly into Marro's ear. "Because while you were waiting for Chloe here, I bought all your debt from the Sicilian bank."
