Chapter 13 - The Unbroken Truth
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The thunderstorm had fully arrived by the time Alessandro’s SUV tore through the heavy iron gates of the Moretti estate at 03:30 AM.
Lightning illuminated the gothic stone facade of the mansion, turning the falling rain into sheets of silver glass.
Alessandro took the stairs three at a time, making his way straight to the locked third-floor suite.
Gianni stepped aside instantly as Alessandro unlocked the heavy mahogany door and stepped inside.
The suite was quiet. The soft glow of the fireplace illuminated the high-ceilinged room. Emma was sitting near the hearth, holding a small framed photograph of a young man with kind eyes—her late husband.
She looked up as Alessandro entered, her eyes dropping to the faint smear of dark blood on his leather cuff.
She didn't scream. She slowly set the photograph down on the table and stood up.
"You know," Emma said softly, her voice steady despite the fear in her heart.
Alessandro pulled off his gloves and tossed them onto a chair. He walked over to the fireplace and stood opposite her, the flames casting deep shadows across his sharp features.
"Thomas Bennett," Alessandro said quietly. "Former chief financial analyst for the Valenti family in New York."
Emma closed her eyes for a brief moment, letting out a long, shuddering breath that she seemed to have been holding for five years.
"His real name was Thomas Vance," she whispered, opening her eyes to look at Alessandro. "When he realized what the Valenti family was doing to innocent people, he tried to leave. They killed him in our driveway three weeks before Lily was born."
She stepped closer to Alessandro, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
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"I took my maiden name, Bennett. I ran across four states. I applied for jobs in the homes of the most powerful men I could find, because I knew Don Valenti was hunting us. When I saw your name on the employment listing... I knew no one would dare touch us if we were under your roof."
She lowered her head. "I am sorry for bringing my danger into your home, Don Alessandro. If you want us to leave... I will pack our bags right now."
