Chapter 5 - The Escalating Press War
By six that evening, news coverage of the Rossi Holdings audit was running across every major network. Leaked files—altered to implicate Matteo—were circulating online, driving speculative headlines about the stability of the firm’s international holdings.
Matteo’s sedan was met by flashbulbs as it pulled up to the corporate headquarters. Marco cleared a path through the gathered reporters, guiding Matteo into the private executive lift.
Inside the 50th-floor suite, the atmosphere was chaotic. Telephones rang constantly, and Sarah Vance was reviewing public relations drafts with her team.
“The SEC has issued a formal request for records,” Sarah reported as Matteo walked in. “Trading on Rossi stock has been paused. If we don't present verified accounting records within forty-eight hours, federal regulators could freeze domestic operations.”
Matteo stood by his desk, looking out at the rain slicking the glass windows. He was accustomed to legal battles, but Julian’s alliance with Arthur Vance escalated the stakes. Vance was known for tearing down target companies piece by piece rather than negotiating terms.
“Where is Elena?” Matteo asked calmly.
“At the Lake Forest house,” Sarah replied. “Security is posted at the main gates.”
Matteo’s personal phone buzzed. It was an unrecognized number. He picked it up.
“Matteo,” Julian’s voice came through the speaker. “I trust you’re watching the coverage.”
“You’ve damaged forty percent of your family’s asset value in an afternoon, Julian,” Matteo said quietly. “All for leverage you don't know how to use.”
“I don't care about the asset value,” Julian hissed. “I spent my career as the secondary name in this firm. Today, that hierarchy changes.”
“Vance will dump your shares the second he secures a margin,” Matteo said.
“Vance is handing me European operations,” Julian countered. “Enjoy the rest of your week, cousin.”
The line went dead. Matteo lowered the phone and looked around the office. His team was waiting for instructions, expecting the decisive strategy he always delivered.
Instead, he felt an unfamiliar, deep fatigue. He reached into his coat pocket, his fingers brushing the paper slip from The Aurelia.
“Sarah,” Matteo said turning to his counsel. “Pull the original physical ledgers from the Genoa vault between 2010 and 2018. Bring them to Lake Forest tonight.”
“We need to issue a statement immediately, Matteo,” Sarah urged.
“A statement won't clear altered files,” Matteo replied, grabbing his jacket. “Verified physical records will. I’m heading out.”
Ten minutes later, Matteo stepped out of the building’s rear exit, avoiding the main entrance entirely. But instead of directing the driver toward Lake Forest, he gave a different address.
May you like
“Lincoln Park, sir?” Marco asked.
“Yes,” Matteo said, leaning back. “Lincoln Park.”
