Chapter 5 - The Snake in the Tower
With Emma acting as the vital link between Dante and Rosa, the next forty-eight hours became a tactical operation. Rosa detailed every conversation she had lip-read or observed over the past three years.
The true mastermind behind the treason was not just Marco—it was Julian Moretti, Dante’s own uncle and the chief financial officer of the Moretti enterprise. Julian had been embezzling millions and was orchestrating Dante’s assassination to take full control of the syndicate.
"Julian is hosting the annual syndicate gala tomorrow night at the Grand Regency Hotel," Dante explained to his inner circle in the estate's tactical room. "He expects me to arrive unaware, where Marco's backup assassins were supposed to finish the job."
"He doesn't know Marco failed yet," Emma pointed out, sitting beside Rosa. "We kept Marco's capture completely quiet."
"Exactly," Dante said, looking directly at Emma. "Which gives us the element of surprise. But to expose Julian in front of the entire crime syndicate and the board, we need my mother there to confirm the hidden ledger's authenticity. And she needs you."
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Emma felt a surge of fear. "Mr. Moretti, I'm not a soldier. I'm a waitress from a broken neighborhood."
Dante walked over to Emma, stepping into her personal space. His eyes were no longer cold; they held a deep, genuine respect. "You have more courage than half the men in this room, Emma. You stood up to me in that restaurant when everyone else ran. I will protect you with my life. My mother trusts you, and I... I trust you."
