Your reputation.
Even the security officers surrounding us answer to Moretti money.”
The oldest officer stepped forward.
“Not tonight, sir.”
Two dark vehicles appeared on the lower road.
They stopped beside the terrace entrance, and four people emerged.
Elena came first, carrying a laptop case.
Behind her were two federal investigators and a California financial-crimes officer.
Vittorio looked at Dante.
“You invited law enforcement onto family property.”
“I gave them eighteen months of records,” Dante said.
“Properties, shell companies, political payments, offshore transfers.
Everything I could authenticate.”
Marcus stared at him.
“You’ve been building a case against him?”
“Against anyone who used the legitimate businesses to hide crimes.”
Vittorio’s gaze sharpened.
“You will lose everything.”
“Then I lose it.”
The investigator introduced herself as Special Agent Naomi Reyes.
She asked everyone to move into a private conference room near the ballroom.
Sophie refused to remain outside.
“This began at my wedding,” she said.
“I’m coming.”
Inside, the ballroom manager closed a pair of soundproof doors.
Marcus told the band to take an extended break and asked the guests to remain on the ocean terrace.
Rumors spread, but no one entered the conference wing.
Elena placed her laptop on the table.
Avery connected to the company’s mirror server and entered a password known only to her.
Months of hidden activity appeared.
Evan had downloaded board minutes, employee records, patent drafts, and private correspondence.
He had altered cash-flow projections before presenting them to the directors, making the company appear less stable than it was.
He had rejected two legitimate financing offers without telling Avery, then pushed her toward Vittorio’s shell lender.
“You said those investors withdrew,” Avery told him.
Evan rubbed both hands over his face.
“Vittorio said no one would be hurt.
He said the company needed stronger ownership.”
“You sent him our encryption architecture.”
“Only preliminary files.”
“Those files contained security maps for hospitals, banks, and municipal systems.”
Agent Reyes leaned forward.
“Did Mr.
Moretti instruct you to transfer protected client information?”
Evan looked at Vittorio.
Vittorio looked back without emotion.
That was the moment Evan understood that loyalty had only ever traveled in one direction.
“Yes,” he whispered.
“He instructed me.”
Vittorio stood.
“This interview is over.”
The state officer blocked the door.
“Sit down, Mr.
Moretti.”
Vittorio remained standing.
“You have no warrant.”
