Chapter 10 - The Father Who Refused the Throne
Dante destroyed the inheritance plan.
He transferred control of his assets into a protected family trust.
Sophia would never become a target because of money.
But Victor had expected that.
He had another weapon.
He released evidence suggesting Dante was responsible for multiple killings.
The city turned against him.
News reports called him dangerous.
Politicians demanded investigations.
Business partners withdrew.
Dante's empire began collapsing.
Emma watched him sit alone in his office.
“You could run.”
“I won't.”
“You could leave the city.”
“No.”
“Why?”
He looked at Sophia sleeping nearby.
“Because I spent three years believing I had lost you.”
He looked at Emma.
“I won't spend another three years running from the people who caused it.”
Emma sat beside him.
“I don't want your empire.”
“I know.”
“I don't want your money.”
“I know.”
“I want Sophia safe.”
Dante took her hand.
“Then that's what we'll protect.”
For the first time, he stopped thinking like a mafia boss.
He began thinking like a father.
He gave evidence to federal investigators.
He exposed the financial network.
He turned over his own accounts.
Some people called him weak.
Others called him reckless.
But Emma knew the truth.
He was giving up power so Sophia would never have to inherit a war.
Then Dante received a message.
Victor had taken someone.
Not Emma.
Not Sophia.
May you like
Dante's mother.
The woman everyone believed had died years earlier.
