Chapter 12 - Father and Son
Alessandro wanted Rafe to surrender control of the family.
He believed fear was the only thing that kept the Castellanos powerful.
Rafe disagreed.
“You taught me fear.”
“And it kept you alive.”
“It also made everyone around you afraid.”
Alessandro looked at Sloan.
“You think she's different?”
Sloan didn't answer.
He smiled.
“She hates us.”
Rafe stepped between them.
“No.”
Sloan looked at him.
Rafe continued.
“She hates what you did.”
Alessandro laughed.
“You're protecting her now.”
“I'm protecting the truth.”
Alessandro revealed the final part of his plan.
The medication had been administered through a private medical arrangement.
He had bribed one person.
Dr. Lane had not poisoned Rafe.
He had discovered the problem and secretly tried to reverse it.
The real access came from Elena, who had been forced to follow instructions because Alessandro threatened her family.
Margarite had known enough to suspect him but not enough to stop him.
Alessandro had manipulated everyone.
But there was one thing he hadn't planned for.
Sloan.
She had documented everything.
The meetings.
The medication.
The photographs.
The threats.
And she had already sent copies to authorities and trusted attorneys.
Alessandro's smile disappeared.
“You wouldn't.”
Sloan looked at him.
“I already did.”
For the first time, the powerful man looked afraid.
Rafe stepped forward.
“You're finished.”
Alessandro lowered his head.
Then he asked one question.
“Will you kill me?”
Rafe stared at him.
“No.”
May you like
That answer hurt more than revenge.
Because Rafe was choosing to become someone his father could never control.
