Chapter 6 - THE TRUST HE NEVER TOLD ME ABOUT
Matteo didn't speak.
Neither did I.
The document remained on the marble table.
The loaded gun beside it seemed almost insignificant now.
Money had always been the weapon in this marriage.
I simply hadn't understood it.
I looked at Matteo.
“Is it true?”
He closed his eyes.
“Part of it.”
“Which part?”
“The trust exists.”
“And?”
“I never intended to take it from you.”
“But you knew.”
“Yes.”
“How long?”
“Since before we married.”
My chest tightened.
“You built our marriage around it?”
“No.”
“You expected me to have your child and bring billions into your empire.”
“That was never the plan.”
“What was?”
He looked at me.
“To keep you alive.”
I laughed bitterly.
“You keep saying that as if it excuses everything.”
“No.”
His voice cracked.
“It doesn't.”
His uncle stepped closer.
“You see why I wanted him weak.”
Matteo's head snapped toward him.
“You wanted me dead.”
“I wanted you obedient.”
Norah looked between them.
“What does that mean?”
His uncle smiled.
“Matteo wasn't born to lead.”
That surprised me.
“He was chosen.”
“For what?”
“To clean up the family's mistakes.”
He glanced at the watch.
“Your father and my brother built their fortunes together.”
I stared.
“My father?”
“Yes.”
“Then why did they become enemies?”
“Because your father wanted out.”
“And your family?”
“Wanted him to stay.”
I looked at Matteo.
“And you were caught between them.”
“Yes.”
His uncle continued.
“Your father created the trust as a weapon against us.”
“To protect me.”
“Yes.”
“And Matteo?”
“He was ordered to marry you.”
The room went silent.
My stomach turned.
“No.”
Matteo looked at me.
“I didn't obey that order.”
“But you knew about it.”
“Yes.”
My voice dropped.
“You married me knowing your family wanted my trust.”
“I married you because I loved you.”
The words landed harder than I expected.
I looked away.
Love was not enough.
Not after everything.
His uncle scoffed.
“He loved you and still used you.”
Matteo didn't deny it.
That was the worst part.
I looked down at the watch.
The tiny panel was still open.
Harper stepped closer.
“There's another chip.”
I looked at her.
“What?”
She touched the watch.
A second storage compartment opened.
Inside was a folded paper.
I pulled it out.
My father's handwriting.
Norah, if you're reading this, you are already carrying the child they wanted to control. Do not let anyone tell you that fear is love.
My hands shook.
Then the next line:
Matteo was the only one who tried to resist. But resistance is not redemption. Make him prove the difference.
I looked at Matteo.
He stared at the letter.
“I never saw that.”
“I believe you.”
His uncle laughed.
“You still think he deserves you.”
“No.”
I turned toward him.
“I think he has to earn the right to stand near me.”
That silenced everyone.
Then Arthur stepped forward.
“Mrs. Rossi.”
“What?”
“We have a problem.”
“What now?”
He held out a tablet.
A federal task force had announced raids on three properties connected to Matteo.
The same night.
Matteo's face went pale.
His uncle smiled.
“They're coming.”
“Because of the money?”
“No.”
He looked at Norah.
“Because someone gave them the list.”
Norah stared.
The watch.
The names.
The people on it.
“Harper?”
She shook her head.
“I didn't.”
Matteo looked at Arthur.
“Who had access to the list?”
Arthur answered:
“You.”
Matteo's eyes moved toward him.
“You think I did this?”
“No.”
Arthur paused.
“I think someone used your access.”
Then the front gates exploded open.
Sirens filled the night.
Federal agents moved across the property.
Matteo looked at Norah.
“If they take me, take the documents.”
“What documents?”
“The ones proving the trust is yours.”
“You knew they'd come.”
“I suspected.”
“Then why didn't you tell me?”
He looked at her.
“Because I wanted one chance to get you and our child out first.”
I stared at him.
Then at the suitcase I'd packed weeks ago.
I had thought I was leaving Matteo.
Now I realized I might be leaving an entire war.
The agents were at the front door.
Arthur looked at Matteo.
“Sir.”
Matteo nodded.
Then he turned to me.
“Go.”
I expected fear.
Instead, I felt something strange.
Freedom.
May you like
I picked up the suitcase.
And walked past my husband without looking back.
