Chapter 7
The Moretti organization had survived on one myth for three generations.
Nothing reached the head of the family without permission.
My father built that myth.
I inherited it.
Genevieve understood its value better than almost anyone.
If Ethan collapsed at his own birthday after eating cake prepared inside my guarded estate, every captain in the room would ask the same question.
If Dominic cannot protect his son, what else can he protect?
I looked at Julian.
“You wanted me weakened.”
He stared.
“No.”
Genevieve answered calmly.
“Your imagination is getting theatrical.”
I almost laughed.
“My son was the stage.”
Silence.
I continued.
“A public family celebration. Capos. Guards. Musicians. Every important person watching.”
Julian shifted.
Genevieve did not.
“If Ethan collapsed,” I said, “panic starts.”
Nothing.
“People blame staff.”
Nothing.
“Then security.”
Her jaw tightened.
“Then me.”
There.
I saw it.
I stepped closer.
“And who becomes the experienced steady hand while I’m beside my son?”
Nobody spoke.
I looked at Julian.
Senior capo.
Older than me.
Genevieve’s son.
Exactly the type of man nervous captains might gather around during a crisis.
Julian scoffed.
“You think I planned to steal your chair?”
“No.”
I shook my head.
“I think your mother planned to make everyone ask whether you should have it.”
Genevieve’s face hardened.
That was different.
More accurate.
She had never been stupid enough to openly challenge me.
She preferred doubts other people thought were their own.
Then Ethan’s voice came from behind us.
“Aunt Genevieve told me Dad was too young.”
I turned.
He stood at the doorway.
My chest tightened.
“When?”
He looked at Genevieve.
“At Christmas.”
I crouched.
“What exactly did she say?”
Ethan thought.
“She said Grandpa died too soon and you got everything before you were ready.”
Genevieve closed her eyes.
My son continued.
“She said someday the family would fix it.”
The room became completely silent.
There it was.
May you like
Not motive invented tonight.
Motive spoken months ago to the child they planned to use.
