Chapter 14
Friday’s council vote never became the battle Victor expected.
Before anyone voted, Serafina placed the ORCHARD findings before independent counsel, insurers, accountants and the legitimate business boards affected by the transfers.
She did not ask the capos to hide it.
That shocked them more than the allegations.
Victor stared at her across the council room.
“You're exposing the family.”
Serafina’s hands rested lightly on the table.
“No.”
Her eyes remained on his.
“I’m exposing you.”
Nolan had formally retained his own attorney.
He cooperated regarding the financial records and the circumstances surrounding Lorenzo’s crash while attempting to reduce his own consequences.
Victor called him a coward.
Nolan answered:
“You raised one.”
That silenced the room.
Salvatore returned to Serafina’s side openly.
He admitted his son’s debt and Victor’s attempt to control his vote.
Anthony admitted withholding Lorenzo’s voicemail.
Neither confession erased their failures.
Serafina did not pretend it did.
Then the capos voted on operational leadership.
Victor received two votes.
Serafina received eleven.
One abstained.
Victor looked around.
Men who once lowered their heads when he entered would not meet his eyes.
Power had not left him in one dramatic moment.
It had leaked away every time he used fear instead of trust.
He simply had not noticed until the room stopped obeying.
After the vote, Victor stood.
His shoulders still straight.
His voice still controlled.
“You think this is punishment?”
Serafina looked at him.
“No.”
A pause.
“Punishment is personal.”
Victor’s eyes narrowed.
“This is consequence.”
Outside authorities and civil counsel would decide the rest.
The financial misconduct.
The obstruction surrounding the crash.
The delay in calling for help.
The stolen drive.
The forged authorizations.
No private family tribunal could erase those processes now.
Victor walked toward the door.
Then stopped beside Serafina.
His voice dropped.
“Lorenzo would hate what you've become.”
For the first time all day, something moved in her face.
Victor saw it.
He thought he had landed one final blow.
Serafina leaned close.
“Lorenzo died trying to stop you.”
Her eyes did not leave his.
“I survived learning why.”
Victor walked out.
But before the doors closed, Claire hurried toward Serafina holding one final recovered file.
“There's something else from Lorenzo.”
Serafina turned.
Claire looked shaken.
“It isn't about Victor.”
May you like
She lowered her voice.
“It’s about you.”
