Chapter 6 - THE PRICE OF SILENCE
The first public report appeared two days later. It confirmed that a
charity fund associated with the Moretti family was under investigation
for suspected financial misconduct.
Reporters gathered outside the mansion gates. A gossip website published
Sarah’s name and called her a housekeeper who had manipulated an elderly
woman for money.
Sarah read the headline once and closed her phone.
“I should never have stayed at the party.”
“You protected my mother,” Luca said.
“People online don’t care about evidence.”
He had no easy answer.
The following morning, a reporter approached Sarah outside Mia’s school.
A plainclothes officer intervened before the reporter could get close.
Sarah called Luca.
“I don’t want my daughter dragged into your family’s fight.”
“Neither does my mother. But the fund belongs to the children, not to
us.”
At the hospital, Mia’s preoperative assessment went well. The doctor
explained the procedure, the expected recovery, and the risks. Sarah
asked questions until she felt confident.
When they left, Mia held her hand.
“Will I be able to run after?”
“The doctor thinks you’ll have a good chance.”
“Then I want to race you.”
Sarah laughed through tears.
That evening, Elena found a transfer that changed the investigation. A
large sum had moved from the fund into a company registered in Vanessa’s
name.
“Did she receive the money?” Luca asked.
“The company paid for an apartment, travel, and personal expenses.
Richard’s office controlled the account. We need to establish what
Vanessa knew.”
Luca looked at the authorization forms. Two carried her signature.
“Preserve the records. Send them to the investigators.”
He called Vanessa’s lawyer and requested that she answer questions
May you like
formally.
No quiet settlement. No family arrangement.
