Chapter 8 - Clearing the House
The morning sun broke over the iron gates of the Moretti estate, burning away the lingering mist of the rainy night. But inside the mansion, the atmosphere was even sharper than the morning light.
The family council—comprising the oldest capos, loyal advisors, and key stakeholders of the Moretti syndicate—sat around the long dining table where the crisis had begun less than twelve hours ago.
Valentina sat at the far end, stripped of her silk robes, wearing a simple dark dress, her face hard and unyielding. She knew there was no escape. The digital logs, Vance's confession, and the DNA proof lay spread across the mahogany table in front of every man in the room.
"You betrayed the bloodline," an elderly capo named Salvatore said, his voice trembling with righteous anger. "In our world, there is only one penalty for crimes against the family."
"I built this empire with Rocco!" Valentina lashed out, standing up from her chair. "Without me, this family would still be fighting in the streets! You are condemning me over a bastard child and a servant's brat!"
"Enough," Rocco’s voice commanded the room to silence.
He stood at the head of the table, holding his newborn son in one arm while his other hand rested calmly on the polished wood. The baby was wrapped in a new, immaculate blanket, sleeping peacefully against his chest.
"Valentina Cole," Rocco said, using her maiden name—a final symbolic stripping of her title and power. "You attempted to murder my flesh and blood for the sake of ambition. You corrupted the systems of this house, turning my own trust against me."
He looked toward Marco, who stood by the double doors with two armed guards.
"Pack her belongings. Put her on the first private transport out of the country to our overseas holding in the Mediterranean. She will live out her days in absolute isolation, stripped of all wealth, titles, and connections to the Moretti name. If she ever attempts to return, the protection of exile is lifted permanently."
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Valentina opened her mouth to scream, but the guards moved instantly, grabbing her by the arms and dragging her out of the dining room as she cursed their names into the empty hallway.
The heavy doors slammed shut behind her, sealing the fate of a woman who had tried to conquer an empire through treachery and cruelty.
