Chapter 10 - THE TRUTH ABOUT THE BETRAYAL
In the aftermath of the warehouse raid, Evelyn Shaw was arrested and charged with federal kidnapping, conspiracy, and extortion.
Her family’s vast legal empire tried to distance themselves, issuing immediate public statements cutting all ties with her.
Meanwhile, Marcus Vance’s trial commenced in federal district court.
Faced with overwhelming evidence of corporate espionage, bribery, and medical fraud, Marcus agreed to a plea deal in exchange for a reduced sentence.
He confessed to every detail in open court.
He admitted how he had intercepted Luca’s medical files, how he had bribed Dr. Sterling’s assistant, and how he had systematically whispered poison into Luca’s ear during their late-night strategy sessions.
“I wanted Moretti Global to be purely under my operational influence,” Marcus told the judge, his head bowed in shame.
“I believed Mrs. Carter was a distraction that would weaken Mr. Moretti’s competitive edge.”
Sitting in the gallery of the courtroom, listening to the confession, was Nia Carter.
She wore a crisp charcoal suit, her expression impassive.
Luca sat beside her in the wooden pew.
He reached out, his hand hovering over hers before he gently interlaced his fingers with hers.
Nia didn't pull away.
“I’m sorry, Nia,” Luca whispered, the words carrying the weight of a thousand sleepless nights.
“Sorry isn't enough, Luca,” she replied softly, keeping her eyes fixed on the judge’s bench.
“I know,” he said. “I don't expect you to forgive me overnight.”
“I just want you to know that the man who listened to those lies is dead.”
“The man sitting here now... he belongs to you and those children, whether you ever take me back or not.”
Later that evening, after the court session adjourned, they walked together along the windy shore of Lake Michigan.
The sun was setting, casting a brilliant orange and purple glow across the choppy water.
Leo and Maya were running ahead, chasing seagulls along the sandy path.
“Marcus is going away for ten years,” Luca said quietly, breaking the silence.
“Good,” Nia replied, wrapping her woolen scarf tighter around her neck.
“And Evelyn?”
“Her family’s trust has cut her off entirely.”
“She’ll spend the next several years fighting federal indictments.”
Nia stopped walking and turned to face him.
“You know, Luca... for the longest time, I hated you.”
“I hated you for walking out.”
“I hated you for believing a stranger over your own wife.”
Luca looked down, unable to meet her gaze.
“I deserve your hatred.”
“I don't hate you anymore,” Nia continued gently, reaching out to touch his cheek.
“Hatred takes too much energy.”
“And I’ve been too busy building a wonderful life with our children.”
Luca caught her hand, pressing his lips against her palm.
“Can we rebuild, Nia?”
“Can I earn my place back in that brownstone?”
Nia smiled faintly, her amber eyes catching the dying light of the sunset.
“You’ll have to start by learning how to make pancakes on Saturday mornings, Luca.”
“Because Leo and Maya are very particular about their syrup.”
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Luca laughed—a genuine, booming laugh that he hadn't felt in years.
“I can learn anything,” he said. “Especially that.”
