Chapter 14 - LEGAL BATTLES AND EXPOSURE
With Marcus Vance pleading guilty and Evelyn Shaw’s kidnapping conspiracy collapsing under federal scrutiny, the legal trials reached their definitive conclusion by late winter.
Marcus was sentenced to eight years in federal prison without the possibility of parole.
Evelyn Shaw received a stern six-year sentence for conspiracy, extortion, and unlawful restraint, her high-society connections completely abandoning her as she fell from grace.
The Chicago federal courthouse steps were swarming with reporters as Luca and Nia walked out together following the final sentencing hearing.
Flashes blinded them from every angle, but neither of them flinched.
“Mr. Moretti! Do you have a statement regarding Ms. Shaw’s sentencing?” a reporter shouted.
Luca paused, raising a hand to command silence.
“Justice has been served,” Luca said firmly.
“Moretti Global is moving forward with a renewed commitment to integrity, transparency, and family values.”
“And my primary focus is, and always will be, building a future with my wife and our children.”
The word wife hung in the crisp winter air.
Reporters immediately clamored for clarification.
“Are you remarried, Mr. Moretti?”
Luca simply smiled—a rare, genuine smile that reached his dark eyes—and placed his arm securely around Nia’s waist, guiding her through the media mob toward their waiting car.
Once inside the tinted privacy of the black sedan, Nia let out a long breath she didn't realize she’d been holding.
“Wife?” she teased, raising an eyebrow at him. “We aren't even engaged again yet, Mr. Moretti.”
“Consider it preemptive executive planning,” Luca chuckled, pulling her close against his shoulder as the car pulled away from the courthouse.
“Besides, I’ve already spoken to a jeweler in Zurich.”
“Oh, have you?”
“I have.”
“And this time, there won't be any corporate advisors or fabricated lab reports getting in the way.”
May you like
“Just you, me, and the kids.”
Nia smiled, resting her head against his chest, listening to the steady, strong rhythm of his heartbeat—a sound she once thought she would never hear again.
