Chapter 19 - Why He Married Her
Sienna did not want to hear the recording alone.
So they played it in Nico's study.
The audio was old and rough.
Music thumped faintly in the background.
"Relax, Mom. I love her."
"Love is useful until it makes you stupid. You understand what this marriage means?"
"I understand."
"Ferrante will never hand you the company."
"I don't need him to."
"Then what do you need?"
Gavin replied, "Access."
Gavin talked about learning the company, building trust, becoming indispensable.
Marjorie talked about grandchildren tying the families together permanently.
"She really does love me."
Marjorie answered, "Good. That makes everything easier."
Finally Nico said, "I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For not seeing him."
"I didn't see him either."
"You were in love."
"So were you. You loved the idea that I was happy."
The criminal cases moved quickly after Daniel and Raymond began cooperating.
Elaine pleaded guilty to fraud, identity theft, and unlawful access to medical systems.
She finally broke when prosecutors played her own recordings in front of a grand jury.
Then forensic analysts matched his devices to the forged documents, deleted security footage, shell-company communications, and hospital orders.
Nico sat in the waiting room with Mila, who wore two bright clips in her short, uneven hair.
"Is Mommy scared?" Mila asked.
"Probably a little."
"Are you scared?"
"Very."
"But you're Nonno."
"Nonnos get scared too."
"Do brave people get scared?"
"That's usually when bravery shows up."
"You can come in."
Sienna was exhausted, sweaty, crying, and smiling.
"Mila," she whispered, "meet your brother."
"What's his name?"
"Leo Nicholas."
"He likes me."
"He already loves you," Sienna said.
"Please tell me nobody forged anything today."
Park smiled.
"No. I came with news."
Nico stood.
May you like
Park looked at Sienna.
"Gavin just changed his plea."
