Chapter 15
Thomas lost his authority that morning.
No courtroom.
No public trial.
No paperwork parade.
The Moretti organization simply stopped answering him.
His private crest was removed.
His personal security detail dissolved.
His hidden crew assignments were redistributed.
Every capo who had followed him privately had to choose whether to remain under Valentina openly or leave Moretti territory entirely.
Some stayed.
Some left.
Thomas called the ones who stayed cowards.
They ignored him.
That hurt him more than insults.
Marcus lost his rank.
He handed over his capo pin himself.
Valentina looked at him.
“That does not erase anything.”
“I know.”
Good.
Vanessa lost every Moretti protection arrangement tied to Thomas.
Her wedding was over before the cake was cut.
She looked at Valentina.
“I thought Ethan could swim.”
Valentina stared.
“You hit him.”
“Yes.”
“You shoved him.”
Vanessa cried.
“Yes.”
“You laughed while I was restrained.”
Vanessa closed her eyes.
“Yes.”
Valentina’s voice stayed calm.
“Then live with the fact that Thomas lied to you after you had already chosen cruelty.”
Vanessa flinched.
No easy absolution.
Leon surrendered every remaining privilege connected to the family.
He did not ask forgiveness.
That was the smartest thing he did.
Thomas stood last.
Two bodyguards waited.
“Where?”
Valentina answered:
“The north estate.”
Isolation.
No command.
No capos.
No Ethan.
Thomas laughed.
“You exile your father over a child.”
Valentina looked at him.
“Over Matteo.”
His smile faded.
“Over Ethan.”
Nothing.
“Over every person you called weak after you hurt them.”
Thomas stepped closer.
“You’ll come begging.”
“No.”
“When the organization cracks—”
“No.”
“When Ethan turns soft—”
Valentina’s expression hardened.
“He almost died.”
Thomas shrugged.
“He didn’t.”
That was the last sentence she needed from him.
She looked at the guards.
“Take him.”
Thomas finally raised his voice.
“VALENTINA.”
She turned away.
May you like
Behind her, Ethan’s tablet remained on the ballroom table.
Still holding the recording Thomas believed no one would ever hear.
