The Price of Silence
Chapter 15 - The Price of Silence
As investigators reviewed the disputed filings, a former employee of Marconi Capital came forward. He described being instructed to prepare misleading summaries about Rose's memory and financial judgment. He also produced communications indicating Celeste had repeatedly sought access to Rose's accounts and papers.
His testimony was not a substitute for authentication, but it gave investigators a clearer direction. Financial records were preserved; several proposed transactions were suspended; and Rose's independent counsel acted to protect her property rights.
The pressure reached the Belvedere. A reporter appeared asking Evelyn whether she'd engineered the scandal to marry into the Romano family. She refused an interview.
Later, Marco found her shaking in the staff room.
“You did the right thing that night,” he said.
“I was just bringing tea.”
“No. You chose to listen.”
She smiled weakly. “I didn't expect listening to become front-page news.”
***
Dante arrived after her shift and asked whether she wanted him to escort her home. Evelyn shook her head.
“I can get home myself. What I need is for people to stop acting as though I'm another thing this family has acquired.”
Dante took the rebuke without protest. “You're right.”
She studied him. “You mean that?”
“Yes. I'm learning that protecting someone includes respecting their choices.”
He offered her a business card for a legal-aid organization that could advise her independently about privacy and employment concerns. No favors owed. No expectation of gratitude.
Evelyn accepted the card, surprised by how much the absence of pressure meant.
When she got home, Ben had prepared pasta. Samuel was there too, hunched over an old board game. The two young men had already begun arguing like brothers.
Evelyn stood in the doorway watching them.
“You invited him?” she asked Ben.
“Obviously. You keep saying family should eat together.”
Samuel grinned. “And he cheats.”
May you like
“I do not,” Ben said.
Evelyn laughed until tears came. Outside their apartment, wealth and power were colliding. Inside, three people were making room at a small table.
