Chapter 9 - TREACHERY IN WHITE
Julian was dragged from the room screaming, his fate sealed by the very men he thought he could control. Exile was the kindest punishment he could hope for. The Council’s vote was unanimous. Nikolai Moretti was the new Don of Chicago.
When we returned to the penthouse, the lobby was crowded. My parents and Serena were waiting. Serena looked a mess, her designer clothes disheveled, her eyes puffy from crying. The news of Julian’s spectacular fall and exile had already hit the underworld grapevine, freezing their assets and destroying their social standing.
“Evelyn!” my mother cried, rushing forward, her hands outstretched. “Thank god you’re here. Julian is ruined. Serena is terrified. You have to help us. Speak to Nikolai, please. We’re family!”
I stopped walking, Rocco and Dante immediately stepping between my family and me. I looked at the woman who had told me not to embarrass her while my heart was breaking. I looked at the sister who had stolen my future with a smile. “Family?” I repeated, the word tasting like ash. “My family is standing right beside me.” I leaned into Nikolai, who wrapped a protective arm around my waist, his cold glare keeping my parents paralyzed.
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“Evelyn, please,” Serena sobbed. “I made a mistake. He manipulated me!”
“You made a choice, Serena. And now you have to live with the consequences.” I looked at my father, who was staring at me in shock, realizing the obedient daughter was dead. “Do not come to my home again. Do not call me. If you try to use the Moretti name, Nikolai’s men will have a very different conversation with you.” I turned my back on them, walking into the private elevator with Nikolai. As the doors closed on their desperate faces, I felt a weight lift off my chest that I had carried my entire life. I was finally free.
