Chapter 7 - THE FAMILY HEIRLOOM
The blade sank into Arthur’s shoulder.
He cried out, collapsing against the edge of the table. Vanessa gasped, shocked by her own violence, and dropped the knife as if it burned her.
“Arthur!” Mr. Harrison yelled, rushing forward to press a napkin against the bleeding wound.
Vincent vaulted over the corner of the table. He didn't strike Vanessa. He simply grabbed her by the shoulders and slammed her hard against the wall, pinning her there with immovable force.
“Don't move,” Vincent snarled, his eyes dark with fury.
Red and blue lights began flashing through the grand dining room windows. Heavy boots pounded against the front steps of the estate.
“FBI! Open the doors!” a voice boomed from the hallway.
I grabbed the master keys from the floor and ran to the dining room doors, unlocking the deadbolts and pulling them open.
A dozen federal agents flooded the room. They took one look at the pinned guards, the bleeding treasurer, and the mafia boss holding the screaming heiress against the wall.
“Vincent Moretti?” the lead agent asked, his weapon lowered but ready.
“She’s all yours,” Vincent said, stepping back and raising his hands peacefully.
Two agents grabbed Vanessa, slapping handcuffs on her wrists. She didn't go quietly. She cursed Vincent, she cursed Dominic, and as they dragged her past Rose, she spat on the floor.
Paramedics rushed in behind the agents, quickly attending to Arthur.
“It’s a flesh wound,” the paramedic announced after a tense minute. “He’ll need stitches, but he’s going to be fine.”
Arthur looked up at Rose from his chair. “I’m sorry, Rose. I should have stood up to her sooner.”
“You stood up when it mattered, Arthur,” Rose said softly, placing a gentle hand on his uninjured shoulder.
Vincent walked over to the sideboard and picked up the foundation’s bound ledger. He flipped to the back cover.
He reached into the spine of the heavy book and pulled out a hidden, sealed envelope. He walked over to Lily, who was still holding her grandmother’s hand.
“Lily,” Vincent said gently. “My mother didn't just leave a trap for Vanessa. She left something for you, too.”
He handed the envelope to the young girl.
Lily looked at her grandmother, who nodded encouragingly. Lily tore open the envelope.
Inside was a heavy, antique gold necklace with a delicate rose pendant. It was a Moretti family heirloom, worn by the matriarchs of the family for generations.
Wrapped around the necklace was a handwritten note.
Lily read it aloud, her voice trembling with emotion.
May you like
“To Lily Bennett. True family is forged in loyalty, not in blood. Wear this with pride, and use the funds in my private account to heal the world.”
Vincent smiled. “The scholarship wasn't for you, Lily. My mother bypassed the foundation entirely. She left you a full medical school trust in her personal will. You’re not just going to nursing school. You’re going to be a doctor.”
