CHAPTER 3: The Fall of an Empire
The next morning, Emily arrived at Bellini Tower.
She expected security checks.
Interviews.
Questions.
Instead, she was escorted directly to the top floor.
Marco was waiting.
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the entire city.
"Sit," he said.
Emily sat carefully.
Marco placed a folder on the table.
Inside were plans.
Dozens of them.
Schools.
Therapy centers.
Family support programs.
"Do you know why Sophie trusted you?" he asked.
Emily shook her head.
Marco looked out the window.
"Most people see her diagnosis."
"You saw my daughter."
For a moment, his voice softened.
The dangerous mafia boss disappeared.
Only a worried father remained.
"I've spent millions trying to protect her."
He looked directly at Emily.
"You protected her in thirty seconds."
Emily didn't know what to say.
Marco pushed the folder toward her.
"I want you to run these programs."
Her eyes widened.
"Me?"
"I don't hire degrees."
He leaned back.
"I hire character."
Meanwhile, across the city, Cynthia Graves was fighting for her career.
It wasn't working.
The jewelry company's largest investors suddenly withdrew support.
Luxury brands canceled partnerships.
Anonymous complaints triggered investigations.
Board members resigned.
Within two weeks, the company lost millions.
Within one month, the board fired Cynthia.
Within three months, the company collapsed.
People called it bad luck.
Everyone else knew better.
May you like
Marco Bellini never forgot a debt.
And he never forgave cruelty toward children.
