Chapter 13 - The Signature
Roman did not deny signing the payments. He returned to the mansion, dismissed everyone from the study, and placed the documents on the desk.
Claire stood across from him. “Explain.”
“The payments were made to keep three businesses open.”
“Victor’s businesses.”
“Businesses that employ two hundred people.”
“And fund his criminal network.”
“I did not know how much he was diverting.”
“You knew enough to ask.”
Roman looked exhausted. “I made a deal with him after Dominic died. I would manage the family’s legitimate operations. Victor would handle the rest. I told myself separation was control.”
“It was cooperation.”
“Yes.”
The honesty hurt. Claire wanted him to offer a clever explanation so she could reject it. Instead, he gave her the truth.
“Did you order violence?” she asked.
“No.”
“Did you punish people who refused to pay?”
Roman said nothing.
Claire closed her eyes. “Roman.”
“I threatened them.”
“Did you hurt them?”
“Not physically.”
“Fear is still harm.”
“I know.”
She believed he knew now. She did not know whether that was enough.
Lily appeared in the doorway. “Is he going to prison?”
Roman turned toward her. “Possibly.”
Lily’s face crumpled. “Then what happens to me?”
Claire went to her. “You will not be alone.”
Susan entered behind Lily. “No one is taking her.”
Roman looked at his mother. “If I cooperate, the investigators will ask about all of us.”
“They should,” Susan said.
Claire stared at her. “You’re willing to testify?”
Susan’s voice was quiet. “I should have done it years ago.”
Roman shook his head. “They will charge you with obstruction.”
“Then I will face it.”
The family’s old rules began to crack. Peter had already vanished. Celia sent a message saying she would provide records. Victor’s location remained unknown.
Claire returned to the bakery and found the rear door unlocked. Nothing appeared disturbed. She checked the office, the ovens, the ruined storage room.
On her desk lay a new envelope.
Inside was a photograph of Roman and Claire kissing outside the bakery. On the back, someone had written: HE WILL CHOOSE THE THRONE.
Claire carried the photograph to the kitchen. The words fed every fear she had tried to ignore. Roman had spent years gathering power. He had signed payments, threatened people, and protected a family system built on fear. What would he choose when the price became real?
The bell above the door chimed.
Roman entered alone. He stopped several feet away. “May I come closer?”
Claire almost laughed at the formality. “Yes.”
He did not reach for her. “I am surrendering control of the family businesses.”
“To whom?”
“A court-appointed administrator.”
“And your people?”
“Anyone who wants legitimate work can keep it. Anyone who wants the old operation can leave.”
“What will you do?”
“Testify. Accept whatever follows.”
Claire studied him. “You are doing this because of me?”
“No.”
That answer mattered.
“I am doing it because I should have done it before I met you,” Roman continued. “You did not create my conscience. You made it impossible to ignore.”
Claire looked away. “I cannot promise I will wait.”
“I am not asking you to.”
“I cannot promise I will forgive you.”
“I am not asking that either.”
“Then what are you asking?”
Roman’s voice broke slightly. “For the chance to become someone who deserves forgiveness, whether you give it to me or not.”
Claire wanted to touch him. She wanted to push him away. Instead, she said, “That is the first honest thing you have ever asked for.”
He nodded and left.
That night, Daniel called from the hospital. His voice was weak.
“Claire, the photograph is a trap,” he said. “Victor wants you to believe Roman will choose power.”
“Why?”
“Because Roman already chose once.”
“What did he choose?”
Daniel hesitated. “He chose to let Mara take the blame for a crime he committed.”
May you like
The phone went silent.
Claire stared at the dark bakery windows, wondering what Roman had done to his sister.
