Chapter 12 - The Verdict
The silence in the cathedral was absolute as Don Falcone adjusted his glasses and read the ledger. The flickering candlelight caught the sudden, sharp tightening of the old man’s jaw.
He passed the pages to Don Moretti, who passed them to Russo. The air grew thick with tension.
Renato’s confident smirk began to waver. "What is that? Forgeries! Damiano is trying to distract you from his madness!"
Don Falcone slammed his hand on the table. The sound echoed like a gunshot.
"These are Vincenzo Vitale’s personal cipher logs," Falcone rasped, glaring at Renato with dead eyes. "Your father stole thirty million dollars from the Commission. And you have been using our stolen money to buy your fake throne."
Renato took a step back, realizing the tide had turned instantly. In this world, loyalty was negotiable, but money was sacred.
"He poisoned my father to hide the theft," Damiano stated, his voice ringing with cold authority. "He threatened the mother of my child. I demand the right of blood."
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Don Falcone looked at Damiano, then at Renato.
"The Commission strips Renato of his title," Falcone declared. "He is excommunicated. His life is yours, Damiano."
