Chapter 18 - WHAT MATTEO GAVE UP
Cleaning Bellandi Group was not dramatic.
Men who had called Matteo "brother" for years suddenly called lawyers.
He shut down businesses that could not explain their cash.
Sold clubs built on intimidation.
Removed three cousins from management.
One told him Carlo would be ashamed.
Matteo replied, "Then he can haunt me."
Mara did not move into his house.
She stayed in her small apartment until she chose something better with her own money.
She also quit the Thorne household the day after Bianca's arrest.
Matteo offered her anything she needed.
She accepted security during the trial.
Medical costs tied to the baby.
"You make accepting help look like a hostage negotiation," he said.
"Practice."
Then stopped smiling when she added, "I don't know if we're going to be together."
"I know."
"The baby doesn't make that decision for me."
"I know."
"Your feelings don't either."
"I know."
"That's annoying."
"I'm improving."
The trial began four months later.
Mara testified about the cemetery assault, Eleanor's letter, Preston's warning, and Thorne's threats.
Matteo testified about Carlo's files and Bellandi corruption.
He admitted things his lawyers begged him to phrase more carefully.
The truth cost him.
Good.
Senator Thorne was convicted of conspiracy, bribery, obstruction, witness intimidation, and crimes connected to Eleanor and Carlo.
Victor's cooperation reduced his sentence, but did not erase it.
Bianca received prison time as well.
Outside court, reporters surrounded Mara.
One shouted, "Are you marrying Matteo Bellandi?"
Mara stopped.
Matteo, standing ten feet away, visibly wished the reporter would disappear.
Mara smiled.
"I just helped convict a senator. Can we let me enjoy one thing at a time?"
The clip went everywhere.
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That night, she woke with a sharp pain.
The baby was six weeks early.
