Chapter 5 - LIES IN THE GOLDEN CAGESophia was brought to the Moretti fortress in Upstate New York—a massive, heavily fortified mansion surrounded by armed guards and attack dogs.
While the luxury was overwhelming, Sophia felt like a golden prisoner. Emma was overjoyed to be reunited with her mother, spending her days playing in the massive gardens, oblivious to the war brewing around them.
One evening, while searching for a book in Alessandro’s private office, Sophia noticed a hidden floor safe left slightly ajar. Driven by curiosity and fear, she pulled it open.
Inside were medical reports, bank transfer receipts, and photos.
Sophia’s heart stopped when she looked at the dates on the bank transfers.
Huge sums of money—millions of dollars—had been transferred from an offshore account to Marcus, her abusive ex-husband, three weeks before the Don't murder.
And the account owner was not Matteo.
It was signed with the initials: A.M.—Alessandro Moretti.
"What are you doing in here?"
Sophia jumped, dropping the papers. Alessandro was standing in the doorway, his silhouette imposing, his eyes dark.
"You..." Sophia whispered, holding the paper in her shaking hand. "You paid Marcus? You brought him to the estate?"
Alessandro slowly closed the door behind him. "Sophia, put those back."
"Answer me!" Sophia screamed, tears overflowing. "Did you set this all up? Did you orchestrate the murder of your own father and frame me just so you could take control of the family and force me into this marriage?!"
Alessandro walked toward her, step by step, until he backed her up against the mahogany desk.
"You think I would kill my father for power?" Alessandro asked, his voice dangerously low. "You think I needed a maid to win a war against Matteo?"
"Then explain this!" She thrust the transfer papers into his chest.
Alessandro grabbed the paper, threw it aside, and gripped her waist, pulling her flush against his body. "Marcus was paid to spy on Matteo! Matteo was planning to kidnap Emma to force you to poison my father’s tea!"
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Sophia gasped, her breath catching in her throat.
"I found out two hours too late," Alessandro whispered, his face inches from hers. "The only way to save you from being executed on the spot by my family was to let Matteo think his plan worked—and then claim you as my wife before he could put a bullet in your head."
