Chapter 10 - The Recording Bianca Could Not Explain)
The audio did not prove who damaged Adrian's car.
But it proved someone knew.
Nathan transferred every file to federal investigators and local authorities.
Adrian refused the family's suggestion to keep the matter private.
"No internal review," he said. "No family settlement."
The board chairman looked horrified.
"This could destroy the company."
Adrian replied, "Then perhaps the company deserves to survive without lies."
By afternoon, Bianca was questioned.
She arrived with two attorneys.
She denied ordering sabotage.
She denied knowing who had damaged the brake line.
She admitted intercepting communications between Mara and Adrian, but framed it as protecting a vulnerable family member during medical recovery.
No one believed the explanation.
Yet one problem remained.
The recording said brake issue confirmed tonight.
It did not say who caused it.
Dr. Vale was missing.
And Bianca's lawyers were already preparing another attack.
That evening Mara watched television from the guest apartment Adrian had arranged.
Her own face appeared on the screen.
A news presenter described an unnamed former hotel employee at the center of a Moretti inheritance dispute.
A photograph followed.
Mara leaving Sebastian's study.
The envelope in her hand.
Then another image.
Sebastian speaking to her near the library.
The implication was obvious.
Mara shut off the television.
Adrian sat across the room.
"Bianca leaked it."
"Probably."
"They're making it look like I slept with Sebastian."
"Yes."
"Do something."
"I will."
"No."
He looked at her.
Mara stood.
"I mean don't make someone threaten a network. Don't buy a newspaper. Don't make the story disappear because you can."
"What do you want?"
"The truth."
"That can take longer."
"Then let it."
Adrian studied her.
"You know what they'll say."
"They already say it."
"They'll call you a gold digger."
"Already did."
"They'll question the baby."
Mara's hand moved to her stomach.
"That one hurts."
Adrian stood.
"I can stop it."
"By proving you're powerful?"
"By proving you're the father."
Mara looked at him.
He continued.
"Only if you want to."
A noninvasive prenatal paternity test could be done safely with Mara's blood and Adrian's sample.
Mara agreed.
Not for Bianca.
Not for the board.
For the child.
Two days later Nathan placed the sealed result on the table.
Probability of paternity exceeded 99.9 percent.
Adrian stared at the number.
Mara watched his face.
He smiled.
It was small.
Almost disbelieving.
Then his eyes filled.
That frightened her more than confidence would have.
He looked up.
"We're having a baby."
Mara laughed through sudden tears.
"Apparently."
Adrian did not touch her.
Not until she held out her hand.
Then he took it.
The press statement was simple.
Adrian Moretti confirmed he was the father of Mara Collins's unborn child.
He stated they had been in a private relationship before his accident and had been separated through deliberate interference by third parties.
No accusations beyond documented facts.
No mention of money.
No insults.
The story changed within hours.
But Bianca was not finished.
That night Sebastian called.
"Mara needs to leave the apartment."
Adrian stood.
"Why?"
"I found something on Bianca's old phone."
"What?"
"A message from Vale."
Sebastian read it.
If Collins talks, use the mother.
Mara heard from across the room.
Her face went white.
"My mother is dead."
Sebastian replied, "The message was sent before she died."
May you like
Mara stared at Adrian.
"What did they do to her?"
