Chapter 13
Dominic’s own criminal case resolved two years later.
Racketeering-related financial offenses.
Illegal gambling.
Money laundering through old restaurant interests.
Obstruction tied to earlier conduct.
His cooperation in preserving Natalia’s documents and preventing witness intimidation mattered.
It reduced exposure.
It did not erase his crimes.
He entered a negotiated plea and received a substantial prison sentence.
Before surrendering, he sat with Lulu and Grace in the family-court conference room.
No chandeliers.
No bodyguards.
No tuxedo.
Just a table.
Lulu asked:
“Are you going because of my birthday?”
“No.”
“Because of Aunt Marcella?”
“No.”
“Because of Mommy’s papers?”
“No.”
He took a breath.
“Because I broke laws before all of that, and I kept living like the rules were for other people.”
Lulu looked at Grace.
Grace nodded slightly.
Lulu asked:
“Did Mommy know?”
Dominic’s voice roughened.
“She knew enough to be afraid.”
That answer hurt.
It was also honest.
During his sentence, Lulu lived in the Carvelli home with a court-approved caregiver and spent regular time with Grace.
Dominic called under approved rules.
No business.
No blaming courts.
No asking Lulu to carry adult emotions.
If he slipped, Grace ended the call.
He hated that.
Then learned from it.
Marcella remained in prison.
Her diamonds were sold for restitution.
Her crimson gowns mattered to no one.
May you like
The forged page mattered.
Natalia’s real words mattered more.
