Chapter 16 - THE OLD MEN’S VERSION
Some senior Ventrescas hated the scandal for the wrong reason.
Not because Claudia hurt Ruby.
Because Merrick reviewers had learned about family dysfunction.
Uncle Paolo said:
“We used to handle embarrassment inside.”
I answered:
“We used to create more of it inside too.”
He did not appreciate that.
Then:
“You let outsiders audit our foundation.”
“They gave the grant.”
“It is still Ventresca work.”
“No. It is charitable work.”
That distinction was cultural surgery.
Old Mafia families treat philanthropy as reputation.
Modern nonprofits require mission.
We were learning.
Then one older capo—retired logistics executive, actual title long gone—said:
“You’re letting accountants decide family honor.”
I said:
“Accountants are deciding restricted fund allocation.”
He stared.
May you like
Sometimes precision is the least glamorous weapon available.
Also the most effective.
