Chapter 24 - My reputation causes its own problem
A newspaper columnist wrote that Valeria had been “targeted by a notorious crime figure after a domestic dispute.”
Me.
The article suggested witnesses might have been afraid to contradict my version.
Fair concern.
My history was not clean.
The Drake name carried fear.
So my lawyers did not threaten the paper.
We released only public records:
Security video existed.
Child-battery plea public.
Ring trial public.
Foundation board actions documented.
No private attacks.
Then a former guest anonymously claimed:
“Salvatore slapped her because she embarrassed him.”
Another guest publicly corrected:
“He moved after the child was shoved.”
Different perceptions.
I could not control every narrative.
Marnie heard kids at school whisper:
“Your dad hit a lady.”
She asked:
“Did you?”
“Yes.”
“Was it bad?”
“I should have focused on getting you safe and letting security handle her.”
“But she hurt me.”
“Yes.”
“Would you do it again?”
I thought.
“I would protect you again. I would try to do it with less anger.”
That was the answer I wanted her to remember.
Not:
My father destroys anyone who touches me.
May you like
Protection without worshipping violence.
Harder than it sounds.
