She Walked Past the Mafia Boss Without Looking Back, and His Next Order Shocked Everyone
Chapter 5
Matteo took the ledger to his private study.
Elena followed.
For three hours, they read.
The records described stolen shipments.
Bribes.
Forged documents.
Payments to guards.
And one recurring name.
Silvio Caruso.
Matteo’s most trusted lieutenant.
Elena looked at him.
“This is your man.”
Matteo nodded.
“He has served me for seventeen years.”
“And your father?”
“Twenty.”
She closed the ledger.
“You trust him.”
“I did.”
Matteo’s voice was quiet.
Elena noticed something unusual.
He was not angry.
He was disappointed.
“Why didn’t my father expose him?”
“He tried.”
“What happened?”
Matteo looked toward the window.
“He disappeared.”
Elena stared.
“You think Caruso killed him?”
“I don’t know.”
“Then why protect me?”
“Because Caruso knows your father left evidence.”
“And if he finds out I have it?”
“He will kill you.”
Elena folded her arms.
“Then why tell me?”
“Because you deserve to know why men are trying to kill you.”
She studied him.
“You’re not what I expected.”
“That’s usually disappointing.”
She almost smiled.
Then the door opened.
Gabriel entered.
“Don Matteo.”
“What?”
“Caruso is here.”
Matteo looked at Elena.
“Stay inside.”
She shook her head.
“No.”
“Elena.”
“If Caruso is the traitor, I want to see him.”
Matteo stared at her.
Then he nodded.
They entered the main hall.
Silvio Caruso stood beneath the chandelier.
He smiled when he saw Elena.
“Miss Moretti.”
Elena smiled back.
“You know my name.”
“I know everyone’s name.”
Matteo watched him carefully.
Caruso looked at the Don.
“I came to report another missing shipment.”
“Did you?”
“Yes.”
Matteo stepped closer.
“Funny.”
“What is?”
“You’re always the first man to tell me something has gone missing.”
Caruso laughed.
“That is my duty.”
Matteo smiled.
“Perhaps.”
Then he turned toward Gabriel.
“Close the doors.”
Caruso’s smile disappeared.
