Chapter 13 - The Price of a Stolen Name
Elena had imagined many terrible things Ryan might have done.
She had imagined forged loans.
Hidden accounts.
Lies told to employers.
But she had never imagined that her dead mother's name could become part of a financial scheme.
Daniel explained the findings carefully.
Carter Family Services had been incorporated using identification information associated with Elena's mother.
Its listed mailing address belonged to the house the sisters had sold after her death.
The company appeared to have received money from several businesses tied to Ryan Mercer.
Elena stared at the documents.
“My mother didn't know about this.”
Daniel nodded.
“That's what we're investigating.”
“She was sick for almost two years.”
Elena's voice broke.
“She could barely walk at the end.”
Alessandro sat beside her.
He didn't interrupt.
Daniel continued.
“The available records suggest someone used her personal information without authorization.”
Elena looked up.
“Ryan had copies of everything.”
Her voice became small.
“My mother's insurance documents.”
“Her identification.”
“Her medical bills.”
She remembered leaving folders at Ryan's apartment while caring for her mother.
He had offered to organize them.
He had said it would make things easier.
Elena laughed once.
The sound was bitter.
“He called it helping.”
Alessandro's expression darkened.
Daniel closed the folder.
“We'll provide the records to investigators.”
“Can Sophie lose her financial aid because of this?”
“Not automatically.”
Daniel leaned forward.
“We'll help you document the identity theft and correct any affected records.”
Elena looked relieved but exhausted.
“Will you send me the steps?”
“Of course.”
For the next several weeks, the investigation expanded.
Financial specialists reviewed the ledger.
The authorities examined transactions connected to the Moretti companies.
Several former executives were questioned.
Alessandro cooperated through counsel and authorized independent audits.
The process was neither quick nor pleasant.
He had to confront the possibility that some of his wealth had been built on money that should never have entered the family businesses.
One afternoon, Elena found him reviewing a stack of reports.
He looked exhausted.
“You missed lunch.”
“So did you.”
She smiled faintly.
“I brought sandwiches.”
He glanced at the plate.
“Mrs. Bennett?”
“She threatened to personally supervise both of us.”
Alessandro laughed.
“Then we'd better obey.”
They ate in silence.
After a while, Elena asked, “Are you going to lose everything?”
He considered the question.
“Possibly some things.”
“Does that scare you?”
“Yes.”
She studied him.
“What would you do?”
He looked toward the window.
“Build something I wouldn't be ashamed to leave behind.”
Elena thought about that.
Then she said, “You already have.”
He turned.
“What?”
“Mrs. Bennett trusts you.”
“Marco trusts you.”
“Sophie says you're the first wealthy person she's met who asks before making decisions for someone else.”
Alessandro smiled.
“And you?”
Elena looked down at her sandwich.
“I trust you more than I expected to.”
Their eyes met.
For a moment, the room became very quiet.
Then Elena stood.
“I should get back to work.”
Alessandro watched her.
“Elena.”
She turned.
“You don't have to keep working here.”
Her face changed.
“Are you firing me?”
“No.”
“Then what do you mean?”
He stood.
“I mean this situation has become complicated.”
She stared at him.
“You think I can't handle it?”
“No.”
“Then why are you suggesting I leave?”
Alessandro hesitated.
For the first time, he seemed unsure of his words.
“Because I care about you.”
Elena went still.
He continued.
“And I don't want you to feel that your job depends on how you respond to that.”
Her heartbeat quickened.
“Respond to what?”
Alessandro looked directly at her.
“The fact that my feelings are no longer entirely professional.”
Elena's breath caught.
He immediately stepped back.
“You don't have to say anything.”
She stared at him.
Ryan had once declared his love during an argument.
He had used it like a weapon.
Alessandro spoke as though his feelings were something he had to handle responsibly.
“I won't make your employment uncomfortable,” he said.
“And I won't ask you to make any decision while I'm your employer.”
Elena swallowed.
“Thank you for telling me.”
He nodded.
She left the room before he could see how badly her hands were shaking.
That evening, Sophie found her sitting on the kitchen floor.
“Elena?”
Her sister sat beside her.
“What's wrong?”
Elena looked at her.
“I think I'm falling in love with him.”
Sophie blinked.
“Alessandro?”
Elena nodded.
Sophie was quiet for a moment.
Then she smiled.
“Does he make you feel safe?”
“Yes.”
“Does he listen when you say no?”
“Yes.”
“Does he make you feel like you owe him?”
Elena's eyes filled.
“No.”
Sophie took her hand.
“Then maybe the scariest part isn't loving him.”
May you like
Elena looked up.
“Maybe it's realizing love can feel different.”
