Chapter 13 - The Council of Justice
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By noon, the grand dining hall had been cleared of all wedding remnants, transformed into a solemn council chamber.
Six of Chicago’s most respected and elder mafia dons sat around the table, summoned urgently by Frank Moretti.
In the center of the room stood Antonio Bellini and Donna Bellini, handcuffed and guarded by Luca’s heavily armed soldiers.
Frank stood at the head of the table, flanked by Luca on his right and Evelyn Carter seated honorably on his left.
Beside Evelyn sat Vanessa, quietly holding her mother’s scarred hand in plain view of every syndicate leader in the city.
Frank laid down the confession documents, the arson receipts from 1986, and the Florida doctor’s sworn testimony on the table.
"For forty years, the Bellini family broke the sacred code of this city," Frank announced, his voice ringing with absolute authority.
"They used cowardly arson to murder eight innocent men, bribed city officials, and stole a newborn child from a charity hospital."
"They used that child as a weapon, attempting to murder me in my own home with poison only twelve hours ago."
The elder dons examined the evidence one by one, their expressions hardening into disgusted scowls.
"This is beyond business," Don Carmine, the oldest capo in Chicago, declared as he pushed the papers away.
"This is dishonor of the highest order. The Bellinis are stripped of every holding, every dock, and every ounce of protection."
Luca stepped forward, his dark eyes sweeping over the condemned brother and sister with cold finality.
"The Bellini empire ceases to exist as of this moment," Luca commanded, his voice brooking no argument.
"Their shipping docks, warehouse properties, and overseas accounts are hereby seized and liquidated."
"Every dollar stolen through their deception will be transferred into a private foundation bearing the name of Evelyn Carter."
"That foundation will fund burn treatment centers and orphan protection across the entire state of Illinois."
Donna began to scream hysterically, but two guards quickly dragged her out of the room, followed closely by the defeated Antonio.
The elder dons stood up, each bowing their heads in deep, genuine respect to Evelyn before taking their leave.
Vanessa looked over at the liquidated paperwork, turning toward Frank and Luca with complete sincerity.
"I don't want a penny of that money," Vanessa said softly, her voice steady and clear.
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"I want to change my name legally to Evelyn Moretti, and I want to spend the rest of my life working for that foundation."
Frank smiled proudly, resting his weathered hand over his daughter’s, knowing the Moretti honor had truly been reborn.
