Chapter 49: The Moretti Question

The defense attorney smiled as if he had found the perfect wound.

'Miss Whitmore, would you describe Alexander Moretti as an honest man?'

Objection came immediately. The judge allowed limited questioning.

Scarlett's hands rested calmly in her lap. 'I would describe him as a complicated man who has been honest with me when it mattered.'

The attorney lifted a document. 'When it mattered. Interesting. Did he tell you that the Moretti family once profited from illegal use of Whitmore shipping routes?'

Murmurs filled the courtroom.

Scarlett felt Alexander go still behind her.

'He told me,' she said.

'Before or after Victor Hale sent you proof?'

Scarlett's silence lasted one second too long.

The attorney turned toward the jury. 'After, then.'

The prosecutor objected again.

The defense continued, 'Is it possible, Miss Whitmore, that Mr. Moretti encouraged your accusations against the Whitmore family to seize influence over your company?'

Scarlett's voice sharpened. 'No.'

'But Whitmore Industries recently entered a strategic alliance with the Moretti Empire, correct?'

'Yes.'

'Benefiting Mr. Moretti?'

'Benefiting both companies.'

'And benefiting you personally, as his lover?'

Alexander rose halfway from his seat before Luca gripped his arm.

Scarlett looked at the attorney with cold clarity.

'My mother was killed before I loved Alexander. My brakes were cut before I loved Alexander. My trust was stolen before I loved Alexander. If your argument is that a man's affection invented my suffering, then your argument is as insulting as it is desperate.'

The courtroom went silent.

The attorney's smile faded.

Scarlett leaned slightly toward the microphone.

'I am not here as Alexander Moretti's lover. I am here as Isabella Whitmore's daughter.'

The prosecutor ended the redirect quickly, letting Scarlett's words remain untouched.

Outside court, reporters shouted about the Moretti connection. Headlines shifted from Evelyn's confession to Alexander's influence.

Scarlett rode home in silence.

At Moretti House, Alexander finally spoke. 'I should have told you earlier.'

'Yes,' she said.

Pain crossed his face.

Scarlett looked at him. 'I love you. But I will not be protected by lies ever again.'

Alexander lowered his head.

'You will not,' he promised.