Chapter 13 - The Birthday DeadlineMaya’s birthday was nine days away.
Nine days.
That was the timetable Vittorio had chosen.
Damian explained everything.
The plan required three pieces.
A biological heir.
A medical incompetency declaration.
And control of the Costello trust.
Vittorio already had forged neurological evaluations prepared.
Dr. Vale’s signature appeared on two.
A judge had been approached through Jonathan Pierce.
Once Luca was declared incompetent, Vittorio would assume control.
Maya would become the future beneficiary.
Elena would be pressured into signing guardianship documents disguised as financial protection agreements.
If she refused, Vittorio had prepared evidence designed to portray her as unstable and financially irresponsible.
Elena read the documents.
Her hands shook with rage.
“They built an entire fake life for me.”
Unpaid debts she never had.
Medical complaints she never made.
Police reports that never existed.
Luca felt disgust.
Damian continued.
Once guardianship shifted, Vittorio planned to move Maya to a private school overseas.
Far from Elena.
Far from Luca.
Far from anyone who might question him.
“Why keep me alive this long?” Luca asked.
Damian looked ashamed.
“Because you were useful.”
The answer landed heavily.
A living Luca kept rivals cautious.
His name protected the organization.
His disability made him dependent.
Vittorio had enjoyed ruling through him.
But Maya changed the equation.
Now Vittorio could replace Luca with an heir he expected to control.
Luca looked through the glass at his daughter playing baseball outside.
“You underestimated her.”
Damian gave a humorless laugh.
“Everybody does.”
Luca stood from his wheelchair.
Damian’s eyes widened.
Luca held the table for support.
His legs trembled.
But he remained upright.
The secret was now revealed to one more person.
Damian stared.
“You’re recovering.”
“Yes.”
“Does Vittorio know?”
“No.”
Luca lowered himself back into the chair.
“And he won’t.”
Damian understood.
“You’re building a trap.”
Luca smiled coldly.
“No.”
“I’m letting Vittorio finish building his.”
Federal investigators were contacted that night.
Luca made a decision that shocked Marco.
He would cooperate completely.
Financial crimes.
Bribery.
Extortion connected to Costello companies.
Everything.
Marco stared at him.
“That could cost you half your empire.”
“Then I lose half.”
“Maybe more.”
“Then I lose more.”
Elena stood quietly nearby.
Luca continued.
“I spent twelve years protecting a name that never protected me.”
He looked toward Maya.
“I’m not giving her the same inheritance.”
Marco understood.
Luca was not merely trying to defeat Vittorio.
He was ending the world that made Vittorio possible.
The next step was dangerous.
They announced Maya’s birthday party publicly.
Every senior Costello executive would attend.
Vittorio received the invitation personally.
He replied within ten minutes.
ACCEPTED.
That evening, Maya entered Luca’s study.
“Mom says there’s going to be a huge party.”
“Yes.”
“Is it really for my birthday?”
Luca hesitated.
“Partly.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“Grown-up lying again.”
Luca sighed.
“We’re trying to catch someone.”
“Uncle Vittorio.”
Luca looked at her.
Maya crossed her arms.
“I’m eight, not furniture.”
“You shouldn’t have to know any of this.”
“But I do.”
That silenced him.
She walked closer.
“Are you scared?”
Luca answered honestly.
“Yes.”
Maya nodded.
“Me too.”
He reached for her hand.
Then she smiled faintly.
“But you know what?”
“What?”
“Scared things can still move.”
Luca remembered her words from weeks earlier.
Dead things don’t keep trying to move.
He squeezed her hand.
May you like
Nine days remained.
And for the first time, Vittorio had no idea that Luca was moving again.
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