CHAPTER13 — ADRIAN
Chapter 13 - CHAPTER13 — ADRIAN
Adrian's story sounded impossible.
That was exactly why Jodi believed parts of it.
He had documents.
Photographs.
Bank transfers.
Medical records.
He claimed Hector's father had another son before Hector was born.
Adrian.
He had been raised outside the organization.
Hidden from Victor.
Hidden from Hector.
"You expect me to believe this?" Hector asked.
"No."
Adrian looked at him.
"I expect you to check."
He handed over a DNA report.
Hector didn't touch it.
Jodi did.
The result was clear.
Adrian and Hector were brothers.
Hector sat down.
For the first time, Jodi saw him look young.
Not weak.
Just tired.
"Why now?" he asked.
Adrian looked at Jodi.
"Because Mara knew Victor was planning the final move."
"Where is Mara?"
"Alive."
"Where?"
"Safe."
Jodi felt anger rise.
"Everyone keeps saying people are safe while I have no idea where they are."
Adrian almost smiled.
"You've learned."
"Learned what?"
"That people lie when they think the truth will hurt you."
Jodi looked at Hector.
He understood.
Adrian continued.
"Victor isn't trying to kill you."
"Then what does he want?"
"Your signature."
"For what?"
"The legal transfer of the Russo assets."
Jodi frowned.
"I thought the account was already mine."
"It is."
Adrian shook his head.
"That's the problem."
He explained.
The inheritance was not merely money.
It included legal ownership of legitimate companies worth billions, properties, trusts, and shipping contracts.
Victor could control the criminal side.
But he could not control the legitimate side without Jodi.
That was why everyone had been chasing her.
Jodi looked at Hector.
"And you?"
"I don't want any of it."
She believed him.
For the first time.
Adrian looked at them.
"That's why Victor is afraid."
"Of Hector?"
"Of you two together."
Jodi frowned.
"Why?"
"Because the inheritance requires both bloodlines."
Silence.
"What does that mean?"
Adrian smiled sadly.
"It means your father left a condition."
Jodi's heart sank.
"What condition?"
"You can only inherit if Hector signs beside you."
Hector laughed without humor.
"My father planned this."
"Yes."
"Why?"
Adrian looked at Jodi.
"Because he believed you were the only person who could make Hector choose a life outside the organization."
Jodi looked at Hector.
He looked back.
The room became very quiet.
Then the front windows shattered.
Adrian shoved Jodi down.
Hector fired toward the darkness.
A car sped away.
On the floor was a single envelope.
Inside was a photograph.
Mara.
Alive.
Bound to a chair.
On the back was a message.
COME TO THE OLD RUSSO HOUSE.
ALONE.
Jodi looked at Hector.
"We're going."
He shook his head.
"Not this time."
"Why?"
"Because this time, I know exactly what they want."
"What?"
May you like
He looked at her.
"Both of us."
