Chapter 4 - The Shadow in the NetworkJulian Vance.
The name hung in the study like the scent of ozone before a lightning strike. Julian was Dante’s primary legal counsel and corporate strategist—a man who had represented the Moretti family through three federal investigations, drafted every major acquisition contract, and dined at Dante’s table during holidays. He was smooth, impeccably dressed, and seemingly indispensable.
"Julian has been with us for five years," Marco said, shaking his head slightly. "He handles our federal liaisons. Why would he risk everything to bug the estate?"
"Because nobody risks everything if they think they're winning," Dante said coldly. "If Julian is feeding our private conversations to a rival syndicate—or worse, federal prosecutors building a RICO case—he isn't risking anything. He's cashing out."
Clare thought back over the months she had spent managing the estate. She remembered small, out-of-place details: the way Julian always arrived early for meetings, lingering near the service corridors; how he frequently asked about staff schedules and guard shift changes under the guise of legal preparation; and, most disturbingly, the cold, calculating look he had given Nero when the dog had once growled at his briefcase.
"He didn't just listen to business meetings," Clare realized aloud. "He was listening to personal conversations. He was mapping your vulnerabilities, Mr. Moretti."
Dante turned to Marco. "Where is Julian now?"
"He scheduled a deposition in downtown Chicago this morning," Marco replied, checking his watch. "He should be at his firm's office on Michigan Avenue."
Dante didn't hesitate. He unrolled the sleeves of his white shirt, buttoned his cuffs, and reached for his charcoal jacket draped over the chair.
"Marco, ready the secondary transport. We're going for a visit."
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Clare stepped forward. "Mr. Moretti—"
"Stay here, Clare," Dante interrupted, his tone final but not unkind. "Keep Lily and Nero safe. This is going to get messy."
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