Chapter 16 - Turning the Tables
The aftermath of the Roman confrontation hit our former circle like a violent shockwave.
Within forty-eight hours of our meeting in the courtyard, news spread back to Chicago. Julian’s firm was formally placed under federal investigation for financial fraud. Clara’s family, terrified of being dragged into the scandal, publicly severed all ties with Julian and canceled all wedding arrangements entirely.
Back in our suite, Brooke and I were working alongside my legal team via encrypted video conference.
"We have them completely pinned," my lead attorney, Arthur, declared from his office in Chicago. "Julian’s legal team tried to file a counter-suit claiming emotional distress and breach of verbal contract, but Helen’s financial records completely blew them out of the water. The state prosecutor has officially opened a criminal inquiry into Julian’s firm."
"What about Mark, Sarah, and David?" Brooke asked, sitting beside me on the sofa with a notepad.
"David is terrified," Arthur chuckled. "After your encounter at the Uffizi, he went straight back to Chicago and hired his own lawyer. He’s currently offering to testify against Julian in exchange for immunity regarding the shell company profits he received."
"And Sarah and Mark?" I inquired.
"Sarah is attempting to distance herself publicly, blaming Julian for everything," Arthur replied. "Mark is trying to liquidate his remaining assets before the court freezes them. Overall, the group has completely turned on each other. They’re tearing themselves apart trying to save their own skins."
Brooke looked at me, a deep sense of relief washing over her features. "It’s over for them."
"Not quite," I said, looking back at the screen. "Arthur, what about Marcus?"
Arthur’s expression turned serious. "Marcus tried to file that unissued civil draft against Brooke yesterday afternoon. But because you recorded his extortion attempt in Siena, we submitted the audio file directly to the Ethics Committee of the Illinois Bar. They’ve suspended his license pending a full formal disciplinary review. He’s facing potential disbarment for coercion and misuse of client data."
Brooke let out a long, breathless laugh, tears of vindication welling in her eyes. "He lost his law license?"
"He’s fighting for his professional life right now," Arthur confirmed. "He won't be bothering either of you ever again."
When the call ended, the suite fell into a peaceful, golden silence. The heavy storm of the past six months, the shadow of toxic friendships, and the constant threat of manipulate guilt had finally lifted.
Brooke turned to me, placing her hands on my shoulders. "You didn't just protect yourself. You protected me. You gave me back my voice."
"You gave yourself back your voice, Brooke," I said, kissing her forehead. "You walked away from Marcus on your own strength. I just made sure no one took that victory away from you."
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"So," she smiled, leaning her head against my chest, "what do two completely free people do now?"
"We leave the stress behind," I said, looking out the window toward the sun rising over the Seven Hills of Rome. "We go to Venice."
