The Weight of a Name

The Bellanti Charter had been untouchable for decades.

Not because it was perfect.

But because no one had dared question it publicly.

Until now.

The headline appeared at 7:12 a.m.

INTERNATIONAL REVIEW FILED AGAINST BELLANTI TRADE AUTHORITY

Vera read it once.

Then again.

Her coffee remained untouched.

Nicolas stood across from her in the kitchen, still in his shirt sleeves, phone pressed to his ear.

“Yes,” he said sharply. “I’ve seen it.”

He ended the ...