Chapter 12
The hearing lasted three hours.
Dante arrived in a navy suit with a grieving expression.
He looked like a man attending a funeral he expected to inherit from.
His attorney argued that Leo’s paternity created uncertainty.
That I was involved in criminal investigations.
That Helena’s actions showed instability inside my home.
That the Bellucci trust required oversight by “true family.”
I almost laughed.
True family.
The phrase had become a dirty knife.
My attorney stood.
“Leo Bellucci is Carmine Bellucci’s legal son. He was born during the marriage. He was named in an amended trust signed by both parents. Paternity does not erase legal parenthood.”
Then Luca played Matteo’s video.
Dante’s face changed.
The judge watched every second.
Matteo’s voice filled the courtroom.
“If I’m dead, Dante Bellucci did it.”
Dante whispered to his attorney.
Too late.
Then Detective Voss testified about Helena’s cooperation.
Alessia testified about Sofia’s letter.
I testified last.
The judge asked, “Mr. Bellucci, if the child is not biologically yours, why are you seeking sole protection?”
I looked at Leo sitting outside the courtroom with Rosa and his bear.
“Because I am his father.”
“Legally?”
“Yes.”
“Emotionally?”
I swallowed.
“In every way that has ever mattered to him.”
Dante’s attorney pressed me.
“Isn’t it true you are under federal investigation?”
“Yes.”
The room stirred.
I continued.
“I have done things I will answer for. But my son will not be used as payment for adult sins.”
The judge granted permanent emergency protection.
Dante was barred from contact.
Leo’s trust was placed under independent court supervision until adulthood.
Dante stood.
“This is absurd.”
The judge looked over her glasses.
“Sit down, Mr. Bellucci.”
He sat.
For the first time in my life, I saw a Bellucci man obey someone without violence in the room.
It felt like a miracle.
Outside court, Leo ran to me.
“Can we go home?”
I hesitated.
The mansion was not safe yet.
He saw my face.
“The quiet house?”
I picked him up.
“Yes.”
He nodded.
“Home is where Papa comes back.”
May you like
I pressed my forehead to his.
“Then I’ll keep coming back.”
