Chapter 7 - The Trust That Could Destroy Them All
The Marino family trust was larger than Carrie had ever realized.
It controlled properties.
Investment accounts.
Shipping assets.
Private equity interests.
Charitable foundations.
And, most importantly, voting rights.
Carrie's name was attached to the controlling provision.
Evelyn explained it carefully.
“Your father-in-law designed it so that no individual could seize the entire family estate.”
“What happens if Dominic is removed?”
“The trust protects the children.”
“And me?”
“Temporarily.”
Carrie nodded.
“Then activate it.”
The paperwork was filed.
Within hours, the Marino financial system began locking.
Banks requested clarification.
Lawyers demanded meetings.
Business partners called Dominic.
News outlets noticed unusual market activity.
Dominic's company spokesperson released a statement saying there was no threat to the company's operations.
Privately, Dominic knew otherwise.
He called Carrie.
She answered.
“I activated the trust.”
“I know.”
“I had to.”
“I understand.”
That surprised her.
“You do?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because my father was right.”
Carrie closed her eyes.
“You read his letter?”
“No.”
“Then how do you know?”
“Because I found another one.”
Silence.
Dominic continued.
“He wrote that the moment I treated you like an employee, I had already lost you.”
Carrie swallowed.
“He knew you.”
“He knew me better than I knew myself.”
Neither spoke for several seconds.
Then Dominic said:
“There's someone inside my security team.”
“I know.”
His breathing changed.
“How?”
“Because the person who accessed my medical records had access to your security credentials.”
Dominic went silent.
“Carrie.”
“Yes?”
“I am sorry.”
She closed her eyes.
“I know.”
“I don't expect forgiveness.”
“Good.”
“I just need you to stay safe.”
“I am.”
Then she disconnected.
The next day, tragedy almost struck.
Claire was driving Carrie to the doctor when a black SUV followed them.
Claire noticed first.
“Don't look back.”
Carrie stiffened.
“Someone is following us.”
Claire increased speed.
The SUV followed.
Claire turned onto a side road.
The vehicle remained behind them.
Carrie called Dominic.
He answered immediately.
“Where are you?”
She gave him the location.
His voice changed.
“Don't go home.”
“We weren't going to.”
“I am sending security.”
“No.”
Carrie looked at Claire.
“Send them to the hospital.”
Dominic understood.
“I'm on my way.”
At the clinic, security escorted them inside.
The SUV vanished.
Carrie sat in the examination room with her hand over her belly.
Dominic arrived twenty minutes later.
He did not come as a husband.
He came as a man trying to protect the mother of his child.
He stopped at the door.
“I won't come closer unless you want me to.”
Carrie studied him.
“Come in.”
Dominic entered.
He looked exhausted.
He placed a folder on the table.
“Edward has been arrested.”
Carrie's eyes widened.
“How?”
“One of my people turned against him.”
“Arthur?”
“No.”
“Then who?”
Dominic hesitated.
“Vanessa.”
Carrie looked at him.
“She testified.”
“She gave us enough to arrest Edward.”
Carrie nodded.
“Where is Arthur?”
“Missing.”
“And the security adviser?”
“Dead.”
Carrie went still.
“How?”
“Car accident.”
She looked at Dominic.
“Do you believe that?”
“No.”
That honesty mattered.
The doctor entered.
“Mrs. Marino?”
Carrie looked up.
“Your blood pressure looks better.”
Dominic exhaled.
The doctor smiled.
“Stress reduction seems to be helping.”
Carrie glanced at Dominic.
He almost smiled.
“I can leave,” he said.
The doctor blinked.
Carrie did not.
“Stay.”
It was the first time she had asked him to stay since leaving.
Dominic sat quietly in the corner.
He did not speak.
He did not touch her.
He simply stayed.
For the first time, Carrie understood what he should have learned nine years earlier.
Presence mattered more than power.
After the appointment, Carrie and Dominic walked outside.
Snow had begun falling.
Dominic looked at her.
“Can I ask you something?”
“What?”
“Do you think there's any chance?”
Carrie looked at him.
“For us?”
“Yes.”
She took a long breath.
“I don't know.”
He nodded.
“That is more than I deserve.”
She almost smiled.
Then she felt movement beneath her coat.
The baby kicked.
Dominic looked at her stomach.
“Was that her?”
Carrie nodded.
He smiled.
It was a real smile.
Not the polished expression he wore at charity events.
Not the intimidating look he used with executives.
Just a father seeing his child move.
Carrie watched him.
Then quietly said:
“You need to become someone she can trust.”
Dominic nodded.
“I will.”
“You don't get to promise.”
“I know.”
“You have to prove it.”
“I know.”
They stood in silence.
Snow gathered on his shoulders.
Carrie finally turned toward her car.
“Good night, Dominic.”
“Good night, Carrie.”
May you like
He watched her leave.
This time, he did not chase her.
