Chapter 2

Beneath the Moretti Estate, in the trial chamber, the heavy black iron door slowly swung open.

For the first time, I walked in here as the subject of an investigation.

This place had judged traitors, moles, and those who had broken their oath to the family.

But never had a Donna of Moretti stood here.

A long table sat in the center of the hall. Lucien was seated at the head.

On the left and right sat the family advisor, three elders, and the security head.

On the witness stand, Sophia sat quietly, Lucien's suit jacket draped over her shoulders.

My place was in the center of the hall. No chains, no restraints.

Because I was still the Donna of Moretti. Until the truth was found, I was entitled to that last bit of dignity.

Just then, the door opened again.

The family advisor stood up. "The representative of the Romano family has arrived."

Adrian Romano walked slowly into the trial chamber. Black suit, silver cufflinks.

He brought no large escort, only a secretary.

But no one in the entire hall dared to underestimate him.

He was the current Boss of the Romano family and the only one among the Seven Families who could stand against Lucien.

After Adrian sat down, he said only one word, "Begin."

The family advisor stood and read, "During tonight's charity banquet, the Rossi family heirloom was lost and later found in the inner compartment of the Moretti Donna's evening clutch. A temporary trial chamber of the Moretti family is now convened to investigate this matter.

"According to the common code of the Seven Families, this trial is presided over by the Moretti family, with representatives from the other families present as witnesses.

"Boss, all estate surveillance footage has been sealed.

"There is a twelve-minute surveillance gap in the west corridor of the banquet hall.

"At present, we cannot determine who accessed the Donna's handbag."

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Twelve minutes?"

The security head nodded. "Yes."

Adrian looked up. "So, no surveillance, no witnesses, no timeline for the crime, only a necklace that appeared in her bag."

The three elders exchanged glances. One elder slowly nodded. "That is correct."

Another elder spoke up. "But the family heirloom was indeed found in the Donna's bag. That is a fact."

The third elder said solemnly, "Regardless of guilt or innocence, the Donna has become the center of this incident."

Lucien's expression remained unchanged. "Continue."

Sophia slowly stood up, her eyes red. "I don't suspect Lilian. I just really care about that necklace. It's the last thing my mother left me."

Her voice grew softer. "If it's really a misunderstanding, I'm willing to wait for the investigation to end."

The more wronged she sounded, the more complicated the gazes in the hall became as they looked at me.

Adrian let out a soft laugh. "Miss Rossi, I didn't ask about your feelings. I asked about the evidence."

Adrian then looked at Lucien. "The current evidence is insufficient for a conviction. I suggest continuing the investigation."

"Boss, according to family regulations, during the investigation, to avoid the Seven Families questioning the impartiality of the Moretti family, the Donna may temporarily be relieved of her public duties."

One elder chimed in, "The Donna should not continue to represent the Moretti family in diplomatic, charitable, or public affairs for the time being."

Another elder nodded. "Once the investigation is complete, if her innocence is proven, her status will naturally be restored."

In the hall, all eyes fell on Lucien.

He was silent for a long time, so long that I almost thought he would trust me this time.

But in the end, he slowly stood up. His voice was calm, without a trace of emotion. "Lilian Moretti, during the investigation, all public authority of the Donna is temporarily suspended."

"The Black Rose Ring, the Moretti Donna's Crest, and the Charity Foundation seal are to be temporarily retrieved by the family."

My fingers tightened little by little. He said ‘temporarily.’

But I knew that from the moment he made this announcement, everyone would assume I was already guilty.

I slowly removed the Black Rose Ring and placed it on the table.

The soft clink of metal against wood echoed clearly in the trial chamber. Everyone thought the trial was about to end.

Then Sophia, who had been silent, suddenly spoke softly. "Boss."

She bit her lip, as if hesitating for a long time. "If things end like this today, won't outsiders think the Moretti family is covering for their own Donna?"

The three elders exchanged glances. "Boss, if there is no punishment at all, it will be hard to explain to the Rossi family."

The family advisor was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "The Donna has not been convicted, but according to family tradition, during the investigation, a disciplinary punishment may be carried out to uphold family rules."

I jerked my head up. What they truly wanted was never to find the truth.

It was to give everyone an explanation.

Lucien closed his eyes slowly. When he opened them again, the last trace of hesitation in his gaze was gone. "Carry out the family punishment."