The Godfather's Love (Erika and Charles) novel Chapter 18

“We will investigate Miss Evelyn’s case thoroughly.”

The central Elder raised his hand, clearly displeased by Charles’ attempt to divert the conversation.

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He picked up the East Coast route dossier, the one my father had provided, and studied it carefully. Then he exchanged a look with the other two

Elders.

“Charles,”

His voice turned glacial.

“According to Chapter Seven, Article Four of the Family Codex, if the Godfather’s actions severely damage the family’s interests, disrupt internal unity, or violate core oaths, the Elder Council has the authority to initiate special arbitration and reassess the distribution of family assets to ensure future

security.”

A chill sank into Charles’ chest.

“Based on the current evidence: First, due to your personal entanglements, you grossly neglected your duties and nearly caused serious losses. Second, your behavior has stirred internal rumors and unrest. Third, your alliance with the Churchill family has suffered a major rupture, endangering external stability. Fourth-”

The Elder pointed to the document in his hand.

“-the information provided by your former wife, Ms. Erika Churchill, demonstrates that her contributions to this family over the years far exceeded the norm. Upon her departure, she did not harm the family’s core assets, but instead offered them as ransom for her own freedom-an act that aligns with the ancient alliance clause regarding ‘peaceful separation.”

He paused, eyes sharp as a hawk, fixed on Charles’ ashen face.

“Therefore, the Elder Council rules in favor of Ms. Erika Churchill’s unilateral petition to dissolve the marriage. Effective immediately.”

“Based on her contributions and the terms of the alliance, the following assets under the Nell family-though not limited to this list…”

He read out a long inventory. It matched the 60 percent listed in my agreement.

“…shall be legally transferred to Ms. Erika Churchill’s personal ownership and formally separated from the Nell name. This ruling is final and not subject

to appeal.”

“No!!!”

Charles shot up from his chair, which crashed backward with a screech.

“You can’t do this! I built that empire! That’s the lifeblood of this family! This is theft!”

“Sit down, Charles!”

One of the other Elders barked.

“This is a Council ruling. Do you intend to defy the Family Codex?”

Chapter 18

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Charles’ chest heaved. His eyes were bloodshot, wild, like a wounded beast cornered in a cage.

He scanned the room-the cold-eyed Elders, my father’s impassive face, the loyalists standing silently at the door, too afraid to enter despite overhearing the chaos.

Abandoned. Betrayed.

For the first time, he understood the full weight of that word.

“What about Evelyn?” he rasped, clinging to the last thread of hope. “She slandered this family. She caused all this! And she gets to walk away?”

“The authorities will be interested in Miss Evelyn’s whereabouts,” my father said calmly, his voice laced with subtle menace.

Handing her over to the police-or to rival families-was a punishment far crueler and more in line with the rules than killing her outright. She would live

in fear, hunted, her life worse than death.

Charles said nothing.

It was over.

The Council had spoken. The gavel had fallen.

He had lost his wife, over half his fortune, his command over the empire-and nearly all his authority as Godfather.

The hearing ended. One by one, the others filed out.

Charles remained, frozen in place like a statue in the vast, silent room.

Time passed. He didn’t know how long.

Then his phone rang.

It was his most loyal deputy, his voice frantic.

“Boss! Bad news! Dock Three and two downtown casinos just got taken over by Churchill’s people-with official documents and the Council’s ruling!

Our men were blocked at the gates!”

“Also, word from the East Coast: several key contacts on critical routes suddenly suspended cooperation. They say they’re waiting for instructions

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