Chapter 10 - A New SunriseThree days later.
The morning light broke over Federal Hill once again, clear and bright, burning away the autumn mist. The Romano estate was quiet. The shattered glass had been replaced, the marble floors scrubbed clean, and the heavy security presence returned to the shadows.
The Moretti crime family was no more. In a single, devastating night of strategic strikes, Allessandro had dismantled their entire network, securing absolute peace across the city’s underworld.
Inside the quiet dining room, the long table was set for two.
Allessandro sat at the head of the table, dressed in a sharp black suit. But he wasn't reading the newspaper. He was watching the opposite end of the table, where little Emma sat in a chair propped up by two velvet pillows, happily eating a plate of chocolate chip pancakes.
Beside her sat Maria, looking clean, well-dressed, and relaxed for the first time in her life.
"How are the pancakes, Emma?" Allessandro asked, a rare, warm smile softening his features.
Emma wiped a spot of maple syrup from her chin with a napkin. "They're super good, Mr. Allessandro! Better than the butter!"
Maria blushed slightly, smiling at her daughter. "Emma, remember your manners."
"It's alright, Maria," Allessandro said, taking a quiet sip of his steaming espresso. He set down the cup and pulled a set of legal documents from his jacket. "I had my lawyers finish the paperwork yesterday."
He slid the papers across the table to Maria.
"What is this?" Maria asked, scanning the top page.
"It's the deed to a four-bedroom house in the coastal hills, fully paid for," Allessandro explained calmly. "And a trust fund set up in Emma's name that will pay for her education, her college, and whatever future she chooses. You will never have to work a hard day in your life again, Maria. You are under the permanent protection of the Romano family."
Maria looked at the papers, then up at Allessandro, tears welling in her eyes. "Mr. Romano... we can't possibly accept this. It's too much."
"It isn't enough," Allessandro said quietly, his gaze shifting to the six-year-old girl hugging her button-eyed doll. "A lot of powerful men in this city pretend to be brave. But when it mattered most, a little girl with a cloth doll showed more courage than all of them. She saved my life. This house will always owe you both a debt."
Emma looked up from her pancakes, her eyes bright and happy. "Does that mean I get to visit Rosie's new room?"
May you like
Allessandro laughed—a genuine, deep laugh that echoed through the grand halls of the estate.
"Whenever you want, Emma," Allessandro said gently. "Whenever you want."
