Chapter 10 - The Unbroken Promise
Three months later, spring had finally settled over New York City, washing the concrete streets in warm sunlight and bright green leaves.
At the Moretti estate in Westchester, the grand courtyards were filled with blooming cherry blossoms and the sound of birds singing in the morning air.
Inside the private family dining room, the walnut table was once again covered in maps, contracts, and ledger reports. Twelve of New York’s most powerful syndicate leaders sat around the table, speaking in hushed, respectful tones as they awaited the arrival of their boss.
The heavy mahogany double doors swung open.
Aleandro Moretti walked into the room, impeccably dressed in a charcoal-gray three-piece suit, his gray eyes sharp, commanding, and absolute. Every man at the table rose instantly, lowering their heads in respectful silence.
Aleandro took his seat at the head of the table. He didn't open the ledgers immediately. Instead, his gaze drifted slightly toward the corner of the room, near the window where a small, low wooden table sat.
On that table rested a box of colored crayons, a few sheets of white construction paper, and a very messy drawing of a smiling sun with an enormous crown.
Aleandro’s lips curved into the faintest, most genuine smile anyone in the syndicate had ever seen.
Before anyone could speak, the side door from the private family quarters clicked open.
Sophia walked into the room wearing a bright yellow dress, holding her mother’s hand. She stopped near Aleandro’s chair, looked up at him with her big, bright eyes, and gave a small, confident wave.
“Mr. Aleandro,” she announced clearly across the silent room of dangerous men. “Can I borrow you for lunch today? Mama says we have chicken nuggets.”
Every caporegime at the table froze, holding their breath, waiting to see how the most feared man in New York would react to being interrupted during a high-level syndicate council meeting.
Aleandro didn't frown. He didn't signal his guards.
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Instead, he stood up from his chair, buttoned his jacket, and looked around the stunned faces of his most powerful lieutenants.
“Meeting adjourned,” Aleandro said quietly, extending his hand down toward the little girl. “Show me the way to the chicken nuggets, Sophia.”
