Chapter 10 - The Princess of the Estate
Six months later, the Moretti estate had transformed completely.
The once-grim, intimidating stone fortress was now filled with sunlight, bright floral gardens, and the lively sound of a child’s laughter echoing across the courtyards. High-end pediatric doctors and top-tier nutritionists had ensured Evelyn’s complete recovery, and she now walked through the estate gardens as the respected, beloved lady of the manor.
On a warm Saturday afternoon, the great lawn was set up for Mia’s fifth birthday party. Banners in soft pastel colors hung from the ancient stone archways, and a towering carousel had been temporarily installed beside the fountain. Capos and hardened syndicate lieutenants who once discussed territorial wars now stood nervously in tailored suits, awkwardly holding colorful wrapped gift boxes and giant stuffed animals.
Don Vittorio sat in the garden pavilion, laughing heartily as Mia presented him with a crooked, hand-drawn crayon portrait of a lion wearing a party hat.
""It is a masterpiece, my dear,"" the old Don chuckled, tapping her nose with his finger. ""We shall hang it in the main gallery between the Renaissance oils.""
Luca walked across the grass, dressed in a relaxed linen shirt and slacks, holding a silver tray with fresh pastries. Evelyn stood beside him, her hand tucked gently into the crook of his arm, looking radiant and healthy in a pale cream dress.
""You spoil her too much, Luca,"" Evelyn teased gently, looking at the massive custom playhouse built in the shape of a miniature castle.
""She spent three years surviving on water and cold bread, Evelyn,"" Luca murmured, his voice rich with tenderness as he wrapped an arm around her waist. ""I have twenty years of pampering to make up for. She will have the world, and so will you.""
Mia ran over to them, holding up her beloved stuffed rabbit. The torn ear had been meticulously repaired with golden silk thread by Collins himself, and around the bunny’s neck hung a small, polished gold medallion—the two halves permanently welded together into a single, unbreakable crest.
""Look, Daddy! Mr. Bunny is all better now!"" she beamed, holding up the toy with proud, sparkling eyes.
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Luca scooped his daughter up into the air, spinning her around until her bright giggles filled the entire estate. Evelyn smiled, leaning her head against his shoulder as the summer sun bathed the family in warm golden light.
The mafia kingpin had spent a lifetime building an empire of fear, but looking at his daughter’s radiant smile and the woman he loved by his side, he finally understood what true power meant: protecting the family that had turned his stone heart back into gold."
