Chapter 13 - A Toast to the Future
The private dining hall was illuminated once more by the warm glow of candlelight, but tonight the atmosphere was electric with celebration. Michael Moretti stood at the head of the mahogany table, holding a crystal champagne flute high in the air as family capos, senior executives, and loyal estate staff gathered around the banquet. “To loyalty, to truth, and to the future of the Moretti family,” Michael announced, raising his glass toward us. The room echoed in unison: “To the family!” I sat beside Luca, wearing a stunning midnight-blue silk dress that matched the sapphire ring sparkling brilliantly on my left hand. Luca raised his own crystal glass, clinking it gently against mine while his dark eyes held mine with a promise that spanned far beyond business contracts or mafia empires. “To the best linguistic advisor this estate will ever know,” Luca murmured softly against my ear. “And to the true heart of this house.” I smiled, leaning my shoulder against his tailored jacket, feeling the solid, unshakable strength of the man who had changed my life forever. The storm had passed, the traitors were behind bars, and the Moretti empire stood more unbreakable than ever before.
