Chapter 10 - REBUILDING THE EMPIRE
Three weeks passed. The storm had cleared, leaving behind crisp autumn air in Chicago. The Bellini empire collapsed overnight. Without Arthur and Vanessa, their shipping company faced immediate federal investigations for fraud and bribery. Luca Moretti absorbed their assets cleanly and legally. The Moretti mansion felt different now. Warmer. Lighter. There were no more fake smiles or toxic influences. In the grand living room, a brand new physical therapy station had been installed. Dr. Lorenzo Bianchi visited twice a week. And today was a very special day. I stood by the doorway, holding a clipboard. Sofia stood near the center of the room. No wheelchair. No crutches. Just her own two legs. She took a breath. She looked at her father, who sat a few feet away with an encouraging smile. “You can do it, sweetheart,” Luca said softly. Sofia stepped forward. One. Two. Three steps. She crossed the Persian rug without wobbling once. She threw her arms around her father's neck. “I did it, Daddy!” she cheered. Luca lifted her high into the air, laughing—a rare, genuine sound of pure joy. “You did it, my princess,” he said, kissing her forehead. He looked over her shoulder at me. “Emily.” “Yes, Mr. Moretti?” “Come here.” I walked over slowly. “You've done more for my family than any security detail or business partner ever could,” Luca said. “I want to offer you a permanent position.” “Head of Family Operations.” “With a salary that will take care of your mother's mortgage for the rest of her life.” Tears welled up in my eyes. “Thank you, sir.” “Call me Luca,” he smiled gently. “We're partners now.”
