THE MAFIA BOSS’S BRIDE CALLED ME “AN INCOMPETENT SLAVE” WHEN I SERVED A MISSING-EAR GINGERBREAD COOKIE AT THEIR GALA—BUT AFTER ONE BITE, MATTEO ROSSI FROZE AND DEMANDED, “WHO CRACKED THE NUTMEG?” / Chapter 12 / 15

Chapter 12 - A Father’s Merciless SentenceThree days later, the federal courthouse in downtown Chicago was besieged by television vans and print journalists.

The headlines on every newsstand across the Midwest screamed:

VANCE SYNDICATE TOPPLED: FORMER BILLIONAIRE ARRAIGNED ON RACKETEERING, SABOTAGE, AND CONSPIRACY CHARGES.

Arthur Vance stood before the federal magistrate in an orange correctional jumpsuit, his wrists and ankles shackled in heavy steel chains. With Isabella’s meticulously documented ledgers, the recorded audio confessions, and the seized precursor chemicals, the government’s case was airtight.

The judge denied bail instantly, remanding Arthur to a maximum-security federal detention center in Terre Haute to await trial.

Back at the Moretti—back at the Rossi estate, the atmosphere had transformed entirely.

The dark, heavy velvet drapes that had kept the mansion gloomy for four years were taken down, replaced with airy, cream-colored linen curtains that let the autumn sun pour into every corridor.

Matteo called an all-staff meeting in the grand foyer.

The entire household—twenty-four maids, chefs, groundskeepers, and drivers—stood gathered on the marble floor.

Matteo walked down the grand staircase, dressed in an open-collared navy shirt and tailored trousers, carrying a leather ledger binder.

“Over the past four years,” Matteo addressed the staff, his deep voice resonant and clear, “this house has been run under the shadow of suspicion, fear, and unresolved grief. That ends today.”

He opened the binder.

“Every employee who refused to cooperate with Miss Vance’s unlawful directives will receive a fifty percent permanent wage increase and full health benefits under the newly established Isabella Rossi Foundation.”

The staff gasped in joyful disbelief. Two older housekeepers clutched their aprons, tears of relief shining in their eyes.

Matteo turned his gaze directly toward me, standing near the back of the foyer.

“Sophie Ward.”

My cheeks flushed warm as every head in the room snapped in my direction. “Yes, Mr. Rossi?”

“Step forward, please.”

I walked across the marble floor until I stood at the bottom of the grand staircase.

Matteo looked down at me, his rugged features softening with an expression of open, profound admiration that made my pulse race against my ribs.

“Sophie,” Matteo said, loud enough for every soul in the house to hear. “Effective immediately, your employment as a housekeeper is terminated.”

A murmur of shock rippled through the staff. I froze, my breath catching painfully in my throat.

Then Matteo smiled—a dazzling, breathtaking smile that lit up his entire face.

“Because starting today,” Matteo continued, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a silver key card, “you are appointed the Executive Director of the Isabella Rossi Community Trust, overseeing five million dollars in educational grants and family support services across the city.”

He handed the key card to me.