Chapter 18 - The Choice
Three years later, Leo was fourteen.
Old enough to understand what the Moretti name meant.
Old enough to understand what Salvatore had been.
And old enough for certain people to begin whispering.
Legacy.
Inheritance.
Leadership.
Some old captains believed Leo should someday reclaim the empire.
Salvatore shut those conversations down.
One man ignored him.
Dominic Caruso visited Leo after school.
“You could become more powerful than your father.”
Leo stared at him.
“I’m fourteen.”
“Your grandfather was already learning the business at fourteen.”
“My grandfather sounds exhausting.”
Dominic leaned closer.
“You have Moretti blood.”
Leo remembered Elena’s letter.
Choices.
He stood.
“I also have homework.”
When Salvatore learned what happened, Dominic was permanently banned from every Moretti property.
“You’re angry,” Leo said.
“Yes.”
“Because he talked to me?”
“Because he tried to choose your future.”
Leo studied him.
“What if I wanted it?”
Salvatore’s face became still.
“The old business?”
“Yes.”
Salvatore took a long breath.
“I would tell you everything it cost.”
“And then?”
“And then when you were an adult, I would pray you chose differently.”
Leo smiled.
“So you wouldn’t force me?”
“No.”
“Good.”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t want it.”
Salvatore exhaled.
Leo grinned.
“I want to be a veterinarian.”
Salvatore stared.
“A veterinarian?”
“Titan.”
The dog was now old, gray around the muzzle.
Leo rested his head against him.
“He saved my life.”
Salvatore looked at them.
“A veterinarian.”
“Yes.”
“Do veterinarians make money?”
May you like
Leo groaned.
“You’re unbelievable.”
