Chapter 10 - The Don’s Queen
One Year Later
The private gardens of Villa Moretti on Lake Como, Italy, were in full bloom. The scent of white jasmine and fresh alpine breeze drifted across the terracotta terrace, where a long dining table was draped in white linen and adorned with silver candelabras.
Laughter—bright, innocent, and unburdened—rang out across the stone courtyard.
"Faster, Daddy! Faster!"
Lorenzo Moretti, dressed in casual white linen trousers and a rolled-up light blue shirt, was running across the lush emerald lawn with Mia perched securely on his broad shoulders. The four-year-old girl threw her arms in the air, giggling hysterically as Lorenzo mimicked the sound of an airplane, spinning her in gentle circles under the warm Italian sun.
Mia was radiant, healthy, and completely adored. Around her neck, she still wore the polished silver locket, but now it opened to reveal two portraits: one of her mother, and one of her father.
Sitting at the terrace table, Elena watched them with a smile that lit up her entire face. She was glowing, wearing an off-the-shoulder sundress that caught the soft breeze. Resting against her knuckles was the massive, flawless five-carat diamond engagement ring Lorenzo had placed on her finger six months ago in Paris.
Old Marco, now dressed in a clean, professional Italian suit rather than tactical armor, walked onto the terrace carrying a silver tray with chilled Bellinis. He placed a glass before Elena with a respectful nod.
"The registry papers from Milan have arrived, Donna Elena," Marco said, a genuine smile softening his weathered face. "The educational foundation in your father’s name is officially established. The first hundred scholarships will be awarded next month."
"Thank you, Marco," Elena replied warmly. "For everything."
Marco bowed slightly. "You saved him, Donna Elena. You and the little one. You gave this family a future."
As Marco stepped back inside the villa, Lorenzo walked up the stone steps toward the terrace, Mia riding comfortably on his hip. Mia reached over and snatched a strawberry from the fruit bowl, popping it into her mouth with a triumphant grin.
"Did you wash your hands, young lady?" Elena asked with mock sternness.
"Daddy licked 'em clean!" Mia announced proudly.
Elena rolled her eyes, bursting into laughter as Lorenzo feigned innocence. "She’s lying, amore. I taught her proper hygiene thirty minutes ago."
Lorenzo set Mia down on the grass, where she immediately ran over to chase a golden butterfly near the fountain.
Lorenzo walked behind Elena’s chair, leaning down and wrapping his strong, scarred arms around her shoulders. He pressed a warm, lingering kiss against the side of her neck, breathing in the scent of her skin.
"Are you happy, Elena?" he whispered against her ear.
Elena leaned her head back against his chest, reaching up to clasp her hands over his forearms. She looked out over the sparkling blue waters of Lake Como, then at their daughter playing safely in the sunshine without a bodyguard in sight.
"I’m more than happy, Lorenzo," Elena said, her voice filled with deep, unwavering peace. "I’m home."
Lorenzo smiled—a true, open, unguarded smile that had once been thought impossible for the most feared Don of the Moretti family. He looked down at the woman who had conquered his darkness and the little girl who had given him a soul.
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The maid’s secret had unraveled an empire of blood and vengeance. But from its ashes, they had built something far more dangerous, and infinitely more powerful:
A family that could never be broken.
