Chapter 6 - A New Dawn on the Cliffs
Three days had passed since the night in Naples. The Amalfi estate had returned to a strange kind of peace, though the atmosphere had shifted fundamentally. The corrupt elements had been purged, leaving only those whose loyalty had been tested through fire.
Elena and Nora were now staying in the east wing of the main villa—not as servants, but as honored guests. I had ensured that Elena was given full control over the estate’s domestic management, a position that came with security, respect, and a generous salary that would ensure Nora would never have to worry about a cold apartment in Naples again.
On a bright Tuesday morning, I sat at my mahogany desk in the study, reviewing a stack of legitimate shipping manifests. A soft knock sounded at the door.
"Come in," I said without looking up.
The door creaked open, and tiny footsteps padded across the Persian rug. I looked down. Nora stood there, wearing a bright yellow dress, holding a crooked tower made entirely of wooden building blocks she must have found in the playroom.
"Mr. Nicolo," she announced seriously.
I set my pen down and leaned back in my leather chair, a genuine smile—the first true one in years—touching the corners of my mouth.
"Good morning, Nora. Did you build another castle?"
She nodded vigorously, her dark curls bouncing. "This one is stronger. It has a moat."
"Is that so?" I stood up, walked around the desk, and knelt down to her eye level. "Do you think it can withstand a dragon?"
She pondered this deeply, tilting her head. "No. But Uncle Nico is here, so the dragon won't come."
"No, it won't," I whispered, reaching out to gently touch the top block of her tower. "Never."
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Elena appeared in the doorway a moment later, wiping her hands on a clean apron, a soft, grateful smile on her face. "I hope she's not bothering you, Mr. Vane."
"Never a bother, Elena," I said, standing up and looking between mother and daughter. "Never."
