Chapter 7 - Truths and Reckonings
Three days later, the sun broke through the clouds over Long Island for the first time in a week.
In the master suite of the Moretti estate, Emma was propped up on a mountain of velvet pillows, wearing a brand-new yellow dress. Sitting right beside her was Isabella, refusing to leave her side for even a second. Isabella was carefully feeding Emma small spoonfuls of strawberry ice cream.
“Slow,” Isabella mimicked, her eyes sparkling with happiness. “Mama says ice cream gets scared if you hurry.”
Emma giggled, her cheeks rosy and healthy once again. “It doesn't get scared, Sister. It melts!”
Standing near the tall windows overlooking the ocean, Lorenzo and Sophia watched the two girls.
Sophia was dressed in clean, elegant clothes Lorenzo had provided. The dark circles under her eyes were fading, though she still looked at Lorenzo with a quiet lingering apprehension.
“The Bellini family is gone,” Lorenzo said softly, looking out at the sea. “Their assets have been seized, their foot soldiers disbanded, and Vivian... Vivian will spend the rest of her life in a federal facility far away from New York. She will never hurt anyone again.”
Sophia lowered her eyes. “And Vincent?”
“Vincent is no longer a concern,” Lorenzo replied quietly, his tone leaving no room for further questions.
He turned away from the window and walked toward Sophia. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a thick leather folder, placing it in her hands.
Sophia opened it. Inside were official legal documents signed by the state’s supreme court, along with ownership deeds to a stunning oceanfront estate three miles down the coast.
“What... what is this?” Sophia asked, confused.
“A trust fund in Emma’s name,” Lorenzo explained. “It covers all her medical expenses for the rest of her life, her education, and her future. The property deed is for you. You will never have to work a maid shift, clear a table, or worry about rent ever again.”
Sophia looked at the documents, then up at Lorenzo. Tears welled in her eyes, but she firmly closed the folder and pushed it back into his chest.
“I can't accept this, Mr. Moretti.”
Lorenzo frowned. “Why not? It’s the least I owe you for the horror I put you through.”
“Because I didn't care for Isabella for money, and I don't want your guilt payments,” Sophia said fiercely, her eyes burning with independent pride. “Emma and I just wanted a safe place to live. If you want us to leave now that the truth is out, we will leave. But don't pay me off.”
Lorenzo stared at her.
In a world where every person he met wanted his money, his power, or his protection, this quiet, invincible woman was refusing a fortune out of pure self-respect.
May you like
A low, warm chuckle escaped Lorenzo’s throat—a genuine laugh that surprised even himself.
“You truly are remarkable, Sophia,” Lorenzo murmured, stepping closer until only an inch separated them. “Who said I wanted you to leave?”
