Chapter 11 - THE UNEXPECTED LEGACYThree years later, the Moretti estate looked entirely different. The iron gates were still heavy, and the guards were still vigilant, but the oppressive coldness of the fortress had given way to something warmer, something alive.
Inside the expansive sunroom overlooking the winter gardens, Clara Moretti sat at a mahogany desk, reviewing the syndicate’s legal acquisitions with a calm, practiced efficiency. No longer hiding, no longer running, she wore a tailored emerald dress that commanded as much respect as any syndicate boss.
Beside her desk, now elderly but still fiercely protective, Bruno let out a lazy yawn, his grey-furred head resting on Clara’s polished leather shoe.
The heavy oak doors swung open, and Matteo stepped inside, shrugging off his black overcoat. He walked straight over to Clara, leaning down to press a soft kiss to the top of her head before resting his hands on her shoulders.
"You've been working for six hours straight," Matteo murmured, his voice rich with affection. "Remember what happened the last time you overworked yourself in my estate?"
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Clara smiled, leaning back into his embrace. "If I remember correctly, you fell in love with me while I was bathing your vicious dog."
"It wasn't while you were bathing him," Matteo corrected softly, resting his chin against her hair. "It was the exact moment you looked past his teeth, saw his fear, and decided to stay."
