Chapter 9 - Shadows FadingThat evening, the DeLuca estate was bathed in the warm amber glow of antique lamps.
In the grand study, Marco Bruno stood before Lorenzo’s desk, placing a final dossier down.
“The remaining loyalists to Vincent have all sworn fealty, Boss,” Marco reported crisply. “The Long Island docks are fully secured, and our international shipping lanes are operating at one hundred percent capacity. The family is stronger than it’s ever been.”
Lorenzo nodded slowly, swirling a glass of aged bourbon in his hand. “Good. And make sure our security protocols are rewritten from top to bottom, Marco. No one enters this house unmonitored ever again.”
“Except one person,” Marco added with a rare, knowing smirk.
Lorenzo looked up, raising an eyebrow. “Oh?”
“Little Emma has full clearance,” Marco chuckled softly. “She’s currently inspecting the kitchen pantry for runaway cats.”
May you like
Lorenzo let out a low, genuine laugh, taking a sip of his drink.
The house no longer felt like a cold stone fortress built on fear and blood. For the first time, it felt like a home—guarded not just by armed men and iron gates, but by the fierce, unexpected loyalty of those who had nothing to lose and everything to protect.
