Chapter 7 - The Gathering Storm
The next morning, the Moretti estate was alive with quiet, efficient preparation.
Extra security personnel dressed in dark tactical gear were stationed discreetly along the perimeter walls. Inside the house, Mrs. Gable cooked a magnificent breakfast of pancakes, fresh fruit, and bacon for Lily, who was currently sitting on a velvet chair in the parlor, babbling happily as she showed Dominic her favorite drawing book.
I stood in the doorway, watching Dominic interact with my daughter.
For a man whose name struck fear into the hearts of businessmen and criminals across New York, he treated Lily with an extraordinary, gentle patience. He listened intently as she explained the difference between her pink crayons and purple crayons, nodding gravely at her architectural drawings of houses with heart-shaped chimneys.
Dominic looked up, catching my eye, and smiled faintly.
“She has your talent for design, Anna,” Dominic said, standing up and walking over to me.
“My mother used to draw floor plans on paper napkins during her lunch breaks at your father’s office,” I remembered softly. “She dreamed of opening her own interior design firm after she retired.”
“She should have had that chance,” Dominic said gently. “My father made sure you would have the resources to build whatever life you wanted, Anna. Four hundred million dollars isn't just money—it’s total freedom.”
“I don't care about four hundred million dollars, Dominic,” I said, looking him in the eyes. “I just want a safe life for my daughter. I want to wake up without fearing that a knock at the door means my whole world is ending.”
Dominic reached out, taking my hand and holding it firmly in his.
“As long as I am breathing, Anna,” Dominic promised softly, “no one will ever threaten you or Lily again. You have my word on the Moretti name.”
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Before I could reply, Marco stepped into the hallway, his expression grave.
“Dominic. Anthony’s car just passed through the main gates.”
