Chapter 8 - A New Morning
The morning after the attack, the sun rose over a crystal-clear sky. The rain had washed the autumn air clean, and a cool, refreshing breeze rustled through the oak trees surrounding the estate.
By nine o’clock, every trace of the previous night’s intrusion had been completely erased by Frankie’s team. The broken glass door in the east wing had been replaced with reinforced steel-framed glass, the floors were scrubbed to a mirror shine, and the house felt brighter than it ever had in its history.
Dominic stood on the back patio, drinking a hot cup of black coffee. He wore a crisp dark grey suit, tailored to perfection, his hair neatly combed back. The dark circles under his eyes were still there, but the hollow, dead look in his gaze was gone.
The patio doors opened, and Teresa stepped outside, leading Mia by the hand.
Teresa looked nervous, having seen the heavy security presence around the property that morning, though she didn't know the full details of what had transpired overnight.
“Mr. Moretti,” Teresa said softly. “Marta said it was safe for us to come back to the main house.”
Dominic turned around, setting his coffee cup down on the glass table. “It is completely safe, Teresa. The estate is secure.”
Mia immediately let go of her mother’s hand and ran across the stone patio, her red shoes clicking happily. She skidded to a stop right in front of Dominic, looking up at his sharp suit.
“Mr. Boss!” she exclaimed, pointing at his tie. “You look pretty today!”
Dominic chuckled—a clear, smooth sound that made Teresa’s eyes widen in utter surprise. He knelt down so he was at eye level with the three-year-old.
“Thank you, Mia,” he said gently. “How did you sleep in the cottage?”
“Good!” Mia said, holding up Barnaby the rabbit. “Barnaby had a dream that we ate a giant strawberry cake!”
“Is that so?” Dominic replied, a soft warmth in his eyes. He looked up at Teresa, who was standing a few feet away, watching them with a mix of wonder and relief.
“Teresa,” Dominic said, standing up. “I’d like to speak with you about your position here.”
Teresa’s heart gave a nervous flutter. “Yes, sir?”
“You’ve been working as a general housekeeper for four months,” Dominic said, crossing his hands behind his back. “Marta tells me your work is impeccable, but you spend long hours cleaning while Mia stays in the staff wing.”
Teresa swallowed hard, worried he was about to let her go. “I do my best to manage both, Mr. Moretti. I promise she doesn't disturb your work.”
“She doesn't,” Dominic interrupted softly. “Which is why I want to offer you a new contract. I want you to step into the role of Estate Estate Manager. You will oversee all household operations, manage the staff schedules, and work directly under Marta with a quadrupled salary.”
Teresa stared at him, her jaw dropping. “Quadrupled? Mr. Moretti... I... I don't know what to say. Why would you do that?”
Dominic looked down at Mia, who was currently trying to balance her stuffed rabbit on top of Dominic’s polished leather shoe.
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“Because this house was a tomb for three years,” Dominic said quietly, looking back at Teresa with genuine sincerity. “And your daughter brought life back into it. You gave me a reason to stop walking in the dark, Teresa. This is the very least I can do for your family.”
Teresa put her hand over her mouth, tears of overwhelming gratitude filling her eyes. “Thank you, Mr. Moretti... Thank you so much.”
