Chapter 14 - Shadows Fading Away

Later that evening, the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the Hudson River in shades of deep amber and violet. The estate was quiet, stripped of the heavy paranoia that had choked its halls for years.
Dominic Moretti walked up the grand staircase, carrying a heavy ledger under his arm. He found Vincent standing on the second-floor landing, looking out at the sweeping view of the river gates.
"Everything is locked down," Dominic reported, leaning against the banister. "The federal marshals took custody of Bellamy's offshore accounts this afternoon. Isabella's legal team tried to file an appeal, but it was thrown out before it even reached the judge's desk."
"Good," Vincent replied, without turning around. "Make sure our security protocols around the perimeter are updated. I don't ever want a blind spot in this house again."
"Already handled," Dominic said, a rare grin touching his lips. "By the way, Sofia is downstairs in the kitchen with Grace, teaching Emily how to bake Italian pastries. It's... strange, hearing laughter echo through the east wing again."
Vincent finally turned, a genuine smile breaking across his face. "It's not strange, Dom. It's normal. For the first time in three years, life here is normal."
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"You earned it, cousin," Dominic said, patting Vincent's shoulder before heading back down the corridor. "Go downstairs. Your wife is waiting for you."
Vincent walked slowly down the grand staircase, his hand trailing along the polished wooden banister. The spot where Sofia's portrait used to hang was empty for now, waiting for a new photograph—one taken in the sunlight, surrounded by people who loved her.