Chapter 8 - A New Horizon
In the days following Marcus’s arrest, the Rossi syndicate underwent a massive cleanup. The traitors were removed, and security was completely restructured.
Through it all, Emma remained at the estate. What was supposed to be a temporary stay extended as Mia begged Emma not to leave, and Matteo found himself inventing reasons to keep her near.
He offered Emma a permanent position—not as a servant or a security guard, but as Mia’s personal mentor, tutor, and companion, with a salary that would secure Emma’s financial future forever.
"I don't want to buy your friendship, Emma," Matteo explained one evening as they walked together through the estate’s glass greenhouse. "I want to give Mia a life where she is understood. And honestly... this house feels human again when you're here."
Emma looked at Matteo, seeing beyond the intimidating mob boss label. She saw a grieving husband doing his best to protect his daughter, a man who desperately wanted to bridge the quiet gap between himself and his child.
"I'll accept," Emma said with a warm smile. "On one condition."
Matteo raised an eyebrow. "Name it."
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"You take ASL lessons from me every single day," Emma said firmly. "Mia needs her father to speak her language natively."
Matteo laughed—a genuine, deep sound that startled even himself. "Deal."
