Chapter 13 - The Reconstruction
Spring returned to Chicago with a fierce, brilliant green that seemed to wash away the dark history of the Alfieri estate.
The grand mansion on the north side underwent a quiet transformation. The heavy velvet drapes were pulled back to let the sunlight flood the hallways; the stern portraits of ancestors involved in questionable syndicates were moved to the private archives, replaced by modern art and bright, open spaces.
At Chicago General Hospital, Wes walked out of the double doors on his own two feet, holding a brightly colored balloon in one hand and a paper crane in the other.
Waiting for him at the curb was a sleek black town car. Nico stood beside the open door, wearing a simple tailored shirt, while Adeline held the door for her brother.
“Mr. Alfieri!” Wes beamed, running up to him with the paper crane. “I made a new one. This one’s got better wings.”
Nico accepted the fragile paper creation carefully, a rare, genuine smile touching his lips. “Thank you, Wes. I’ll keep it in the office.”
As Wes climbed into the back seat, Adeline lingered on the sidewalk, looking up at Nico with a playful arch in her eyebrow. “You know, for a terrifying mafia boss, you’re getting awfully soft.”
“Only for the right people,” Nico replied, stepping closer, his hand reaching out to gently brush a stray lock of hair from her cheek. “The board meeting is at two o'clock. The entire restructuring plan is signed, sealed, and legally locked down. No more shell companies. No more poison. Just legitimate logistics, shipping, and real estate.”
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“And my nursing license?” Adeline asked, smiling.
“Officially retired from this household,” Nico said softly, his dark eyes holding hers with absolute intensity. “Unless, of course, you’re willing to sign a permanent contract.”
