Chapter 10 - Sunrise Over the Estate
The morning sun rose over Long Island, casting a brilliant, golden wash across the sprawling green lawns, the polished marble fountains, and the grand stone facade of the Duca estate.
Inside the courtyard garden, the autumn air was crisp and clean, smelling of damp earth and blooming chrysanthemums.
Mia chased a golden retriever across the grass, her laughter ringing out like bells in the morning quiet.
Sitting on a wrought-iron bench beneath a canopy of scarlet maple leaves, Lorenzo and Clara watched her play.
"The federal prosecutors called an hour ago," Raphael said, walking up behind them with a fresh cup of coffee in his hand. He handed a tablet to Lorenzo. "Matteo and Isabella’s defense attorneys just officially withdrew their motions. With Damian’s signed confession and the financial audit, they're looking at consecutive life sentences without parole. The board of directors held an emergency vote this morning—unanimous reinstatement of your executive powers."
"Good," Lorenzo said without looking at the screen. He handed the tablet back to Raphael. "Tell the board I’ll review the restructuring papers on Monday. Until then, the office is closed."
Raphael raised an eyebrow, a knowing grin spreading across his face. "Closed? For the entire weekend?"
"Entirely," Lorenzo replied firmly.
Raphael chuckled, taking a sip of his coffee. "Well, boss, I suppose even kings are allowed to take a day off. I'll make sure nobody disturbs you."
As Raphael walked back toward the mansion, Lorenzo turned his head to look at Clara. She was smiling, watching Mia trip over her own shoelaces before tumbling giggling into the soft grass.
"You know," Clara said softly, her smile fading into something more reflective as she turned to face him, "six weeks ago, I thought my life was confined to the staff wing forever. Just a widowed mother trying to survive in a world that didn't care if she existed."
Lorenzo reached out, taking her hand in his. His fingers intertwined with hers, warm, strong, and completely sure.
"You weren't surviving, Clara," Lorenzo said, his voice deep and steady. "You were just waiting. And so was I."
Mia came running back across the lawn, her yellow dress stained with a little bit of grass, holding a freshly picked daisy. She ran straight up to Lorenzo and shoved the flower into his coat pocket.
"For your jacket, Uncle Lorenzo," she announced proudly. "Now you look fancy."
Lorenzo pulled the daisy out, holding it up with a warm, genuine smile that hadn't touched his face in years.
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"Thank you, Mia," he said, looking from the little girl up to her mother. "The best eyes in New York."
And as the golden morning sunlight washed over them all, the Duca estate was finally, truly at peace.
