Chapter 10 - The Last Move
The rain tapped softly against the tall arched windows of the Moretti library, a gentle, rhythmic sound that contrasted sharply with the violent storms of the past.
Victor Moretti sat in his carved leather armchair, leaning over the polished wooden chessboard. Across from him sat Dominic, his sleeves rolled up, studying the board with the same fierce calculation he used for corporate takeovers and syndicates negotiations.
Standing behind Dominic’s chair, Claire leaned down slightly, resting her hand lightly on his shoulder as she whispered a quiet suggestion into his ear.
Dominic smirked, moving his knight across the board with deliberate, unhurried confidence.
Victor stared at the board for ten long seconds, his old eyes widening as he realized he had walked straight into a trap. He threw his hands up in mock defeat, leaning back in his chair with a booming, resonant laugh that echoed off the high wooden bookshelves.
“You two are conspiring against me,” Victor grumbled good-naturedly, shaking his head. “A father gets no respect in his own house anymore.”
“You taught me how to play, Dad,” Dominic said smoothly, a rare, warm smile touching his lips. “You just forgot that I learned how to finish games.”
Claire laughed, stepping around the table to pour Victor another cup of tea while Dominic stood up and pulled her gently into his arms, kissing the top of her head with an effortless tenderness.
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Outside, the North Shore estate stood strong against the dark Atlantic night—a fortress not built on fear, blood, or intimidation, but on resilience, loyalty, and an unexpected love that had survived the darkest of shadows.
The game was over. The board was cleared. And for the Moretti family, the future had finally begun.
