Chapter 11 - A House Divided and the Ultimatum of the Syndicate
In the forty-eight hours following the council’s historic decision, the city underwent a seismic shift in power.
The Russo criminal empire was dismantled without a single civilian casualty. Camille Russo and her extended family were permanently exiled to Europe, stripped of their wealth and influence, while Silvio was handed over to the commission's tribunal to face his final judgment.
The Moretti estate, having suffered minimal damage during the assault, was completely restored.
Emma stood in the grand library of the mansion, dressed in an elegant ivory cashmere sweater and dark trousers, looking through the restored financial ledgers of her newly acquired harbor corporation.
The door clicked open, and Luca walked in. He was dressed in a casual black button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, looking more relaxed and content than she had ever seen him.
He carried a silver tray with two cups of hot espresso.
“Room service,” Luca said with a crooked, handsome grin.
Emma laughed, setting her papers aside. “You’re terrible at holding the tray, Moretti. Your posture is all wrong.”
Luca set the tray down on the desk, stepped around the chair, and gently pulled Emma up into his arms.
“I am retired from service,” Luca whispered, wrapping his strong arms around her waist and pulling her against his chest. “I only take orders from my boss.”
Emma rested her hands against his broad chest, feeling the steady, powerful thud of his heart. “And who might that be?”
“Donna Emma Moretti,” he murmured, his gaze dropping to her lips.
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“I haven't agreed to the last name yet,” Emma teased, tilting her head up.
Luca reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box.
