Chapter 11 - When the Gates Fall
Three days had passed since the raid on the waterfront facility.
Matteo had been transferred to Chicago’s premier private hospital, placed under the highest level of round-the-clock armed security that money and power could buy. The doctors confirmed that with intensive physical therapy, he would regain partial mobility in his legs and live a full, healthy life.
The Bellini syndicate was utterly dismantled. Their assets were seized, their corrupt network destroyed, and Vanessa had been exiled from the state under threat of immediate execution if she ever set foot in Illinois again.
The Moretti estate had returned to a state of quiet, peaceful order.
I stood in the grand foyer, wearing my simple gray housekeeper uniform once more, holding a feather duster. My wrist was healing rapidly, supported by a lightweight medical splint.
I looked up at the towering seven-foot walnut grandfather clock, which had been restored to its place of honor in the main hall.
Footsteps echoed on the marble staircase.
I turned to see Luca descending the steps. He wore an impeccably tailored charcoal suit, looking every inch the undisputed king of Chicago. Beside him, little Lily skipped down the steps, holding her father's hand with a bright, beaming smile.
"Good morning, Claire!" Lily called out cheerfully, running over to wrap her small arms around my waist.
"Good morning, sweetheart," I smiled, gently smoothing her dark curls.
Luca walked over, his dark eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made my heart race just as fast as it had on the night of the gala.
"Why are you wearing that uniform, Claire?" Luca asked, his voice low and smooth.
"I have work to finish, Mr. Moretti," I replied softly, looking down at my duster. "The west library needs dusting, and the dining room—"
Luca reached out, his warm, strong fingers gently catching my chin and lifting my gaze to meet his.
"You don't work for me anymore, Claire."
May you like
My heart sank into my stomach. A sudden wave of panic washed over me. "Sir? Have I done something wrong?"
"You did everything right," Luca whispered, his eyes softening with deep, undeniable love. "Which is why you will never clean another room in this house as long as you live."
