Chapter 7 - THE DAWN OF RECOVERY
Two days after the failed siege at Lake Como, the morning sun broke brightly over the mountains, filling the grand estate with golden light.
Federal police vehicles and forensic teams had cleared the grounds, while Luca’s loyal captains from across Italy gathered in the grand courtyard.
News of the failed coup had spread through the underworld like wildfire. The forty powerful guests who had boycotted the birthday party were now standing outside the wrought-iron gates in the rain, desperate to offer apologies and pledge their loyalty anew.
Inside the primary medical suite, a team of Swiss orthopedic surgeons removed the heavy leg braces from Luca’s lower limbs.
"The neural bridge test was a complete success, Don Moretti," the chief surgeon announced, looking at his diagnostic monitors with amazement. "The signal pathways are fully restored. You can begin physical therapy immediately."
Luca sat on the edge of the medical table. He concentrated with all his strength, feeling a faint, warm tingle travel down into his knees and feet.
Slowly, deliberately, his right toe twitched.
Marco stood by the window, a rare, genuine smile breaking across his scarred face. "The captains are outside, Boss. They're begging for an audience."
"Let them wait," Luca said quietly, looking toward the door.
The door opened softly. Elena walked in, holding Mia by the hand.
Mia wore a bright pink dress, carrying a fresh sheet of paper and a box of crayons.
"Uncle Luca!" Mia squeaked, running across the hardwood floor and hugging his knee tightly.
Luca reached down, picking the little girl up into his arms and setting her gently on his lap.
"Look!" Mia said, showing him her new drawing: a picture of a giant lion standing tall next to a little mouse holding hands under a bright yellow sun.
May you like
Luca smiled—a real, radiant smile that erased three years of pain and darkness from his face.
"It's beautiful, Mia," Luca whispered. "The best gift I've ever received."
