Chapter 8 - THE NEW DYNASTY
Six months later.
The grand banquet hall of the Moretti estate was once again filled with over two hundred guests for the annual Moretti Charity Gala.
Senators, shipping tycoons, foreign dignitaries, and business leaders filled the room, sipping champagne under the restored crystal chandeliers.
At the center of the head table sat three-year-old Mia, wearing a custom white silk party dress, eating a huge slice of strawberry cake alongside her mother, Elena, who was now the executive director of the Moretti Foundation.
Suddenly, the side doors of the ballroom opened.
The entire hall went dead silent.
Luca Moretti walked into the room.
He wasn't in a wheelchair. He didn't use a cane. He walked with a tall, powerful, unbroken stride, wearing a bespoke navy suit, his posture regal and absolute.
Beside him walked Marco, his trusted heir and newly named Underboss.
The entire room erupted into an immediate, thunderous standing ovation. Senators bowed their heads, and former rivals clapped furiously, humbled by the sight of the unbroken king.
Luca walked past the bowing dignitaries, ignoring their applause, heading straight to the head of the table where Mia sat.
He knelt down on one knee beside her chair, looking into her bright brown eyes.
"Do you want to dance, little queen?" Luca asked, extending his hand.
May you like
Mia giggled, placing her tiny hand in his broad palm. "Yes, Uncle Luca!"
Luca stood up, lifting the little girl into his arms, and spun her around the dance floor as the orchestra played a sweet, soaring waltz.
