Chapter 8 - The Heart of the Romano Empire
Six months later.
The summer sun reflected brilliantly off the blue waters of Lake Michigan as warm breezes rustled the leaves of the private estate in Lake Forest.
The estate, which Gabriele had purchased and completely renovated for Federica, was no longer a cold, dark fortress. It was filled with white flowers, open glass windows, light-colored furniture, and the cheerful sounds of a toddler's giggles echoing across the manicured lawns.
On the lush green grass, little Leo, now fourteen months old and wearing tiny blue denim overalls, took three unsteady, wobbling steps toward Federica before tumbling forward with a happy squeal.
Federica, sitting on a picnic blanket in a sun-drenched yellow summer dress, caught him safely in her arms, lifting him into the air and blowing raspberries on his belly. Leo erupted into fits of uncontrollable laughter.
A few feet away, Gabriele stood watching them.
He was wearing a casual white linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up and dark trousers. Gone were the harsh, cynical lines of grief that had carved his face for years. In their place was the quiet, profound peace of a man who had finally found his home.
Marco Bellini walked up beside Gabriele, holding two cups of espresso.
"The federal investigation into Sterling’s remaining syndicate assets was officially closed this morning," Marco reported, handing a cup to his boss. "The U.S. Attorney thanked us for providing the digital paper trail. Sterling is going away for thirty years."
Gabriele took a sip of espresso, never taking his eyes off his wife and nephew. "And our legal transition?"
"Romano Holdings is ninety percent compliant with corporate transparency regulations," Marco smiled faintly. "Your Chief Financial Officer is a tyrant. She rejected three of my security equipment receipts yesterday because the sales tax wasn't properly itemized."
Gabriele chuckled—a warm, rich sound. "That’s why she runs the company."
Marco clapped Gabriele on the shoulder before turning back toward the house. "She’s the best thing that ever happened to this family, Boss."
"I know," Gabriele said softly.
He walked across the lawn, dropping onto the picnic blanket beside Federica.
Leo immediately crawled onto Gabriele’s lap, grabbing his uncle’s thumb with his tiny hand. Gabriele lifted the boy up, resting him on his shoulder, while wrapping his free arm around Federica’s waist, pulling her close against his side.
Federica rested her head on Gabriele’s shoulder, breathing in the scent of sun, lake breeze, and his familiar cedarwood cologne.
"What are you thinking about?" she asked, looking up at his handsome profile.
"I’m thinking about the night I found you in that panic room," Gabriele murmured, turning his head to kiss her forehead. "I told Marco not to wake you."
Federica smiled up at him, her eyes shining with warmth. "And I woke up to find the scariest man in Chicago sitting on the floor beside me."
"Are you still scared of me?" he teased softly, his fingers gently tracing the line of her jaw.
May you like
Federica leaned into his touch, her heart overflowing with love. "I was never scared of you, Gabriele. I was just waiting for you to notice me."
"I noticed you from day one, my love," he whispered, capturing her lips in a sweet, tender kiss while Leo clutched his hair and giggled happily between them.
