Chapter 5 - The Shadow of the Heir
The following afternoon, the sun broke weakly through the heavy gray clouds surrounding the estate. Domenico was sitting in the library, reviewing financial records with Marco, when the heavy oak door creaked open.
It wasn't a guard or a lieutenant. It was eight-year-old Ethan.
The boy was dressed in a stiff wool suit, looking pale and nervous. He held his hands behind his back, shifting his weight from foot to foot as he stared at Domenico.
"Ethan," Domenico said, relaxing his posture slightly. He bore no ill will toward his nephew; the boy was an orphan, taken in after Domenico’s brother died three years ago. "Come in, son. What's on your mind?"
Ethan stepped into the room, looking over his shoulder as if afraid someone was trailing him. He walked up to the heavy oak desk and placed a small, leather-bound notebook onto the blotter.
"Grandma told me not to talk to you," Ethan whispered, his small voice trembling. "She said you were angry because I was better than Lily. She said I was going to take your chair."
Domenico felt a fresh surge of disgust toward his mother, but kept his expression gentle. "Do you want my chair, Ethan?"
Ethan shook his head frantically. "No! I just want to play video games and ride bikes. But... Grandma made me watch when Grandpa broke Lily's bike yesterday. She held my hand and said that's what happens to people who don't belong."
Domenico reached out, placing his large hand on the boy's shoulder. "You don't have to be afraid of them, Ethan. You're a child. You belong here, and so does Lily."
Ethan pointed at the notebook. "Grandma writes things down when she drinks her tea. Names of the men she gives money to. She told Grandpa that after Saturday, you wouldn't be the Don anymore, and she would run everything through me."
Domenico opened the notebook. Page after page contained handwritten entries by Helen: dates, exact monetary amounts, and signatures from four key lieutenants—including Capo Bruno and two senior security chiefs controlling the estate's perimeter.
It wasn't just a plot to disinherit Lily; it was a fully funded military takeover planned for the night of the Summit.
"Ethan," Domenico said softly, looking the boy in the eye. "You did a very brave thing coming to me. I need you to do one more thing. Stay in your room tonight with Marco’s team. No matter what you hear, stay inside."
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"Are you going to hurt Grandma?" Ethan asked quietly.
"I am going to protect this family," Domenico replied. "Starting with you and your sister."
