Chapter 7 - THE FALLOUT
The estate was eerily quiet when we returned two hours later. The storm had passed, leaving the night air cold and crisp. Leo was asleep in one of the guest bedrooms, wrapped in a thick down comforter. Marco sat in a chair beside the bed, refusing to take his eyes off the boy he had just discovered was his son. Luca and I stood in the grand foyer. Vanessa was waiting for us. Her bags were already packed, sitting by the front door. She looked broken. The arrogant, untouchable fiancée from the dining room was gone, replaced by a terrified woman who knew her lies had finally caught up with her. She looked at Luca. “Is he safe?” she whispered. “He is safe,” Luca said coldly. “He is with his father.” Vanessa closed her eyes, a tear escaping. “I was trying to protect him, Luca. Dominic was a monster. I thought if I married you, I would have the power to keep Leo safe forever.” “You didn't protect him,” Luca said. “You used him. You used Marco. You used Emma. You tried to destroy innocent people to cover your own cowardice.” He pointed at the door. “Your driver is waiting. You have a generous trust account that will remain active. But if you ever approach Marco or that boy again, I will personally see that you end up in the cell next to Dominic.” Vanessa looked at me. There was no hatred left in her eyes. Only shame. She picked up her coat and walked out the door without another word. The heavy mahogany doors clicked shut behind her. I stood in the massive foyer, suddenly acutely aware of my wet, ruined uniform. “I should go clean the dining room,” I muttered, looking at the floor. “No.” Luca’s voice stopped me. He walked toward me, his dark eyes softer than I had ever seen them. “You are not cleaning anything, Emma.” “Sir, my shift—” “Your shift as a housekeeper ended the moment you stood up to Vanessa,” Luca said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a gold pocket watch. It was engraved with his family crest. “My father gave me this when I took over the business. He told me that loyalty isn't bought with paychecks. It’s earned through fire.” He pressed the cold, heavy gold watch into my palm. “You risked everything tonight to protect a man who wasn't even your blood. You have more courage than anyone I have ever employed.” I looked down at the watch, my throat tight. “Mr. Moretti, I—” “Luca,” he corrected gently. He took a step back, folding his hands behind his back. “Tomorrow, my mother’s charitable foundation needs a new Director of Operations. Someone who speaks Italian. Someone who understands the West Side. Someone who cannot be intimidated.” He smiled faintly. “The salary is six times what you make now. It includes full medical coverage for your father.” My breath caught. “Luca... are you serious?” “I am dead serious.” He turned toward the grand staircase. “Go home, Emma. Get some sleep. Tomorrow, we start over.” I walked out of the mansion that night, holding the gold watch tight in my fist. For the first time in my life, I wasn't afraid of the future.
