Chapter 20
The Rizzano estate settled into a profound, unshakeable peace. With the Moretti family subdued and Bianca permanently exiled, there was no one left to challenge Alessandro’s authority. The empire was absolute, secure, and thriving.
Later that afternoon, Alessandro stood on the grand balcony of his estate, looking out over the manicured, vibrant green lawns. The sky was a piercing blue, the natural sunlight casting long, elegant shadows across the stone.
Rosalie stepped out onto the balcony, bringing Livia her favorite stuffed animal. The dynamic in the house had completely shifted. Rosalie was no longer treated as a servant; she was respected as the fierce protector of the Rizzano heir, and her word carried immense weight among the staff.
"She is very happy today, sir," Rosalie noted, smiling as Livia chased a butterfly across the grass below.
"She is happy because she feels safe," Alessandro murmured, his dark, intimidating eyes resting on the young woman beside him. "And she feels safe because of you, Rosalie."
Rosalie blushed, her American accent soft. "I only did what was right, Mr. Rizzano."
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"You showed loyalty," Alessandro corrected smoothly. "In my world, loyalty is the only currency that matters."
He looked back out at his sprawling, beautiful estate. He had almost made a catastrophic error by inviting an aristocratic, cruel woman into his home simply for political gain. He knew now that true strength did not come from arranged alliances; it came from those willing to stand between his daughter and a blade. The monster of the underworld was at peace, his empire was invincible, and his family—in whatever unconventional form it took—was finally protected.
