Chapter 18
A week later, the sprawling Bellucci estate hummed with a quiet, secure peace. The bright, natural cinematic light poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the grand dining room, illuminating a space entirely free of tension.
Adrian sat at the head of the long mahogany table, dressed in a sharp, tailored suit. He was reviewing the finalized acquisition contracts for the Chicago shipping routes, his artistic, heavily tattooed hands moving smoothly over the documents.
"The transition is complete, Boss," Dante reported, standing respectfully nearby. "Profits are up forty percent. The rival families are terrified. No one is challenging the new borders."
"Fear is an excellent motivator, Dante," Adrian murmured, signing the final page. "But stability requires vigilance. Double the background checks on all new security personnel. I will not tolerate another breach."
"Already implemented, sir," Dante nodded.
The heavy oak doors swung open, and Emma ran into the dining room. She wore a bright, joyful yellow sundress, her fair, rosy cheeks flushed with happiness. The soft bandage was finally gone from her hand, leaving no physical scars.
"Daddy!" Emma cheered, running to him.
May you like
Adrian set the multi-million dollar contracts aside instantly. The cold, terrifying Mafia boss vanished, replaced entirely by the devoted, loving father. He scooped her up, lifting her high into the air before pulling her securely onto his lap.
"Hello, piccola mia," Adrian smiled, a genuine, breathtaking expression that erased the harsh lines of his angular face. "Did you have a good day?"
