Chapter 9 – The New Normal

Six months later.

The snow was falling heavily outside the estate windows, blanketing the grounds in a pristine white.

I walked through the hallways with a clipboard in hand, checking off the final preparations for the evening’s charity gala. I wasn’t wearing a maid’s uniform anymore. I wore a sharp navy blue blazer and slacks, moving with a confidence I never knew I possessed.

The Moretti estate had transformed.

The dark, imposing syndicate meetings had been replaced by legitimate business dealings. Luca had kept his promise. He was transitioning the family’s assets into real estate and philanthropy, washing away the blood of his father’s era.

I walked into the grand ballroom. Lily was sitting at a table in the corner, laughing with Emma as they arranged the floral centerpieces. My sister looked healthier than she had in years, the color finally returning to her cheeks.

“Looking good, Emily,” Dante called out, walking past with a stack of programs. He had traded his tactical gear for a tailored tuxedo.

“Make sure the caterers are set up by five, Dante,” I ordered with a smile.

“Yes, ma’am,” he saluted mockingly.

I walked toward Luca’s private study to review the guest list.

I knocked twice and entered. Luca was standing by the fireplace, staring into the flames. He looked handsome in his black tuxedo, but there was a tension in his shoulders that hadn’t been there yesterday.

“Luca?” I asked softly, closing the door behind me.

He turned, offering a tight smile. “Emily. Everything ready?”

“Yes. But you seem distracted. What’s wrong?”

Luca sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He walked over to his desk and picked up a heavy, black envelope.

“This arrived by courier this morning,” Luca said, handing it to me.

I opened it. Inside was a single, thick card cardstock. It was an invitation to a summit in New York.

At the bottom of the card was a wax seal stamped with a golden crown.

“The Romano family,” I breathed, recognizing the crest. They were the oldest and most powerful syndicate on the East Coast.

“They want a sit-down,” Luca said, his voice grim. “They’ve noticed the changes I’m making in Chicago. They don’t like it. They think I’m going soft, making the entire network look vulnerable.”

“Are they threatening you?”

“Not yet,” Luca said. “But Victor Romano doesn’t send invitations for friendly chats. He wants to bring me back in line. If I refuse to attend…”

“It’s a declaration of war,” I finished.

Luca nodded. “I spent the last six months trying to get us out of this life, Emily. But some ghosts refuse to stay buried.”

I walked closer, placing a hand on his arm.

“You aren’t the same man you were six months ago,” I reminded him gently. “You don’t answer to them.”

“If I go to New York, I’m walking into a viper’s nest,” Luca said, looking down at me. “But I have to go to protect this family.”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.

“Before I leave,” Luca said, his voice dropping to a softer register. “I wanted to give you this.”

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