Chapter 7 – The Old Guard

Carlo Moretti hadn’t been seen in Chicago for a decade. He was the man who handled the family’s “rougher” business before Luca legitimized the empire.

Carlo limped into the living room. His men disarmed Michael’s hired muscle before they even had a chance to twitch.

“Your father left me a copy of that letter,” Carlo said, his gravelly voice echoing in the small house. “He told me to stay away until the boy turned eight. Unless someone tried to accelerate the timeline.”

Michael dropped the gun. It hit the floor with a heavy thud.

“It’s my company, Carlo,” Michael pleaded, backing away. “I built the logistics network. I made the political connections.”

“You dismantled your mother’s bed,” Carlo said, his eyes narrowing. “You threw the woman who birthed you into a hallway to make room for a snake.”

Luca stepped past Michael, ignoring him entirely, and picked up the dropped gun. He unloaded it with precise, practiced movements and threw the metal frame into the fireplace.

“Take him,” Luca told Carlo.

“Where to?” Carlo asked.

“Somewhere he won’t have an address,” Luca said, echoing the exact words Michael had used on Teresa. “He doesn’t exist anymore.”

Two of Carlo’s men grabbed Michael by the arms. He began to beg, sobbing as they dragged him out the front door.

The house fell quiet again.

Luca turned and walked down the hallway. He pushed the heavy dresser aside effortlessly and opened the door.

He didn’t look like a billionaire CEO. He looked like a father.

He walked to the closet and moved the coats. He knelt down, opening his arms.

Leo hesitated for a second, then launched himself into Luca’s chest.

Luca buried his face in his son’s hair, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs. Teresa sat on the edge of the bed, holding Sarah’s fragile hand.

“We’re going home,” Luca said, lifting Leo into his arms. “All of us.”

Sarah closed her eyes, a peaceful smile finally resting on her face. “Hannah,” she whispered.

I stepped closer.

“Look in the pocket of the blue blanket,” she said softly. “Before we leave.”

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