Chapter 10 – THE NAME ON THE DEED

I stared at the thick legal paper. It was the deed to the property, yes, but the name at the top wasn’t Luca’s dummy corporation.

It was mine. Grace Parker.

“The property is prime real estate now,” Luca explained, stepping closer. “It sits right on the border of the southside transit hub. My council has been trying to buy that land for years to build a distribution center. I always told them the owner refused to sell.”

My mind spun. “You made me the owner?”

“Your mother bought that land with everything she had. It’s your legacy, Grace. Not mine.” He smiled slightly. “And it makes you the single most powerful independent landholder in our district. The council can’t call you a maid. You hold the keys to their biggest logistical route.”

Tears blurred my vision. I looked down at the deed. He hadn’t just given me money; he had given me leverage. He had given me dignity.

“Grace! Grace!”

Leo came barreling into the kitchen, wearing a superhero cape, clutching a messy drawing.

He crashed into my legs, holding the paper up.

“Look what I drew!” he beamed.

It was a drawing of a house. But this time, there were no cages. There was a tall man, a small boy, and a woman holding a spatula.

“It’s beautiful, Leo,” I choked out, kneeling to hug him.

Leo squeezed my neck. “I love you, Mom,” he mumbled absentmindedly, already distracted by the prospect of cookies on the counter.

He ran off toward the pantry.

I stayed on my knees, my breath catching in my throat. Mom.

I looked up at Luca. He was watching me, his dark eyes filled with absolute certainty.

“You see?” Luca said softly, kneeling down on the floor right in front of me. “You already rule this house. The council is just paperwork.”

He reached into his pocket again.

“Grace Parker,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I am done living in the shadows. Are you ready to step into the light with me?”

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