Chapter 6 - A New Dawn at the Estate
The smoke cleared from the Duca estate by sunrise, leaving the halls quiet, restored, and entirely loyal once more.
In the sunlit conservatory overlooking the Long Island sound, Lorenzo Duca sat in a plush armchair, a white bandage wrapped neatly around his temple, sipping black coffee.
The double doors opened, and Sophia walked in, holding little Emma by the hand. Emma wore a brand-new red dress, and in her small pocket, a gleaming pair of brand-new pink craft scissors rested safely.
Lorenzo looked up, his terrifying, granite-hard expression instantly softening into something warm and human the moment he saw the little girl.
"Come here, little rescuer," Lorenzo said, extending a hand.
Emma hesitated for a second, then ran across the marble floor and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.
Lorenzo looked up at Sophia, who stood nervously near the doorway, wringing her hands in her apron.
"Sophia," Lorenzo said quietly. "You saved my life. And your daughter showed more courage than half my captains combined."
"We were just doing what was right, Mr. Duca," Sophia murmured.
"You're no longer a housekeeper, Sophia," Lorenzo stated, his tone leaving no room for argument. "As of today, you are the chief estate administrator, with an education fund established for Emma that will secure her future through university and beyond."
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Sophia stared at him, tears of relief finally spilling over her lashes. "Thank you, sir."
"Thank you," Lorenzo corrected softly, resting his cheek against Emma’s hair as the morning sun poured through the glass. "You reminded me that empires aren't built on fear, Sophia. They're built on the people who refuse to let the darkness win."
