Chapter 10 - A New Foundation
Three weeks later.
The morning sun shone brightly through the tall windows of the Moretti estate's main conservatory. The air smelled of fresh-cut flowers, warm espresso, and sweet cinnamon.
I sat at a wide oak desk near the garden doors, reviewing a stack of employment applications and payroll files.
Following the events at the Metropolitan Club, Luca had completely restructured the administration of his estate and his commercial holdings. He had created a new executive position—Head of Household Administration and Staff Welfare—and appointed me to run it, with a salary that secured my father's medical care and our family's future for years to come.
My father was now living in a lovely sunlit cottage on the edge of the estate grounds, his mobility improving every single day thanks to his dedicated physical therapy team.
A soft knock sounded at the open door.
Rosa walked in, holding a tray with two white ceramic cups of coffee and a plate of warm pastry slices.
"You're working too hard, Emma," Rosa said with a warm smile, placing the tray on my desk.
"I'm just finishing the new healthcare package for the estate staff, Mama Rosa," I replied, taking a cup of coffee. "No more fourteen-hour shifts without overtime. Everyone gets full benefits, starting day one."
Rosa sat down in the armchair opposite me, her brown eyes shining with contentment. "Mary would be so proud of what you've done with this house in three short weeks. It doesn't feel like a cold marble fortress anymore. It feels like a home."
Before I could answer, the heavy double doors opened, and Luca stepped into the conservatory.
He was wearing a simple dark blue sweater and trousers, looking relaxed, happy, and younger than I had ever seen him. Gone was the perpetually stressed, cold mafia boss who carried the weight of an empire on his shoulders.
"Good morning, Rosa. Good morning, Emma," Luca said, coming over to the desk.
He bent down, kissing Rosa gently on the cheek, then turned to look at me. His dark eyes lingered on my face with a warmth that made my heart do a quick, pleasant flip against my ribs.
"How is the new staff organization going?" Luca asked, leaning against the edge of my desk.
"It's going wonderfully, Mr. Moretti," I answered.
Luca raised an eyebrow, a slight, playful smile curling his lips. "I thought we agreed that when we aren't in formal business meetings, you were going to call me Luca."
I felt my cheeks warm up slightly. "Old habits are hard to break... Luca."
May you like
"Well, break them faster," he said softly.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet-lined jeweler's box, placing it gently on the desk between us.
