Chapter 10 - the letter from Florence
Six months later, the afternoon sun cast a breathtaking golden light across the grand terrace of the Duca estate.
A grand celebration was underway. Classical music drifted through the open doors of the conservatory as Chicago's top business leaders, family allies, and estate staff gathered to celebrate Lucas's seventh birthday.
Lucas and Emma stood near a towering birthday cake decorated with gold ribbons, happily blowing out the candles as the guests cheered merrily.
Sarah stood beside Lorenzo near the stone balustrade, looking breathtaking in an elegant navy silk dress, her hand resting warmly in Lorenzo's broad palm.
Marcus walked out onto the terrace, carrying a thick black leather envelope stamped with a heavy red wax seal—a crest depicting a golden lion holding a broken key.
Marcus handed the envelope to Lorenzo, his expression calm but focused. "Boss. A private courier just brought this from the airport in Florence. It came directly from the legal high council in Italy."
Lorenzo broke the heavy wax seal and pulled out a single sheet of heavy parchment written in fine, sweeping gold calligraphy.
He read the first two lines, a quiet, subtle smile touching his sharp features as he looked at Sarah.
Written on the parchment were only two sentences:
To Don Lorenzo Duca: The debt of Chicago is settled, and Lucas is safe. But your late father's secondary estate in Florence has just been unlocked by a second child's bloodline record.
Sarah looked at Lorenzo, her soft blue eyes sparkling with curiosity and happiness. "Lorenzo? What does it say?"
May you like
Lorenzo slowly folded the black parchment, slipped it into his inner suit pocket, and wrapped his broad arm around Sarah's waist, pulling her close against his side as they looked out toward the endless, sparkling blue horizon of Lake Michigan.
"It says our family has one more beautiful chapter to write, my love," Lorenzo whispered softly into the warm summer breeze, holding his family close as the afternoon sun bathed them in eternal light.
