Chapter 8 - the midnight trial
The pieces of the long-buried puzzle were finally coming together.
Roman led his mother out of the hidden room for the first time in twenty years. Supported by Roman's strong arm, Sophia stepped out into the bright lights of the master study, breathing in the fresh air of the upper floors.
Dante met them in the hallway, his jaw dropping in utter shock as he saw Roman’s mother standing alive and well.
"Boss... my God... Miss Sophia?" Dante stammered, crossing his heart in disbelief.
"Lock down the entire estate, Dante," Roman commanded, his commanding tone returning with full force. "Call an emergency meeting of the Boston Syndicate Elders for three o'clock tomorrow afternoon. We are ending this war once and for all."
"And Marco?" Dante asked grimly.
"Keep him alive in the basement," Roman replied coldly. "He will be our primary witness."
That night, Roman moved Grace and her daughters into the luxury guest suite directly opposite his own master bedroom. For the first time in five years, Grace didn't sleep in the small maid's quarters on the ground floor.
At 2:00 AM, Roman walked down the dimly lit hallway, stopping outside the open door of the guest suite.
Inside, Grace was sitting on the edge of the large king-sized bed, gently tucking Mia and baby Lily under the plush silk duvet. The warm glow of the bedside lamp illuminated her gentle, striking features.
She turned her head and saw Roman standing in the doorway. She stood up quietly and stepped out into the hall, closing the door softly behind her.
"They're fast asleep," Grace murmured, smoothing down her apron. "Thank you, Roman. For believing me."
Roman leaned his broad frame against the doorframe, looking down at her with a look that was no longer guarded or distant.
"You don't wear the uniform anymore, Grace," Roman said softly, his deep voice sending a warm shiver through her chest. "Starting tomorrow, you and your daughters are under my personal protection. As family."
May you like
Grace looked up into his handsome, rugged face, her rosy cheeks flushing warmly. "Family?"
"Your mother saved my mother's life," Roman said, reaching out his large hand to gently touch her soft brown hair. "It's time I returned the favor."
