Chapter 10 - the shadow from new york
Six months later, the afternoon sun cast a brilliant golden glow across the grand terrace of the Moretti estate.
A grand celebration was underway. Classical music drifted through the open doors of the conservatory as Chicago's top community leaders and family allies gathered to celebrate the official launch of the Clara Bennett Children's Foundation—a fifty-million-dollar charitable organization established by Nathan and Sarah to provide medical care and shelter for impoverished mothers and children across the state.
Nathan stood near the stone balustrade overlooking the sparkling lake, wearing a crisp white linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up over his dark tattoos, holding a glass of fresh lemonade. Beside him stood Sarah, looking breathtaking in a dark emerald dress, her hand resting warmly in his broad palm.
Down on the lawn, Lily was sitting at a small white wrought-iron table, happily drawing pictures with a set of fine oil pastels, her laughter ringing clearly in the summer breeze.
Marcus walked out onto the terrace, carrying a thick black leather envelope stamped with a heavy red wax seal—a crest depicting a golden dragon holding a broken sword.
Marcus handed the envelope to Nathan, his expression grave and focused. "Boss. A private courier just brought this from the airport. It came directly from the High Syndicate Council in New York."
Nathan 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, his relaxed expression slowly turning into an intense, razor-sharp focus.
Sarah noticed the sudden shift in his posture and stepped closer, looking at the letter in his hand. "Nate? What is it?"
Nathan slowly read the lines written across the parchment, his deep voice calm but echoing with a subtle, dark edge of danger:
"To Don Nathan Moretti: The debt of Chicago is settled, and Victor Moretti is gone. But your late mother's secret accounts in New York belong to the High Council. We are coming to collect."
Sarah stared at the gold lettering, her brows furrowing with concern. "Nate... is it starting again?"
Nathan slowly folded the black parchment and placed it into his inner pocket. He looked out across the wide, sparkling blue expanse of Lake Michigan toward the distant horizon, a calm, unshakeable resolve settling into his dark eyes.
May you like
He reached out, taking Sarah's hand in his broad palm, while down on the lawn, little Lily looked up and waved at them with a wide, happy smile.
"No, my love," Nathan whispered gently, kissing Sarah's forehead as the warm summer breeze swept across the terrace. "It's not starting again. We're just going to finish it once and for all."
