Chapter 10 - the threshold of sixteen
Three months later, the Rosselli estate hosted an extraordinary celebration to mark the official return of Elena and Alina to the family lineage.
The grand ballroom was filled with sparkling lights, towering arrangements of white orchids, and elegant guests from high-society diplomatic circles.
Alina wore a sweeping dark-red silk evening gown that highlighted her natural beauty, her dark brown hair styled in soft, elegant waves, the silver dragon necklace resting proudly against her neck.
Beside her, Dante looked remarkably handsome in a custom dark-navy tuxedo, holding baby Leo, who wore a matching tiny navy suit.
Elena stood with them, looking healthy, radiant, and happy as she greeted family allies.
As the music played softly in the background, Vincent walked up to Dante, holding a small silver tray covered by a black velvet cloth.
"Boss," Vincent said in a low, serious voice. "A private courier just delivered this to the main gate. It was shipped directly from the Vatican Archives in Rome."
Dante's brow furrowed. He reached out, lifting the black velvet cloth.
Resting on the silver tray was an ancient, tarnished brass key stamped with the number 16, alongside a sealed scroll bound with a black wax seal bearing an unknown family crest.
Alina stepped closer, staring at the brass key. "Dante... what is that?"
Dante picked up the ancient scroll, breaking the dark wax seal with his thumb and unrolling the heavy parchment.
As his dark eyes scanned the Latin script written across the top, Dante’s body went completely rigid. His breathing stopped sharply in his chest, his rugged face turning unusually grave.
Elena noticed his reaction immediately, her smile fading into gentle concern. "Dante? What does it say?"
Dante slowly raised his head, looking at Elena and Alina with dark, intense eyes that carried a staggering new revelation.
"It's a secret codicil attached to our father's original will thirty years ago," Dante whispered, his deep voice carrying an unbelievable weight that chilled the air in the ballroom. "It states that thirty years ago, before Elena vanished... my father didn't just hide one child. There was a second infant born on the night of the Naples attack..."
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Alina gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as her eyes locked onto the ancient brass key stamped with the number 16.
Dante held the ancient key in his broad hand, leaving the staggering secret of their bloodline hanging on the extraordinary threshold of a brand-new destiny...
