Chapter 59
The discovery of Tony Martinelli’s silent guardianship prompted Dante and Maya to secretly return to New York. They could not allow an old friend to risk his life for them. Flying in under deep-cover aliases, completely bypassing federal intelligence nets, Dante and Maya arranged to meet Tony at a quiet, secluded diner on the outskirts of the city. When Tony walked in, he froze in sheer disbelief upon seeing Maya and Dante. Ten years had passed, and Tony was now a frail old man, but his eyes still held the same warmth and steadfast loyalty as before. "Maya... Dante..." Tony’s eyes welled with tears as he pulled them into a tight embrace. "I never thought I'd see you kids again." "Why did you do this, Tony?" Maya held his hands, deeply moved. "You didn't have to protect the bakery for us." Tony sighed, taking a sip of his tea. "After the night you two left, Bellanote was trashed by Barone thugs who thought I helped you escape. I had to close the restaurant and lay low. But I always kept an ear to the ground. When I heard Maya opened Sweet Haven, I was so proud. Lately, I heard whispers in the old circles that some ghosts were getting curious about Dante’s past. I know you’re living peacefully in Italy, and I didn't want those shadows bothering you." Dante looked at Tony with profound, unyielding gratitude. He pulled a heavy, black titanium card from his jacket. "Tony, the funds on this card are enough for you to live a luxurious, fully secure life anywhere in the world. Let my security teams handle the rest. You have done more than enough." Tony shook his head, pushing the card away. "I don't want your money, Dante. I just needed to know that Maya and little Sophia were happy. That’s the only reward I ever wanted." Maya couldn't hold back her tears. She hugged Tony tightly, realizing that true human warmth still existed even in the darkest, most forgotten corners of the underworld.
