Chapter 10 - the threshold of sixteen
Three weeks later, the Vale Estate was bathed in golden afternoon sunlight.
The dark shadows of betrayal had been cleared. Graham Pierce had been handed over to federal authorities along with the seized Chicago ledgers, and Julian Vance’s syndicate had completely collapsed under the weight of Roman’s legal and financial war.
In the formal dining room, the long walnut table had been set with fresh white flowers, crystal glasses, and golden plates.
Roman sat at the head of the table, looking radiant in a custom navy suit with a white dress shirt.
To his right sat Megan, looking stunning in a pale-yellow dress, her brown hair styled loosely around her shoulders. She looked no longer like a nervous housekeeper, but like the radiant, protected mistress of the estate.
Beside her sat four-year-old Sadie, wearing a brand-new pink dress, happily coloring in a massive drawing book with her favorite green crayons.
Viktor entered the room carrying a silver tray holding a small mahogany box tied with a fresh gold ribbon.
"Boss," Viktor announced respectfully. "This was just delivered from the family vault in Milan. It's the original music box your mother left behind."
Roman took the mahogany box with steady hands. He picked up the small brass key with the faded blue ribbon—the key Sadie had found under Graham's chair three weeks ago—and inserted it into the lock.
With a soft, melodic clink, the box opened.
A beautiful, clear crystalline melody echoed through the sunny dining room, playing an ancient Italian lullaby that Roman hadn't heard since he was a young boy.
Sadie stopped coloring, looking up with wide, enchanted eyes. "It plays music!"
Roman smiled warmly, picking up the music box and setting it down in front of the little girl. "It's yours now, Sadie. A gift from this house for saving us all."
Sadie clapped her small hands in pure delight, listening to the golden notes fill the warm room.
Megan reached out under the table, finding Roman's large hand and sliding her fingers through his. Roman squeezed her hand tightly, looking into her eyes with deep, unquestionable devotion.
Yet, as the music box played its peaceful melody, Viktor stepped close to Roman’s chair, leaning down to whisper low in his ear.
"Roman," Viktor said, his tone turning cautious and serious. "The federal prosecutors just opened Elena's old estate file in Milan. They found a secret codicil in your father's will... Codicil Sixteen."
Roman’s sharp eyes flickered with instant curiosity. "What does it say?"
Viktor hesitated, glancing subtly toward Megan and Sadie before continuing in a low whisper.
May you like
"It says the Vale Estate doesn't belong entirely to you, Roman," Viktor revealed softly. "According to your father's final decree... sixteen percent of the empire was bequeathed to Elena's long-lost daughter... a girl born in Chicago four years ago."
Roman froze. His grip on Megan's hand tightened as he slowly turned his head to look down at four-year-old Sadie, who was smiling happily as she turned the golden key of the music box...
