Chapter 9 - The Legacy of Julianna
By eight o'clock that evening, the estate grounds were secured under maximum alert. Mateo Rossi and Dr. Vance were taken into custody by Lorenzo’s elite security detail, their multi-year treason brought to a swift, merciless end before federal authorities arrived to take over the financial records.
Upstairs in the private family wing, the heavy cloud of grief that had hung over the Rossi mansion for four years had finally cleared.
Lorenzo walked into the sunlit sitting room, where a warm fire crackled in the hearth. Isabella was sitting on the plush rug, her legs stretched out before her, actively moving her ankles as she played a game of blocks with little Emma.
Sophia stood near the window, quietly watching the children with a soft, peaceful smile.
Lorenzo walked over to Sophia, stopping just inches from her. He reached out, holding the silver charm in his open palm.
"There is one thing you haven't told me, Sophia," Lorenzo said quietly, his dark eyes locking onto hers with deep intensity.
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Sophia looked up, her fair cheeks flushing slightly. "What is that, Lorenzo?"
"Julianna’s journal mentions that she had a younger half-sister who was separated from the family during the syndicate wars thirty years ago," Lorenzo murmured, his voice rich with unspoken emotion. "A sister whose mother carried the maiden name Rossi."
