Chapter 10 - the threshold of sixteen
Nine years later, a brilliant winter sunset painted the sky over the Moretti estate in shades of deep purple and gold.
The grand courtyard was once again decorated with thousands of shimmering Christmas lights, emerald wreaths, and a giant glowing tree for a momentous occasion—Eddie’s sixteenth birthday and formal presentation to the syndicate.
High-society leaders, corporate titans, and loyal family members gathered around the marble terrace, raising their glasses in honor of the young heir.
Eddie, now a tall, handsome sixteen-year-old young man wearing an immaculate midnight-black suit, stood beside Victor on the terrace steps. Beside them stood Caesar, now an elderly but dignified guardian, his grey-muzzled head resting proudly against Eddie's leg.
Victor Moretti, older, rugged, battle-hardened, and remarkably handsome in his tailored dark tuxedo, stood tall, his broad frame radiating unshakeable authority.
After the toast concluded, Victor motioned for Eddie to follow him down into the subterranean vault wing beneath the mansion.
They stood before a massive, ancient steel vault door embedded deep in the stone foundation, featuring sixteen gold combination dials.
"This vault was built by your grandfather fifty years ago," Victor explained, his deep voice rich with pride. "It holds the founding charters, primary land deeds, and primary trust funds of the entire Moretti empire."
Victor pulled the two silver keys from his pocket—the ones that formed the Moretti crest—and handed them to Eddie.
"Today, on your sixteenth birthday, you take full possession of your father's legacy," Victor said softly.
Eddie took the keys, his hands steady, his brown eyes filled with deep gratitude and maturity. He inserted the two keys into the central mechanism and turned the sixteen gold dials one by one.
CLICK! CLANG! PNEUMATIC HISS!
The multi-ton steel vault door slowly unsealed, swinging open to reveal a magnificent marble chamber illuminated by warm golden lights. Inside lay historical treasures, family heirlooms, and three massive iron chests stamped with the Moretti crest.
In the center of the room stood a single marble pedestal holding a velvet display box.
Eddie stepped forward and opened the velvet box, revealing an official leather scroll bound by a gold ribbon, alongside a second silver teething ring identical to his own.
Eddie lifted the second teething ring, looking up at Victor in genuine wonder. "Dad... what is this?"
May you like
Victor walked up beside his son, resting his broad hand over Eddie's shoulder, a warm, protective smile touching his battle-hardened lips.
"That belongs to your twin sister in London, Eddie," Victor revealed gently, his dark eyes looking out toward the open vault doorway. "And tomorrow morning... we go bring her home..."
