Chapter 7 - the truth in the study
By two in the morning, the snow had stopped falling, leaving the estate grounds quiet under a brilliant canopy of winter stars.
Inside Victor’s private executive study, a roaring fire crackled in the massive stone fireplace, casting a warm golden glow across the polished mahogany walls and plush leather furniture.
Eddie sat on a large leather sofa, wrapped in a warm wool blanket, sipping hot chocolate from a mug. Caesar lay on the rug at his feet, resting his heavy chin on the boy's sneakers.
Victor stood near the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out over the silent, snow-covered courtyard. He had removed his black suit jacket, rolling his dark shirt sleeves up to his muscular forearms.
A quiet knock sounded at the door, and Marcus stepped inside, setting a small velvet pouch on the desk.
"The second key was in Eddie's silver pendant, Boss," Marcus confirmed quietly. "Just like Julian's letter indicated."
Victor walked over to the desk, picking up the velvet pouch. He pulled out a delicate silver key, holding it alongside his own key under the lamplight. Side by side, the two keys formed the complete emblem of the Moretti crest.
Eddie set his hot chocolate mug on the side table, watching his father with wide, curious eyes.
"Dad?" Eddie asked softly, his sweet voice filling the quiet room.
Victor walked over to the sofa, sitting down beside his son. He reached out, his broad, warm hand gently patting Eddie's red sweater.
"Yes, Eddie?"
"Aunt Celeste said I'm not your real son," Eddie whispered, looking down at his small hands. "Is that true?"
Victor looked deeply into the boy's fair, rosy face, his dark eyes filled with an intense, unyielding love.
"Your father was my brother Julian, Eddie," Victor explained gently, his voice deep and steady. "He was a brave, good man who loved you very much before he died. But the day he passed away... I swore an oath over his grave that I would protect you, raise you, and love you as my own son."
Eddie looked up, tears shining in his brown eyes. "So... you're still my dad?"
Victor pulled the boy into a strong, protective embrace, wrapping his broad arm around Eddie's shoulders. "I will always be your father, Eddie. Nothing in this world will ever change that."
Eddie smiled, burying his face against Victor’s dark shirt, holding tight to his father's waist.
Caesar offered a soft, contented whine, nudging his broad nose against Eddie's knee.
May you like
"Boss," Marcus spoke up softly from the doorway. "The council elders have arrived in the main hall. They are waiting for your statement regarding the succession."
Victor stood up, adjusting his cuffs, his battle-hardened face setting into resolute steel. "Tell them I'm coming down."
