Chapter 10 - the golden horizon
Two months later, the afternoon sun cast a brilliant golden glow across the terrace of the Ravello estate in Chicago.
A grand celebration was underway. Children from local orphanages played on the manicured lawns, running through the gardens, while classical music drifted through the open doors of the mansion. The estate had been officially gifted to the Elise Ravello Foundation as its permanent central headquarters.
Elise stood near the stone balustrade overlooking the lake, wearing an elegant white silk dress. Standing beside her was Clara, looking healthy and radiant in a soft blue cardigan.
Dominic walked over, carrying three glasses of fresh lemonade. He wore a simple dark linen suit, his heavy gold wristwatch glinting in the sunlight.
He handed the glasses to his sister-in-law and his niece, taking a seat beside them on the stone bench.
"It's a good day, Dominic," Clara said, watching the children play on the lawn. "The dark days are finally behind us."
"They are," Dominic agreed softly, sipping his drink.
Suddenly, Marcus walked down the terrace path, holding a thick black envelope stamped with an unfamiliar red wax seal—a crest depicting a golden crown surrounded by three black daggers.
Marcus handed the envelope to Dominic without a word, his expression unusually tense.
Dominic broke the heavy wax seal and pulled out the card inside.
Written in fine, sweeping gold calligraphy were only two sentences:
The Chicago debt is settled, Dominic Ravello. But your late brother's secret accounts in Rome belong to the High Council. We are coming to collect.
Dominic stared at the gold lettering as a quiet, familiar fire ignited deep within his dark eyes once more. He slowly folded the black card and placed it into his coat pocket.
Elise looked at her uncle, noticing the sudden, sharp focus in his posture. "Dominic? Is everything okay?"
May you like
Dominic looked at his niece and his sister-in-law, a calm, unshakeable smile touching his rugged features as he placed his hand over Elise's shoulder.
"Everything is perfect, Elise," Dominic whispered softly into the warm summer breeze. "Our family is whole. And whatever comes next... we face it together."
