Chương 10 - the golden horizon
One year later, the afternoon sun cast a breathtaking golden light across the grand courtyard of the Vane estate.
A massive family celebration was underway. Classical music drifted through the open doors of the conservatory as Chicago's top business leaders and family allies gathered to celebrate the official opening of the Anna Vane Children's Sanctuary—a fifty-million-dollar medical facility built by Ryan and Emily to shelter orphaned children across the state.
Maya and Lily stood near the central fountain wearing matching yellow summer dresses, their brown hair tied with bright ribbons, happily handing fresh flowers to the arriving guests.
Ryan stood near the stone balustrade wearing a tailored navy suit, holding a glass of fresh lemonade. Beside him stood Emily, looking radiant in a dark blue silk gown, her hand resting warmly in his palm.
Marcus walked out onto the stone terrace, carrying a thick black leather envelope stamped with a heavy red wax seal—a crest depicting a golden lion holding a broken crown.
Marcus handed the envelope to Ryan, his expression calm but focused. "Boss. A private courier just brought this from the airport in Rome."
Ryan broke the heavy wax seal and pulled out a single sheet of heavy parchment written in fine, elegant Italian calligraphy.
He read the first two lines, a quiet, subtle smile touching his sharp features as he looked at Emily.
Written on the parchment were only two sentences:
To Don Ryan Vane: The bloodline debt of Chicago is settled, and Maya is safe. But your late brother's secondary trust in Palermo has just been unlocked by a second child's record.
Emily looked at Ryan, her brows furrowing slightly with curiosity. "Ryan? What does it say?"
May you like
Ryan slowly folded the black parchment, slipped it into his inner suit pocket, and wrapped his broad arm around Emily's waist, looking out toward the sparkling blue ocean horizon.
"It says our family has one more journey to take, my love," Ryan whispered softly into the warm autumn breeze, pulling his wife and two daughters close as the afternoon sun bathed them in eternal light.
