Chapter 9 - The bloodline
The morning after the attack, the Duca estate was a hive of heavily armed activity. The bodies had been cleared, the doors replaced, and the security tripled. The mafia council had been summoned for an emergency meeting in the grand ballroom.
Lorenzo sat in his study, completely composed, dressed in a flawless three-piece suit. Elena stood beside him, no longer wearing her maid uniform. Lorenzo had ordered his personal tailor to bring a selection of clothes. She wore a breathtaking, simple white silk dress that clung perfectly to her curves, her brunette hair falling in soft waves. She looked like a queen.
Marco entered the study, holding a sealed envelope. The DNA results from the private lab, boss. Rushed, just as you asked.
Lorenzo took the envelope, opening it slowly. He read the paper, his sharp jawline relaxing into a profound, genuine smile. He looked up at Elena.
99.9% match, Lorenzo said softly. It’s official. You are Mia’s biological mother. Not that I ever doubted it, but the council demands blood proof before they accept a new matriarch.
Elena’s eyes filled with happy tears. She walked around the desk, sitting on Lorenzo’s lap. He wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his head against her chest.
Are you ready for this? Lorenzo asked, looking up into her eyes. Once we walk through those doors, you are no longer a ghost. You are Elena Duca. The target on my back becomes the target on yours.
I’ve been running for four years, Lorenzo, Elena said fiercely, weaving her fingers through his dark hair. I am done running. I want my family.
Lorenzo stood up, pulling her with him. Then let’s go introduce them to my future wife.
Down in the basement, the atmosphere was entirely different. Vivien sat shivering in a cold, concrete holding cell. Her red silk dress was ruined, her hair a mess. She had been locked down there all night, listening to the sounds of the gunfight above, not knowing who had won.
The heavy metal door groaned open. Two massive guards stepped in, grabbing Vivien by the arms and dragging her upward.
What are you doing? Let me go! Vivien screamed, kicking her heels. I am a council member's daughter! You can't do this!
The guards didn't speak. They dragged her up the service stairs, pushing her roughly through the doors into the grand ballroom.
The ballroom was filled with the most powerful mafia bosses in the country, the high council. They sat at a massive round table, smoking cigars and drinking espresso. The room fell silent as Vivien was thrown onto the polished marble floor in the center of the room.
Vivien looked up, frantic. Fathers! Elders! You must help me! Lorenzo has gone insane! He attacked the Moretti family unprovoked! He is trying to start a war!
The double doors at the head of the ballroom swung open.
Lorenzo walked in. The sheer, intimidating power radiating from him silenced any murmurs in the room. He held Mia in one arm, the little girl wearing a bright yellow dress. With his other hand, he held Elena.
The elders gasped, staring at the beautiful woman in the white dress standing proudly beside the mafia boss.
Vivien stared, her jaw dropping in absolute horror. The maid. He had brought the maid to a council meeting.
Lorenzo didn't sit down. He stood at the head of the table, looking down at Vivien writhing on the floor.
I did not start a war, Lorenzo’s voice echoed like thunder in the cavernous room. I ended one.
He tossed a small digital recorder onto the center of the table. Play it, he commanded Marco.
The recording from the warehouse played loudly over the ballroom speakers. Vivien’s arrogant, treasonous voice filled the room, clearly conspiring with Carlo Moretti to assassinate Elena and betray Lorenzo.
The council elders’ faces turned to stone. Treason from within a family was the ultimate sin in their world.
Vivien scrambled backward, shaking her head. No! It’s a fake! He faked it to protect that whore!
Lorenzo stepped forward, his eyes burning with a lethal fire. Do not speak of my future wife in that tone.
The room gasped again.
Lorenzo pulled the DNA results from his pocket, tossing them onto the table. Elena is the biological mother of my daughter, Mia. She saved my life four years ago. The Moretti family hunted her, and Vivien conspired with them to murder her and steal my wealth.
The oldest council member stood up, looking at Vivien with utter disgust. Vivien. You have betrayed the Duca family, and by extension, the council. Your life is forfeit.
No! Please! Vivien screamed as the guards grabbed her arms again, dragging her toward the back exit. She looked back at Elena, her eyes wild with pure hatred. You won't survive this world, servant! You will burn!
The heavy doors slammed shut, cutting off her screams permanently.
May you like
Lorenzo turned to the council, his demeanor entirely calm again. The Moretti family is broken. Their territories belong to us now. And the Duca family finally has its queen.
The elders stood up as one, bowing respectfully to Lorenzo, and then, to Elena. The war was over.
