Chapter 9 - the tribunal at the estate
By 1:00 AM, the battle was over. The rain cleared, leaving a pale moon shining over the smoke-filled courtyard of the Moretti estate.
Federal tactical officers and Chicago police cruisers—notified by Adrian's legal team—surrounded the property, taking Lorenzo Russo and his surviving mercenaries into federal custody under grand-scale terrorism and treason charges.
Inside the grand study, the warm fire crackled merrily in the hearth.
Dr. Reynolds had just finished reviewing Sophia's vitals. He turned to Adrian and Elena with a bright, reassuring smile.
"Great news, Don Moretti," Dr. Reynolds announced. "The specialized heart procedure funded by the family trust can be performed next week at Chicago General. Sophia will make a complete, one-hundred-percent recovery."
Elena covered her face with her hands, weeping tears of pure, overwhelming joy. "Oh thank God... thank God..."
Adrian stepped over to her, wrapping his broad arms around her waist, pulling her gently against his chest. He kissed her forehead softly, holding her close as she leaned her head against his shoulder.
Sophia ran over, jumping onto the leather sofa beside them, holding her teddy bear. "Uncle Adrian! Does that mean I can play in the big garden every day?"
Adrian smiled—a genuine, handsome smile that lit up his bearded face—and lifted the little girl into his arms.
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"You can play in the garden every day, sweetie," Adrian whispered softly. "Because this is your home now."
Sophia rested her small head on his shoulder, while Titan trotted over, laying his broad head across Adrian's leather boots, completely at peace.
