Chapter 9 - THE FAMILY WE CHOOSE
Months passed.
The Moretti empire was dismantled.
Adrian sold most of his companies.
The money went into legal settlements, victims' funds, and legitimate businesses.
For the first time, he owned less.
And somehow, he felt richer.
Luca struggled at first.
He had spent eleven years hiding.
Freedom frightened him.
His daughter, whom everyone now called Sofia, became the center of his world.
Mara remained with them.
Not as an employee.
As family.
One afternoon, Adrian found Luca sitting beside the lake.
“You okay?”
Luca smiled.
“I'm learning.”
“To do what?”
“To live.”
Adrian sat beside him.
For years, neither brother had known how to speak honestly.
Now they finally could.
“I blamed you,” Luca admitted.
“I know.”
“I thought you abandoned me.”
“I thought you were dead.”
“I know.”
Silence followed.
Then Luca said:
“I’m sorry.”
Adrian looked at him.
“So am I.”
They shook hands.
Not as rivals.
Not as heirs.
As brothers.
Later that evening, Sofia crawled across the living room toward Adrian.
She reached his shoes.
Just like the first day.
Adrian picked her up.
She grabbed his tie.
Luca laughed.
“She likes your tie.”
“She has expensive taste.”
Mara smiled.
“You're becoming soft.”
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
“Don't tell anyone.”
Everyone laughed.
Then a package arrived.
No return address.
Inside was a photograph.
Vincent in prison.
Behind him stood a woman Adrian didn't recognize.
On the back was a handwritten message:
You stopped Vincent. But you haven't found me.
Luca's smile disappeared.
Adrian turned the photograph over.
A second message was written beneath it.
I am Sofia's grandmother.
Mara gasped.
Adrian stared at the picture.
May you like
Elena had always been said to be an only child.
Someone had lied again.
