Chapter 10 - THE PROMISE LUCA MADE FOR SOPHIA
Luca Falcone never wanted Sophia inside the Falcone world.
That was the truth Carmela left behind.
Her letter explained everything.
Months before Luca died, he secretly contacted her.
He told her about me.
About the pregnancy.
About Victor's threats.
Carmela promised that if anything happened to him, she would help me disappear safely.
Then Luca died before Sophia was born.
Carmela kept watching from a distance.
She arranged anonymous assistance through a legitimate family charity.
But Victor intercepted the payments.
That explained the mysterious support check I once received during pregnancy.
One check.
Then nothing.
Carmela discovered the money had been redirected.
She began investigating.
That investigation eventually led her to Victor.
And eighteen months later, she died.
I read the final paragraph again.
Luca wanted Sophia raised without guards, without enemies, without learning that fear was normal.
Tears filled my eyes.
He had wanted the same thing for her that I did.
Dante sat across from me.
He hadn't spoken for several minutes.
Finally:
“My brother trusted Carmela more than me.”
The pain in his voice cut deep.
I looked toward him.
“He was afraid Victor had people inside your organization.”
“I know.”
“He was trying to protect us.”
“I know.”
Then Dante looked toward Sophia, asleep on the sofa.
His face softened.
“She’s my niece.”
I nodded.
“Yes.”
For years, I'd imagined how her father might have held her.
How he might have smiled when she said something ridiculous.
Now she had an uncle who looked at her as though he'd suddenly inherited a piece of the brother he lost.
But I needed to say something before sentiment became expectation.
“Dante.”
He looked at me.
“She doesn't belong to the Falcone family because of blood.”
His expression changed.
“She belongs to herself.”
He nodded slowly.
“I understand.”
“I won't let anyone decide her future because Luca was your brother.”
“I understand.”
“And I won't move into this estate because you think protection means keeping us close.”
For a moment, he almost smiled.
“Carmela would've liked you.”
My throat tightened.
Then he became serious.
“Rosa, I want Sophia safe. On your terms.”
I studied him.
For once, the most powerful man in the room wasn't issuing a command.
He was asking.
That mattered.
The legal investigation widened.
Father Matteo provided testimony.
Isabella cooperated.
The stolen accounts were traced.
Victor disappeared before authorities could question him.
His office was empty.
His phone abandoned.
His cars gone.
Dante's men wanted permission to hunt him.
Dante said no.
He turned relevant evidence over through his attorneys.
Another change.
Then came a call from the security gate.
A black sedan had arrived.
No appointment.
No driver identification.
Inside the back seat sat Victor Salerno.
And beside him was my mother.
May you like
Elena.
He had taken her from the rehabilitation center.
