Chapter 5 - The Master’s Wing
The master wing of the Moretti estate was a fortress within a fortress. Featuring reinforced steel doors, bulletproof glass, and a private balcony overlooking the vast forest, it was a sanctuary reserved exclusively for the head of the family.
For Sophia, stepping into the luxurious three-bedroom suite felt like entering another world—and another nightmare.
“I can’t stay here, Mr. Moretti,” Sophia said late that evening, her voice trembling as she stood in the middle of the immense living room. She watched Aleandro, who was standing by the bar poured himself two fingers of bourbon. “You protected us today, and I am... I am endlessly grateful. But Jimmy will go back to New York. Don Valenti will send an army. You’re putting your life and your men in danger for people you don't even know.”
Aleandro walked over, handing her a glass of warm water. He looked down at her—really looked at her. Her face was pale, her eyes rimmed with red, but beneath the fear was a stoic grace that had survived three years of living in the shadows as a fugitive.
“I knew Julian Vance,” Aleandro said quietly.
Sophia gasped, nearly dropping her glass. “What?”
“Five years ago, before he betrayed his family, Julian came to me in secret,” Aleandro revealed, his tone even and measured. “He wanted to buy passage for a woman and an unborn child to Europe. He knew the Valentis were corrupt to the core, and he wanted out before his family swallowed him whole. I refused him.”
Sophia’s breath caught in her throat. “Why?”
“Because back then, I followed the rules of the syndicates,” Aleandro said, his eyes darkening with an ancient regret. “I told him I didn't interfere in New York affairs. Two years later, Julian was murdered, and you disappeared into the wind. I let a man die who was trying to save his family, Sophia. I won't make that mistake twice.”
Sophia stood frozen, tears welling in her eyes as the crushing weight of her husband’s secret past finally made sense. Julian hadn't just been a thief; he had been a desperate father trying to build a firebreak between his family and a criminal empire.
In the adjacent bedroom, the door was slightly ajar. Bruno was stretched out on a massive velvet rug at the foot of a king-sized bed. Emma was fast asleep on top of the covers, one hand wrapped tightly around her teddy bear, the other draped over Bruno’s tail.
“He trusts her,” Sophia whispered, looking toward the bedroom. “Bruno... he was so wild when we arrived. Everyone said he was a monster.”
“He wasn't a monster,” Aleandro said, watching the dog. “He was wounded. Three years ago, during the warehouse fire, I lost my younger brother, Leo. Bruno was Leo’s dog first. When Leo died, Bruno stayed by his body in the flames until I dragged him out. He’s been grieving ever since... refusing to let anyone close.”
Aleandro looked down at Sophia, his dark eyes softening by a fraction of an inch. “Until your daughter walked into the rain yesterday and wiped his coat dry. She didn't see a dangerous weapon. She saw something that was cold and needed help.”
Sophia wiped a tear from her cheek, looking up into the face of the most feared man in the Midwest. Beneath his cold, brutal exterior lay a man carrying his own heavy armor of grief and guilt.
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“We can’t hide in this room forever,” Sophia said softly.
“We aren't going to hide,” Aleandro replied, setting his glass down with a firm thud. “Tomorrow, I’m calling a summit of the Five Families in Atlantic City. We are going to end this war before it starts.”
