Chapter 7 - Ghosts of the Past
In the weeks following the failed coup, Lorenzo systematically dismantled every faction that had backed his uncle and the Moretti family. The underworld of New York was scrubbed clean with ruthless efficiency.
Meanwhile, at the estate, Hunter was no longer treated as staff. Lorenzo moved her into the master suite beside his own, showering her with silk, jewelry, and dedicated security. Yet, despite her elevated status, Hunter grew distant, plagued by a growing dread.
One evening, while Lorenzo was going through reports in his study, Marco entered with a tense expression.
"Boss," Marco said quietly. "We have a problem regarding Hunter's background check. The Pennsylvania records... someone is looking for her."
Lorenzo’s dark eyes narrowed. "Who?"
"A man named Marcus Vance. Her ex-husband." Marco placed a fresh file on the desk. "He's not a civilian, Lorenzo. He's an enforcer for the Philadelphia mob. Three months ago, Hunter escaped from him. The stillbirth she suffered... it wasn't natural. Marcus beat her until she lost the child."
Lorenzo’s blood ran cold. The ink-black rage that filled his soul was darker than anything he had felt toward his rival mafia bosses.
"She ran away to New York under a fake name to hide from him," Marco continued. "And now, Marcus has traced her to Long Island. He thinks she's just a maid working in your house. He's outside the perimeter right now, trying to buy information from one of our low-level guards."
Before Lorenzo could respond, the study door creaked open. Hunter stood there, having overheard everything. She was shaking violently, tears brimming in her eyes.
"Lorenzo... please," she whispered, her voice cracking. "I didn't mean to bring trouble to your house. I ran because he would have killed me. I was so scared..."
Lorenzo stood up from his desk and walked across the room with slow, deliberate steps. He stopped in front of her, taking her small, shaking hands into his large, warm ones.
"Look at me, Hunter," Lorenzo commanded softly.
She looked up into his dark, fierce eyes.
"You brought life into this house," Lorenzo said, his voice laced with absolute conviction. "You saved my son. You gave me a reason to live again. No one—no one—will ever lay a finger on you again."
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"He's dangerous, Lorenzo," she sobbed.
"He is a worm," Lorenzo corrected coldly. "And he just crawled into my domain."
