Chapter 8 - The Extermination of Moretti
The storm passed by dawn.
The morning light washed over Manchester-by-the-Sea in warm gold, reflecting off the calm blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Inside the Vale estate, the glass had been swept away, the broken window repaired, and the traitor Miller removed forever. But the house didn't feel cold anymore.
Downstairs in the sunlit kitchen, Lily sat on a tall barstool, wearing a yellow sweater, happily eating pancakes topped with fresh strawberries. Clara sat beside her, teaching her how to fold a paper napkin into a swan.
In the private study down the hall, Adrian stood behind his desk, looking out at the ocean.
Thomas Gray stood across from him, holding a thick black folder.
"Julian Moretti was arrested two hours ago at a private airfield in Bedford," Gray reported. "Your media team released the audio recording of his extortion call to Clara Vance, along with the security footage from inside the house. His own syndicate board has turned against him to avoid federal RICO indictments. He will spend the rest of his natural life in a maximum-security prison."
Adrian didn't turn around. "And the rest of his family business?"
"Liquidated," Gray replied with a cold smile. "Vale Harbor Development acquired ninety percent of Moretti’s shipping assets at auction this morning for pennies on the dollar. The harbor is officially yours, boss. The city is clean."
Adrian nodded slowly. "Good. Thank you, Gray. You're dismissed."
Gray bowed his head and walked toward the door. He paused on the threshold, looking back at Adrian. "If I may say so, sir... the cameras in the house. Should I order the technical crew to recalibrate the third-floor feeds?"
Adrian turned around, looking at the wall monitors sitting on his desk. The screens showed Lily laughing in the kitchen, wiping syrup off her chin, while Clara gently dabbed her face with a towel.
"Remove them," Adrian said softly.
May you like
Gray blinked in surprise. "Sir?"
"Take down every camera in the residential wings," Adrian commanded, a genuine, warm smile touching his lips for the first time in years. "My house doesn't need surveillance anymore. It has a heart."
