Chapter 9 - Protecting Both Innocents
Over the next forty-eight hours, the city of Chicago experienced a quiet seismic shift.
With the evidence provided by Roman's network and Elena's meticulous medical logs regarding Dr. Sloan's illicit activities, federal agents raided Julian Moretti's headquarters. The rival syndicate was shattered in a single day, its leaders arrested for extortion, conspiracy, and kidnapping.
The public story was simple: a corrupt chief of medicine had been running an illegal baby-swapping ring, caught red-handed by hospital staff and anonymous informants. Roman Bolaro's name was kept entirely off the news reports, preserving his family's privacy and safety.
At St. Andrews Hospital, the atmosphere had shifted completely. Sloan was gone, replaced by an interim chief who owed his position to Roman's charitable foundation.
In a private, sunlight-filled suite on the top floor, Roman sat on a leather sofa, holding his son Nico in his arms. The boy had gained four ounces in two days, his skin blooming with healthy pink color under proper care.
Elena walked into the room carrying a clipboard. She looked exhausted, but her eyes held a brightness that hadn't been there when this nightmare began.
"Vitals are perfect," Elena said with a soft smile, coming over to inspect Nico. "He's taking his full feeds now. He'll be ready to go home by the end of the week."
Roman looked up at her, his expression filled with a deep, quiet gratitude that words could barely capture.
"And the other boy?" Roman asked gently.
Elena's smile faded slightly. "Social services is processing him. Since he has no family on record, he'll be placed into the foster system as soon as he's discharged from the NICU."
Roman looked down at his son, then back up at Elena. "No system. A boy who saved my son's life—even unknowingly—will never be left to chance."
Elena blinked in surprise. "What are you saying, Roman?"
"I've already instructed my attorneys," Roman said firmly. "I am adopting him. He will be raised as Nico's brother. He will have my name, my protection, and everything he will ever need."
Elena stared at him, her chest swelling with emotion. The ruthless criminal the city feared had shown a depth of nobility and compassion few ever saw.
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"He'll need a name then," Elena said softly, her voice catching.
Roman looked at her, his dark eyes locking onto hers with warmth. "I was hoping you would help me choose it."
