Chapter 4 - A Mother’s Fear
Back at the Marcelli estate, Elena was trying to clean the library shelves, but her mind was spinning in chaos. Ever since Vincent had confronted her that morning, she felt like she was standing on the edge of a cliff.
She knew who Vincent Marcelli really was. Everyone in Chicago did, even if it was never spoken aloud. He wasn't just a wealthy businessman; he was the apex predator of the city's underbelly. And now he knew her secret. He knew about Leo.
Why would a man like him care? she thought frantically, wiping a wet cloth over a leather-bound book. Men like Vincent Marcelli don't do favors out of kindness. Everything has a price.
Suddenly, her cell phone buzzed violently on the table beside her. She dropped her rag and snatched up the phone, her heart hammering against her ribs.
"Hello?"
"Mrs. Vulkoff?" It was the chief administrator from Northwestern Memorial.
Elena braced herself for the worst. "Yes! Is Leo okay? Has something happened?"
"Mrs. Vulkoff, please calm down. I'm calling with wonderful news," the administrator said, her voice filled with an unusually warm tone. "We have received full financial clearance for Leo's procedure. The entire cost of the transplant, post-op care, and private recovery room has been covered in full. Dr. Vance has scheduled the surgery for tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m."
Elena felt the room spin. She grabbed the edge of the mahogany desk to keep from collapsing. "What? C-covered? By who? There must be a mistake..."
"No mistake, ma'am. The donor organ is being prepared as we speak. We need you to bring Leo to the hospital by 5:00 p.m. today for pre-op processing."
Elena hung up the phone, her mind completely numb. She stood in the quiet library, tears streaming freely down her face.
Vincent.
She threw her cleaning rag into the bucket and ran out of the room, her heart pounding in her chest. She searched the massive halls, heading toward his study, but found Marcus standing guard outside the heavy oak doors.
"Where is he?" Elena demanded, her voice cracking with high-pitched emotion. "Where is Mr. Marcelli?"
"The boss had business in South Chicago, Mrs. Vulkoff," Marcus replied stoically, though his eyes softened slightly when he saw her tear-streaked face. "He won't be back until late."
"Did he do this?" Elena asked, grabbing Marcus's forearm. "Did he pay for Leo's surgery?"
"Mr. Marcelli takes care of the people under his roof," Marcus said simply. "You should get home, Elena. You have a boy to pack for."
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Elena stood there, overwhelmed by a dizzying mixture of profound gratitude and terrifying dread. She knew what kind of place "South Chicago" was. She knew who lived there.
Vincent had gone to face Sal Moretti.
