Chapter 9 - The Legacy Reclaimed
Six months later.
Spring had arrived in Chicago, covering the Moretti estate in vibrant green lawns, blooming cherry blossoms, and warm afternoon sunshine.
The heavy steel gates at the front of the property were open wide. There were no longer armed men in tactical gear patrolling the perimeter walls; instead, professional private security personnel in discreet suits greeted guests as high-end automobiles glided down the brick driveway.
Today was a day of celebration.
The Moretti Foundation—a newly established charitable trust dedicated to supporting victims of organized crime and providing veterinary rehabilitation services across Illinois—was holding its inaugural launch event on the estate grounds.
Over two hundred guests gathered on the manicured lawn, sipping iced tea and listening to a brass quartet playing near the fountain.
Emma stood on the elevated stone terrace, dressed in a stunning pale yellow sundress, her dark hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders. Beside her stood Roman, looking handsome and relaxed in a tailored navy blazer, his arm wrapped securely around her waist.
And at their feet, wearing a bright red silk handkerchief around his neck instead of a tactical harness, lay Brutus. The massive dog was soaking up the warm sunshine, happily receiving belly rubs from two young children who had accompanied one of the foundation's guest speakers.
"Look at him," Emma laughed softly, pointing at the dog. "The most feared Cane Corso in Chicago is being turned into a oversized lapdog."
Roman smiled, looking down at the dog, then over at the woman beside him. "He knows he doesn't have to fight anymore. None of us do."
Leo walked up the steps, carrying a sleek leather folder. "Boss... excuse me, Roman."
"What is it, Leo?" Roman asked pleasant.
"The federal court just issued the final decree," Leo announced, a broad smile spreading across his face. "The remaining indictments against your shipping logistics company have been completely dismissed. The Moretti Group is 100% clean and fully certified for international commerce."
Roman nodded slowly, a profound sense of relief settling over his shoulders. "Thank you, Leo. Good work."
As Leo walked away to join the guests, Roman turned Emma toward him, taking both of her hands in his.
"You gave my family name a second chance, Emma," Roman said, his voice filled with deep gratitude. "My father built this empire with blood. I maintained it with fear. But today, because of you, it stands on honor."
"You did the hard work, Roman," Emma said, reaching up to adjust the lapel of his jacket. "You were brave enough to choose a different path."
Roman smiled, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small velvet box.
Emma’s breath hitched in her throat.
Roman slowly sank down onto one knee on the sunny terrace stone. The crowd below fell quiet as guests began to turn toward the terrace, watching in breathless anticipation.
"Emma Hayes," Roman said, opening the box to reveal a breathtaking five-carat emerald-cut diamond ring that caught the spring sunlight in a brilliant rainbow of color. "You saved my dog, you saved my life, and you showed me what it truly means to love someone. Will you marry me?"
Tears spilled over Emma's lashes as a radiant, beautiful smile broke across her face.
"Yes!" she cried out, her voice carrying across the lawn. "Yes, Roman! Absolutely yes!"
May you like
The crowd erupted into loud cheers and applause as Roman stood up, slid the ring onto her finger, and pulled her into a passionate, lifting kiss.
Below them, Brutus let out a loud, happy WOOF!, bounding up onto his hind legs to join the celebration, his heavy tail wagging back and forth like a pendulum of pure joy.
