Chapter 23
The following morning, the brilliant Italian sun broke through the remaining clouds, bathing the vineyards in a warm, golden light. It felt entirely like a new beginning.
Julian and Elena sat at a small iron table on the grand terrace, enjoying a quiet breakfast. Isabella sat in her high chair between them, gleefully smashing a fresh strawberry into her chubby cheeks, making a glorious, sticky mess.
Julian laughed, a genuine, deep sound that had been entirely absent during the dark days in New York. He grabbed a cloth napkin and gently wiped his daughter’s face.
"She is definitely going to have your stubborn streak," Julian joked, kissing Isabella’s forehead.
"And your complete disregard for the rules," Elena shot back with a teasing grin, sipping her espresso.
Marcus walked out onto the terrace, holding a secure encrypted folder. He looked far more relaxed than he had in weeks.
"Good morning, Mr. Rossi, Mrs. Rossi," Marcus said respectfully, handing the folder to Julian. "The final reports from the New York office. Lorenzo Costa’s assets have been completely liquidated by the federal government. His remaining lieutenants have fled the continent. The threat is entirely eradicated."
"And the mole?" Elena asked, leaning forward.
"Maria is facing twenty years in an Italian federal prison for corporate espionage and conspiracy to commit kidnapping," Marcus confirmed. "The network that placed her here has been dismantled. I have completely overhauled the vetting process for all domestic staff globally."
"Thank you, Marcus," Julian said, tossing the folder onto the table without even opening it. "Take the rest of the week off. Go enjoy Florence."
Marcus nodded gratefully and retreated back inside the villa.
Julian looked across the table at his wife. The shadows of Victor, Camila, and Lorenzo were finally, truly gone. They had tested the foundation of their family, and the foundation had proven to be absolutely unbreakable.
"So," Julian said, a playful glint in his dark eyes. "Now that we aren't fighting off hostile takeovers and mercenaries..."
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"What did you have in mind, Mr. Rossi?" Elena asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I was thinking it’s time we finally took a proper honeymoon."
