Chapter 28
The honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast eventually came to an end, but the absolute peace they had found there followed them back to the sprawling estate in Tuscany.
The seasons slowly changed. The scorching heat of the Italian summer faded into a crisp, beautiful autumn. The vineyards surrounding the estate turned vibrant shades of crimson and gold, and the air was filled with the rich, earthy scent of the annual grape harvest.
Julian Rossi, the terrifying corporate titan who had once ruthlessly crushed his rivals in the boardrooms of New York, could now be found spending his afternoons walking through the endless rows of grapevines. He wore worn denim jeans and a simple cotton shirt, holding Isabella securely on his shoulders as she pointed excitedly at the workers picking the ripe fruit.
Elena watched them from the grand terrace, wrapping a thick, woolen shawl around her shoulders against the cool autumn breeze. She held a steaming mug of apple cider, her heart swelling with an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
They had officially decided to make the Tuscan estate their permanent, primary residence. Julian still ran his massive global empire, but he did it strictly on his own terms. He held aggressive video conferences in the mornings from his study, but by three o'clock in the afternoon, the laptop was firmly closed, and he was entirely devoted to his family.
He refused to let the shadows of his corporate life bleed into the light of his home.
Marcus and the security team were still present, remaining a silent, invisible shield around the property, but they were instructed to remain completely out of sight. Julian wanted Isabella to grow up feeling free, not like a prisoner in a gilded cage.
As Julian walked back up the hill toward the terrace, Isabella bouncing happily on his shoulders, Elena walked down the marble steps to meet them.
May you like
"Did you secure the harvest, Mr. Rossi?" Elena teased, handing him a freshly picked apple from a basket on the table.
"We are going to have a fantastic vintage this year," Julian smiled, lifting Isabella off his shoulders and settling her onto his hip. He leaned in and kissed Elena deeply. "But I have entirely better things to do than worry about wine."
