Chapter 10 - The Hidden Ledger
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“I found this in her belongings,” Marin admitted, pulling the folded paper from her apron pocket. She handed it to him. “It’s a schedule. She was planning to put Isabella in a hospice.”
Dominic took the paper. He didn't unfold it immediately. His jaw tightened, a muscle feathering near the scar on his cheek. He had suspected Vivien’s ambition, but the clinical reality of her betrayal hit him hard.
“She thought she could isolate me,” Dominic murmured, staring at the paper. “She thought my mother was a liability.”
“Your mother is your anchor,” Marin said softly.
Dominic looked up at her, surprised by her insight. Most people thought his mother was a burden. Marin saw her as the only thing keeping him tethered to his humanity.
“Come,” Dominic ordered gently, pocketing the paper. “Let’s go see your son.”
The massive, industrial kitchen of the Virelli mansion was usually a place of strict order. Tonight, it was a chaotic sanctuary.
Eli sat at the stainless steel island, swinging his legs, a massive bowl of chocolate ice cream in front of him. His blue backpack sat on the floor beside him, the red inhaler clearly visible in the side pocket. Carlo, a man who had ended lives with his bare hands, stood awkwardly nearby, holding a napkin.
“Mom!” Eli shouted, dropping his spoon and sliding off the stool.
Marin dropped to her knees, catching him in a fierce, desperate embrace. She buried her face in his neck, inhaling the scent of his shampoo and schoolyard dirt. He was safe. He was here.
Dominic watched them from the doorway. He had never seen someone love so fiercely, so openly. It was a terrifying, beautiful vulnerability.
“Who is the tall guy?” Eli asked, pulling back and pointing at Dominic. “Is he a spy?”
Marin flushed, wiping her tears. “Eli, be polite. That’s Mr. Virelli. He owns the house.”
Eli squinted at Dominic. “You don't look like a spy. You look like a hitman from the movies.”
Carlo choked on a cough. Marin froze in absolute horror.
Dominic did not get angry. For the first time in years, a genuine, albeit faint, smile touched his lips.
“I am a businessman, Eli,” Dominic said, stepping forward. “And right now, my business is making sure you and your mother have a safe place to sleep tonight.”
“We’re staying here?” Eli asked, his eyes going wide. “In the castle where nobody laughs?”
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“Eli!” Marin scolded softly.
“It’s alright, Marin,” Dominic said, his eyes crinkling slightly. He looked down at the boy. “We’re staying here. And perhaps, we can work on the laughing.”
