Chapter 17 - The New Family
|
Six months later.
Life at the Caruso estate had settled into a sweet, peaceful rhythm.
The dark legacy of Hector Vance and Dominic Vane was gone, replaced by the warmth of a true family.
Nicholas had restructured his business, stepping back from the dangerous frontlines of the syndicate to focus on legitimate shipping lines and real estate—wishing to build a clean future for his daughter.
One warm summer afternoon, Nicholas sat on the back terrace, working on his laptop, while Maria tended to the lavender garden nearby.
Lucy was running through the automatic lawn sprinklers, squealing with delight, her yellow sundress soaked as she splashed in the cool water.
Arthur walked out onto the terrace, carrying a tray with fresh lemonade.
“A telegram arrived for you, sir,” Arthur said gently, placing a thick cream envelope beside Nicholas’s computer.
Nicholas picked it up. There was no return address—only an ornate wax seal stamped with an ancient crest he hadn't seen in over fifteen years.
His eyebrows knit together. He broke the seal and unfolded the heavy parchment.
The note was brief, written in elegant calligraphy:
“Dear Nicholas,
Congratulations on your marriage and your new daughter.
However, you should know that the silver locket did not belong to Dominic Vane.
It belonged to the House of Moretti.
And the true father of Lucy Santos was not the accountant you believed him to be.
May you like
We are coming to claim what is ours.”
Nicholas’s hands tightened around the paper, crushing the edges.
