Chapter 19 - The Storm at the Gate
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That evening, three black luxury sedans pulled up outside the heavy iron gates of the Caruso estate.
No shots were fired. No alarm sounded.
A single man stepped out of the middle vehicle—a silver-haired gentleman in a immaculate Italian wool suit, carrying a gold-topped cane.
Standing beside the gate, Marco raised his sidearm. “Halt! State your business!”
The old gentleman smiled smoothly, lowering his leather gloves. “Tell Nicholas Caruso that Don Vincente Moretti has arrived to see his granddaughter.”
Inside the study, Nicholas received the call from Marco.
Maria was standing nearby, having overheard Marco’s voice over the radio. Her face was deathly pale.
“Nicholas...” Maria whispered, her hands shaking uncontrollably. “My husband... before he died... he told me a secret he swore never to speak aloud. He said Lucy wasn't his... he said he rescued her from a hospital in Rome...”
Nicholas walked over, pulling Maria into a tight embrace. “Why didn't you tell me?”
“I was terrified!” Maria sobbed into his chest. “I thought if anyone knew she was a Moretti, they would kill her! I thought you would throw us out!”
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“I will never throw you out,” Nicholas vowed, his voice filled with fierce protection. “Stay here with Lucy. I’m going to meet Don Vincente.”
Nicholas strapped his gun holster on, straightened his tie, and walked down the grand staircase toward the foyer—the very place where six months ago a tiny girl had grabbed his leg and changed his life forever.
