Chapter 17 - Rebuilding
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A month passed. The winter snows melted, giving way to an early New York spring.
Dominic moved Sophia and Lily into a high-security penthouse in Manhattan. It was beautiful, filled with light, and safe. For the first time in her life, Lily had her own pink bedroom, toys that didn't come from thrift stores, and a father who doted on her every move.
But the transition wasn't completely smooth. Sophia was still adjusting to the immense wealth and the ever-present security detail.
One evening, Dominic found her standing on the balcony, looking out over the glittering city skyline. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.
“You look tense,” he murmured, kissing her neck.
“I’m just... overwhelmed,” Sophia admitted, leaning back into his solid chest. “A month ago, I was scrubbing floors and terrified of how I was going to pay for Lily’s winter coat. Now, I have a driver and a black card.”
Dominic turned her around in his arms. “You deserve the world, Sophia. I am just trying to give you the pieces I can buy.”
She smiled softly, reaching up to trace the strong line of his jaw. “I don't need the world, Dominic. I just need you. But the syndicate... the business... can we really live this double life?”
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Dominic sighed, looking into her eyes. “I am restructuring. Moving our assets into legitimate real estate and shipping. It will take time, but I am pulling the Moretti family out of the dark. For you. For Lily.”
Sophia’s heart swelled. He was changing an empire just to keep them in the light.
