Chapter 8 - The Maid's Promotion|
Rosa smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Only if you cut the pie first, bambino. I brought it for you, not for decorative display."
Luca laughed—a genuine, light sound that none of his guards had heard in years. He sat down right beside her, completely ignoring the whispering business partners scattered around the room.
Then, Luca turned his attention to me.
I was still standing there in my plain gray housekeeping apron, holding my empty serving tray against my chest, my heart pounding against my ribs like a trapped bird. I realized I had just defied the most powerful syndicate family in Chicago. Tomorrow, I’d likely be looking for a new job—or hiding in another state.
"Emma," Luca said, his deep voice cutting through my panic.
"Yes, Mr. Moretti?" I stammered, gripping the tray tighter so he wouldn't see my hands trembling.
He looked at the torn scraps of the check on the floor, then at the pie, and finally into my eyes.
"My mother’s letter said Rosa would know a person’s heart by how they treat someone who can offer them nothing," Luca said softly. "You knew who Vanessa was. You knew she could get you fired instantly. Why did you bring Rosa in here anyway?"
I swallowed hard, thinking of my father sitting at home in his worn armchair, struggling through physical therapy, teaching me growing up that doing what's right never comes with a discount.
"Because she brought you a pie," I answered quietly. "And because nobody deserves to be hidden away in the kitchen just for loving someone."
Luca stared at me for a long, silent moment. Then, a slow, genuine smile broke across his face.
He motioned toward his lead captain, Marco, who was standing near the entrance. Marco walked over instantly.
"Mr. Moretti?" Marco asked.
"Starting tomorrow, Emma is off housekeeping duty," Luca instructed, his voice echoing clearly across the room. "She is managing the estate's personal staff and household operations. Double her salary, and make sure her father’s medical bills are paid in full by the end of the week."
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My breath caught in my throat. "Mr. Moretti, I... I can’t possibly accept that—"
"You can, and you will," Rosa interrupted smoothly, reaching out to squeeze my hand with a grip that was surprisingly firm for an elderly woman. She looked up at Luca with a proud nod. "She stays, Luca. She’s the only person in this house with enough spine to stand up to a Bellini."
