Chapter 7 - Gathering Storm
The Corsetti family was the only criminal syndicate ruthless enough to openly challenge the Moretti empire. For decades, a fragile peace treaty had kept blood off the streets of Chicago and New York. But Vanessa Bellini’s thirst for vengeance had shattered that fragile glass.
That evening, Luca called a war council in his private study. Emily sat quietly on the sofa near the window, reviewing Sofia’s school enrollment forms, while Marco and three senior capos stood around Luca’s massive mahogany desk.
“Corsetti has mobilized two hundred men along the northern harbor,” Marco reported grimly, pointing at a satellite map. “Vanessa gave them our confidential supply routes—the ones only my father and Bellini knew. They want to corner your shipping fleet, Don Luca. They’re demanding you step down and hand over Sofia’s trusteeship to a joint syndicate board.”
Luca lit a cigar, the blue smoke swirling toward the high ceiling. “They want a war? I’ll give them an annihilation.”
“There’s more,” Marco added hesitatingly. “The society gala is this Saturday. The Governor’s Charity Ball. You’ve been the primary benefactor for ten years. If you don't attend, rumors of your weakness will spread like wildfire through Wall Street and the families.”
“I will attend,” Luca said without hesitation. “And Sofia will walk into that ballroom on her own two feet. Let every traitor in this city see that the Moretti family is unbreakable.”
He dismissed his men. As the heavy doors shut behind them, Luca walked over to the sofa and knelt before Emily.
“I need to ask you something, Emily,” he said, looking up into her eyes with total vulnerability. “Something that has nothing to do with contracts or protection.”
Emily’s heart hammered against her chest. “Anything, Luca.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet box. When he snapped it open, an exquisite emerald necklace sparkled against the black satin—the heirloom of the Moretti matriarchs.
“Accompany me to the gala as my equal,” Luca said, his voice deep and steady. “Not as a guardian, and not as a guest. Walk beside me as the woman who holds my heart.”
Emily’s breath hitched. “Luca... your world is dangerous. I’m just an ordinary girl. Society will eat me alive.”
May you like
Luca gently cupped her cheek, his thumb tracing her cheekbone. “You stood up to Vanessa Bellini. You saved my daughter’s life from poison. You are braver than any mafia princess this city has ever produced. Say yes, Emily. Let me show the world who belongs by my side.”
Tears of joy brimmed in Emily’s eyes. “Yes, Luca. Yes.”
