Chapter 18 - THE NEW RULE
Matteo changed the estate overnight.
Every employee received medical insurance.
Private rooms were renovated.
Security cameras were installed throughout the property.
Emergency contacts were posted in every staff area.
But the most important change was simpler.
Anyone could speak directly to Matteo.
No retaliation.
No punishment.
No exceptions.
Sophia became the household supervisor, and she insisted on maintaining the staff kitchen exactly as before.
“I don't want people afraid of this house,” she told him.
Matteo nodded.
Neither did he.
One afternoon, Emma sat beside him while he reviewed documents.
“Why are you working?”
“Because someone has to.”
“Why?”
“Because that's what adults do.”
She considered this.
Then she pushed a crayon toward him.
“Draw.”
Matteo stared at the crayon.
He had negotiated million-dollar contracts without blinking.
Yet a three-year-old had somehow convinced him to stop working.
He drew a crooked house.
Emma added three stick figures.
“Mama.”
She pointed to another.
“Me.”
Then she pointed to Matteo.
“You too.”
May you like
He looked at the picture.
For once, the house felt like a home.
