Chapter 6 - Under the Yellow Sun
SIX MONTHS LATER
The bright May sun shone over the Hudson Valley, bathing the green lawns and sparkling waters of the lake in brilliant, golden warmth.
The iron gates of the Moretti estate stood wide open.
The high security walls were still there, but the armed men in dark suits had been replaced by blooming white hydrangeas, rose bushes, and gravel walking paths lined with fresh flowers.
The old Moretti Syndicate was officially no more.
Over the past six months, using the evidence from Marco's laptop and working quietly with federal authorities through David Vance, I had dismantled the illegal arm of my empire, turning over state evidence against Blackwood Capital and rival crime syndicates while transitioning Moretti Logistics into a fully legitimate, transparent international shipping enterprise.
Marco Rossi had been sentenced to twenty-five years in a federal penitentiary.
And the black micro-ledger? It sat in a velvet-lined glass display case inside my private study—not as a secret tool of blackmail, but framed as a priceless piece of modern art, preserved forever with Mia's crayon drawings on every page.
Near the old sycamore tree by the lake, a grand white marquee tent was set up on the grass.
Gentle classical acoustic guitar music drifted across the water.
Dozens of guests—legitimate business partners, local community leaders, estate staff, and children from the local orphanage that my new ten-million-dollar charitable foundation supported—were laughing and drinking champagne under the warm spring sky.
Standing near the water's edge, wearing a sharp light-grey linen suit, was Gabriel Moretti.
I held a glass of sparkling water, watching the sunlight bounce off the ripples in the lake.
"You're standing by the water again, Gabriel."
I turned to see Grace walking toward me across the green grass.
She looked breathtakingly radiant. She wore a simple, elegant ivory silk dress that hugged her slender figure, her dark hair styled in soft waves over her shoulders. On her left ring finger, a brilliant emerald-cut diamond ring caught the sunlight.
We had been married three weeks ago in a private ceremony in Italy.
"I was just remembering the first time I saw Mia sitting right here," I said, putting my arm around Grace's waist and pulling her close against my side. "She had a slipping sock and blue crayon on her fingers."
Grace rested her head against my shoulder, a contented, beautiful smile gracing her lips. "She knew who you were before you did, Gabriel. She knew you had a big heart under that cold vest."
"Hey! Mom! Dad! Look what I found!"
A loud, joyful squeal echoed across the lawn.
Five-year-old Mia came running toward us across the grass, wearing a yellow sundress and red sneakers. In her hand, she held a large, brightly colored turtle she had found near the stone edge of the lake.
"Mia! Don't bring the turtle near the food table!" Grace called out, laughing as she shook her head.
Mia ran right up to me, dropping the turtle safely onto the grass before throwing her arms around my legs and looking up at me with big, dark, sparkling eyes.
"Dad! Look! The turtle has flowers on its shell!" Mia cheered, pointing at the green patterns on the turtle's back.
I dropped down onto one knee, completely ignoring the wet grass soaking into my expensive linen trousers. I lifted Mia smoothly into my arms, pulling her tight against my chest, and kissed her cheek.
"It does have flowers, sweetheart," I said, smiling warmly into her bright face. "Just like your drawing."
Mia wrapped her small arms around my neck, resting her head on my shoulder as she looked out across the lake.
"I like it here, Dad," Mia murmured happily. "Nobody is quiet anymore. Everyone is laughing."
I looked at Grace, who reached out and took my hand, her fingers intertwining with mine under the bright blue sky.
"Me too, Mia," I whispered, looking up at the bright yellow sun shining high above us. "Me too."
May you like
For thirty-nine years, I had ruled an empire of fear in the dark shadows of the world. But standing by the water with my wife and daughter, surrounded by love, laughter, and endless light, I realized I had finally found my true home.
Under the yellow sun.
