Chapter 8 - The Convergence at Oakridge
By 4:00 a.m., the armored convoy had returned safely to the limestone fortress of Oakridge.
The estate was a hive of quiet, relentless activity. The security breaches had been permanently sealed, Moretti’s sleeper cells across the city were being systematically dismantled by Matteo’s loyal captains, and the medical wing had been transformed into a secure sanctuary.
In the spacious nursery on the third floor, a miracle was taking place.
Nico Varric and little Leo Graves—now officially recognized by Matteo’s legal team and DNA verification as the rightful heirs and children—were sleeping side by side in a large custom crib.
Liana sat in a plush armchair between them, gently stroking Leo’s hair while keeping a watchful, tender eye on Nico.
The heavy oak door opened softly, and Matteo walked in. He had removed his suit jacket, his white shirt sleeves rolled up to his forearms, looking exhausted but entirely at peace. He carried two cups of steaming coffee, setting one down on the side table before pulling up a chair beside Liana.
“How are they?” Matteo asked softly, his deep voice carrying a warmth that felt entirely foreign to the feared mafia boss.
“Sleeping like angels,” Liana smiled, turning her tired, luminous eyes toward him. “For the first time in twenty-two days, the house is actually quiet.”
Matteo let out a long, slow breath, leaning back in his chair. “Moretti’s network in Chicago is completely neutralized. His accounts have been frozen, and his lieutenants are currently fleeing back to New York. They will never touch your family—or mine—ever again.”
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Liana reached out, placing her hand over his. “You did it. You destroyed an empire just to fix a stolen cradle.”
“I didn't destroy an empire, Liana,” Matteo corrected gently, turning his hand over to interlace his fingers securely with hers. “I finally built a home.”
