Chapter 10 - The Master’s Breakfast
One year later.
The morning sun flooded through the tall floor-to-ceiling glass windows of the grand dining room at the Moretti estate. Outside, the gardens were blooming with vibrant red roses and white orchids.
In the center of the room sat a massive dark walnut table.
At the head of the table sat Don Adrian Moretti. He wore a comfortable dark grey sweater, reading a morning newspaper, completely at peace.
Beside him sat Elena, wearing an elegant ivory dress, her hand resting warmly over Adrian’s on the table. Her finger sparkled with the yellow diamond ring.
Next to them sat four-year-old Mia, sitting proudly in her high chair, wearing a bright pink dress and holding a silver toddler spoon with both hands.
Standing near the sideboard, Vance was pouring fresh orange juice into crystal glasses. The head of security looked completely relaxed, a faint, rare smile on his scarred face.
Mia scooped up a large bite of warm oatmeal from her bowl, tilted her head, and held the spoon out toward Adrian.
"Open your mouth," Mia commanded.
Elena giggled softly, shaking her head. "Mia, let your father eat his own breakfast."
"No," Mia insisted, pushing the spoon closer to Adrian’s nose. "He needs my help."
Adrian lowered his newspaper. He looked at his beautiful wife, then down at his adopted daughter—the brave, fiery little girl who had walked into his dark life and taught him how to live again.
With a soft, warm smile that lit up his entire face, Adrian Moretti opened his mouth.
Mia fed him the oatmeal.
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"Good boy," Mia said, nodding approvingly.
The entire dining room filled with bright, joyful laughter that echoed up to the high ceilings, floating through the halls of an estate that was no longer a fortress of fear, but a home filled with endless love, laughter, and light.
