Chapter 22 - THE NEW DAWN
Three months later, winter had blanketed Chicago in a pristine layer of white snow. The scars of the brief, violent war had faded, replaced by a profound, unbreakable peace. The Vane estate—now truly the Moretti estate—was warm and filled with light.
Evelyn sat by the massive stone fireplace in the library, a cup of hot tea resting on her pregnant belly. The horrors of the meatpacking plant were a distant memory, healed by Lorenzo’s unwavering devotion and her own indomitable spirit.
Dante walked in, carrying a stack of pristine, legitimate financial reports. "All clear, Evelyn. The real estate acquisitions are finalized. We are 100% legal on all fronts. Not a single dirty dime in the mix."
"Thank you, Dante," Evelyn smiled, taking the reports. "You're going to make a great uncle, you know."
Dante grinned, a soft expression that rarely crossed his hardened face. "I’m already practicing. I bought the kid a customized leather jacket. Boss's orders."
Lorenzo entered the room, his presence immediately commanding the space, though his eyes softened the moment they landed on his wife. He dismissed Dante with a nod and knelt by Evelyn’s chair, resting his large, scarred hand gently over her stomach.
"How is the heir to the throne today?" Lorenzo asked softly.
May you like
"Kicking," Evelyn laughed. "I think he takes after his father. Impatient and demanding."
"Or she takes after her mother. Brilliant and terrifying," Lorenzo countered, kissing her forehead.
