Chapter 10 - THE MAIN ENTRANCE
A year later.
The spring breeze was blowing off the harbor, carrying the scent of salt and blooming cherry blossoms. The estate looked completely different in the daylight. The dark, brooding shadows of the past had been washed away by sunlight and open windows.
I stood in the grand foyer, adjusting my tie in the mirror. I didn't wear a shoulder holster anymore. I felt lighter.
Footsteps echoed on the grand staircase. I turned around and felt my breath catch in my throat.
Anna descended the stairs, wearing a simple, elegant white sundress. She looked radiant, beautiful, and completely at peace. She reached the bottom and smiled, wrapping her arms around my neck.
"You look handsome, Mr. Moretti," she teased, kissing me softly.
"You're not supposed to call me that anymore," I murmured, pulling her close. "We're going to be late for the garden party."
"We're waiting on the guest of honor."
As if on cue, the heavy oak double doors of the main entrance swung open.
Lily ran inside.
She wasn't limping. She wasn't dragging her foot. She was running, her sneakers squeaking against the polished Italian marble of the grand foyer. There was no white orthopedic brace. There was no metal hinge to catch on the stone.
And there was absolutely no staff threshold.
When the contractors had rebuilt the house, I made sure they tore out every single service door and elevated threshold on the property. Everything was smooth, seamless, and open. The staff used the front door. Everyone used the front door.
Lily sprinted across the foyer, her stuffed rabbit clutched tightly in one hand, and launched herself at me. I caught her seamlessly, spinning her around in the air as she giggled wildly.
"Victor! Look how fast I am!" she cheered.
"I saw you, little bird," I laughed, setting her down gently on the pristine, scratch-free marble floor. "You're faster than Silas."
"Nobody is faster than me!" she declared proudly.
She turned and sprinted toward the kitchen to find the chef, her footsteps light and completely free.
I watched her go, my heart full in a way I never thought possible. I had spent my entire life building an empire built on fear, blood, and intimidation. I had guarded it fiercely, punishing anyone who dared to cross my threshold.
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But looking at Anna smiling beside me, and hearing Lily's laughter echo through the halls of my home, I realized the absolute truth.
The greatest power I ever wielded wasn't the ability to destroy lives. It was the ability to fix a broken doorway, so a little girl could finally walk through it without saying she was sorry.
