Chapter 13 - The Awakening of Truth
Morning sunlight finally pierced through the heavy grey snowclouds over Chicago, casting a brilliant, blinding white glare across the Moretti estate grounds.
Inside the grand dining hall, the shattered wine glasses and scorched tablecloths had been cleared away.
The room smelled faintly of lemon polish and fresh pine.
Hannah Walsh sat comfortably in a velvet armchair near the tall bay windows, sipping a cup of hot chamomile tea.
Dr. Harris stood beside her, checking her chart with a pleased expression.
"Your vitals are completely normal, Hannah," the doctor said with a reassuring smile.
"The stress from yesterday is completely gone, and the baby is responding wonderfully."
"Thank you, Doctor," Hannah whispered, her hand resting softly against her rounded stomach.
"I feel like I'm waking up from a nightmare."
Across the room, the double doors opened, and Lauren Mitchell walked in.
She was moving much better today, her left leg supported by a lightweight elastic brace hidden beneath a clean, dark skirt.
"Hannah," Lauren smiled brightly, walking over with a tray of fresh pastries.
"How are you holding up?"
"I'm safe, Lauren," Hannah replied, her eyes welling with tears of profound relief.
"And Mr. Moretti's legal team just informed me that all contracts with Vanessa and the adoption agency have been permanently annulled by a federal judge."
"No one can ever take my baby away from me."
"I knew Mr. Moretti wouldn't let them win," Lauren said softly, pulling up a chair beside her.
Just then, the study door opened, and Luca walked into the room.
He had changed into a dark charcoal turtleneck and tailored trousers, his dark hair falling slightly across his forehead.
The oppressive, terrifying aura of the mafia boss seemed to soften the moment he looked at the two young women sitting by the window.
"Good morning, ladies," Luca greeted them, his voice rich and steady.
"Mr. Moretti," Hannah started to stand, but Luca waved a hand, motioning for her to stay seated.
"Rest, Hannah."
"I received a dispatch from downtown a few minutes ago."
"Alberto and Vanessa Bellini were arrested at O'Hare International Airport attempting to board a private flight to Zurich."
"Their assets have been frozen, and Alberto's corporate charter has been permanently revoked by the city council."
A profound hush fell over the room.
The Bellini dynasty—a family that had ruled Chicago's south side docks for forty years—had vanished overnight, dissolved into nothingness by their own greed.
"What will happen to Vanessa?" Lauren asked quietly.
"She will face trial for extortion, assault, and corporate conspiracy," Luca replied, his expression turning stone cold.
"She will never set foot in polite society again."
He turned his dark gaze toward Lauren.
"And as for you, Lauren."
Lauren's heart skipped a beat.
"Yes, Mr. Moretti?"
"Your mother's medical endowment has been fully transferred to Saint Jude's permanent foundation."
"Furthermore, I've established a full academic scholarship in your name at the University of Chicago, should you wish to finish your degree in business administration."
Lauren stared at him, utterly speechless.
"I... I don't know what to say, sir."
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"You don't have to say anything," Luca answered, taking a slow step closer to her chair.
"You earned every single word of it."
