Chapter 6 - The Interrogation
In the quiet warmth of the second-floor master suite, morning light filtered through the heavy lace curtains.
Sophia stood by the window, watching Emma play on the plush carpet with a box of new wooden toys that Aleandro had ordered from a boutique in Manhattan. The child’s cheeks had returned to a healthy pink, her laughter soft and musical as she stacked colored blocks into high towers.
A gentle knock sounded at the door.
Aleandro entered, carrying a white tray filled with warm croissants, fresh berries, and a pitcher of orange juice. He had changed into a clean navy suit, looking fresh, immaculate, and entirely composed, despite having spent the entire night in the underground bunker.
“Good morning, Sophia,” he said softly, setting the tray on the coffee table.
Emma looked up from her blocks, her face lighting up with a wide smile. “Mr. Moretti! Look! I built a castle!”
Aleandro dropped to one knee beside her, looking closely at the shaky wooden tower. “It’s a magnificent castle, Emma. Very strong.”
“Is my mommy still going to go away?” Emma asked quietly, her tiny brown eyes suddenly serious.
Aleandro reached out, gently tapping the tip of her small nose. “Never. Your mommy is staying right here. In fact, she has a new job starting today.”
Sophia stepped forward, her eyebrows knit in confusion. “A new job?”
Aleandro stood up, pulling a leather folder from his arm and handing it to her.
Inside was a legal contract drafted by the top estate lawyers in New York. It named Sophia Carter as the Executive Administrator of the David Carter Memorial Trust—a newly established foundation endowed with fifty million dollars from the Moretti estate.
“This trust will build and fund pediatric care centers across the state,” Aleandro explained, his grey eyes locked onto hers. “It will provide free medicine, EpiPens, and emergency care for single mothers who can’t afford insurance. You will be the head of the board, with a permanent salary of two hundred thousand dollars a year.”
Sophia dropped the folder, her hands flying to her mouth as tears spilled over her cheeks. “Mr. Moretti... this... this is too much! I can’t accept this!”
“You saved my life, Sophia,” Aleandro said softly, stepping closer until he could smell the sweet scent of soap on her skin. “Your daughter sacrificed the only thing keeping her alive because she couldn't bear to see a stranger suffer. That is not something money can buy. That is honor.”
He reached out, his thick thumb gently wiping a tear from her cheek.
“My family caused you immense pain three years ago,” Aleandro added, his voice thick with genuine emotion. “I cannot bring David back. But I can make sure his name stands for hope for thousands of families who are suffering just like you were.”
Sophia looked down at the contract, then up at the formidable man standing before her. She didn't see a ruthless mob boss anymore. She saw a protector—a man who stood between her child and the cold cruelty of the world.
“Thank you,” she sobbed, burying her face against his chest.
Aleandro didn't hesitate. He wrapped his broad arms around her, holding her gently against his heart, feeling the warm, steady rhythm of her breath against his chest.
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Over her shoulder, he saw Emma standing by her wooden castle, smiling up at them with her pink rabbit backpack clutched in her hand.
“We’re safe now, Mommy,” Emma whispered.
