Chapter 5 - The Return to the East Wing
The heavy double doors of the boardroom clicked shut behind me, leaving my disgraced uncles sitting in absolute ruin among their scattered contracts. I didn't look back. The corporate war was won, but my real priority was waiting back at the estate.
The Bentley glided through the iron security gates of the Duca manor just as full darkness blanketed the gardens. The massive stone estate looked different tonight—less like a cold fortress of suspicion and isolation, and more like a home that finally needed protecting.
When I stepped out into the grand foyer, I didn't see the usual army of nervous servants scurrying away. Instead, the atmosphere was quiet, warm, and surprisingly peaceful.
"Master Lorenzo?"
A soft voice called out from the direction of the East Parlor.
I turned to see Marta standing near the doorway. She had changed out of her maid’s uniform into a simple, clean civilian sweater and slacks. Her eyes were still slightly red, but the crushing weight of terror that had broken her spirit earlier that morning was gone, replaced by a quiet, dignified resolve.
"Marta," I acknowledged, walking over. "Are you and Lily settled in?"
Marta immediately dipped her head in a respectful, yet completely sincere bow. "Yes, sir. The staff... they've been wonderful. They brought us dinner, and Lily fell asleep on the sofa about an hour ago after playing with your Doberman for half the afternoon."
I raised an eyebrow slightly. "Pino let her play with him?"
A faint, genuine smile touched Marta’s lips. "He didn't just let her play with him, sir. He sat beside her the entire time like a furry mountain. She even tried to feed him a cracker. I've never seen an animal so gentle with anyone, let alone a child."
I couldn't help the small smile that crossed my own face. It seemed Pino had exceptional taste in people, just like his master.
"Good," I said, stepping past her into the warm, softly lit parlor.
Curled up on the plush velvet sofa was little Lily. She was wrapped in a thick wool blanket, her battered stuffed rabbit clutched tightly against her chest, her breathing soft and even in sleep. The dark shadows of fear that had pinched her tiny face behind the trash cans that morning were completely gone.
I stood beside the sofa for a long moment, looking down at the child. For years, I had believed that survival in my world meant trusting no one, building impenetrable walls, and viewing everyone around me as either a threat or a tool.
Yet, saving this little girl—and having her small, cold fingers slip trustingly into mine—had shattered the ice around my heart in a way no corporate victory ever could.
Marta stepped quietly up beside me, her voice trembling slightly. "Sir... I don't know how to thank you. Renata told me I would be thrown out, arrested, disgraced... I thought my life was over. I thought I would lose my daughter."
"You lost nothing, Marta," I said firmly, turning to look her in the eye. "Renata is gone. Her co-conspirators have been dealt with permanently. You and Lily are safe here. As long as you wish to stay on this estate, your position is secure, your salary is doubled, and no one will ever touch you again."
Tears welled up in Marta’s eyes, and before I could react, she dropped to her knees, pressing her forehead against the floor in deep, heartfelt gratitude.
"Get up, Marta," I said gently, reaching down and lifting her by the elbow. "You don't need to bow to me. You survived hell today, and you protected your daughter with everything you had. If anything, this house owes you an apology for what my own employees put you through."
Just then, a heavy, familiar thump echoed against the hardwood floor.
Pino trotted into the parlor, his massive tail giving a lazy, rhythmic wag. He walked over to the sofa, checked on Lily with a gentle nudge of his cold nose, and then walked over to me, sitting heavily against my boots like a steadfast, unshakable anchor.
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I looked down at the great dog, then back at the sleeping child.
The cold, ruthless heir of the Duca empire was officially gone. In his place was a man who finally understood what it meant to protect something real.
