Chapter 10 - The Vow
Three months later, the violent war that had nearly destroyed the Ferraro family was officially over.
Gianni was sentenced to life in a maximum-security federal prison, effectively ending his treacherous bloodline.
Salvatore had successfully rebuilt his empire, moving his operations into a new, heavily fortified penthouse in the heart of the city.
He ruled his territory with the same ruthless efficiency as before, but a profound change had occurred within the Wolf of Providence.
The brutal mafia boss was no longer entirely alone in his fortress.
He sat in his luxurious office, staring out the massive floor-to-ceiling windows at the bustling city below.
A soft knock interrupted his thoughts.
Nadia walked into the room carrying a silver tray with a steaming cup of bergamot tea.
She wore a beautiful, elegant dress that perfectly complimented her soft features, no longer wearing the rough uniform of a terrified maid.
She placed the tea gently on his desk and offered him a warm, genuine smile.
"Thank you, Nadia," Salvatore said softly, taking a slow sip.
Suddenly, the sound of small, rapid footsteps echoed from the hallway.
Milo ran into the office, his brown eyes bright with pure joy.
He climbed effortlessly onto Salvatore's lap, settling comfortably against his chest.
Salvatore wrapped his strong arms around the boy, completely unbothered by the fact that he could not feel the child's weight on his legs.
He felt the boy's presence entirely in his heart.
Milo looked up at Salvatore and held out his small hand.
Resting in his palm was a brand new wooden soldier, perfectly painted and completely unbroken.
"For you," Milo whispered.
Salvatore froze, his gray eyes widening in absolute shock.
It was the very first time the boy had spoken in two entire years.
Nadia gasped, covering her mouth with her hands as tears of pure happiness streamed down her face.
Salvatore pulled the boy into a tight embrace, feeling a terrifying, beautiful sense of peace settle over his violent life.
He had finally found a family worth dying for.
Later that evening, after Nadia had put a happily exhausted Milo to bed, Salvatore sat alone in his dark office.
He opened his locked desk drawer to put away the new wooden soldier.
Underneath the velvet lining of the drawer, he noticed a small, folded piece of thick, expensive stationery.
May you like
He opened it carefully, recognizing the elegant, flowing cursive immediately.
The note read, "Gianni was just the beginning; the real traitor is the one sleeping down the hall."
