Chapter 6 - The Unseen ShadowThe news of Nora's sudden elevation from a low-level maid to an honored guest of the Moretti family sent shockwaves through the estate staff. The same servants who had mocked her, passed off their heaviest chores to her, and laughed at her pregnancy now bowed their heads nervously whenever she walked down the hall.
Lorenzo moved Nora out of the cramped servants' quarters and into a luxurious master suite in the west wing, complete with a fireplace, private balcony, and soft feather bed. A team of top medical specialists was flown in to monitor her pregnancy, ensuring both she and baby Lily were in perfect health.
Yet, despite her new surroundings, Nora spent most of her days where she had always been—beside Giovanni.
They sat together in the newly renovated east wing. The heavy curtains had been replaced with bright, sheer silk that let in the crisp winter sunlight. The rusted wheelchair was gone, replaced by a custom mobility unit that kept Giovanni comfortable and warm.
"Look at this, John," Nora said softly, holding up a small, hand-knitted pink baby bootie. "Lorenzo had a boutique in Manhattan send over a whole wardrobe for Lily. It's too much... I don't even know how to thank him."
Giovanni looked at the bootie, then looked up at Nora. A subtle, approving gleam sparkled in his gray eyes.
Suddenly, the quiet of the room was shattered as the heavy oak doors burst open.
A tall, broad-shouldered man in an expensive leather coat strode into the room, flanked by two armed guards. He had a harsh, angular face, thin lips, and a cruel smile.
It was Victor Moretti—Lorenzo’s cousin and a high-ranking lieutenant in the Moretti crime syndicate.
"Well, well, well," Victor drawled, looking around the bright room with disdain. "I hear my cousin has gone soft. Spending company money to turn uncle's room into a nursery for a servant's bastard."
Nora stood up quickly, clutching the baby bootie to her chest, her heart hammering against her ribs. "Who are you?"
"I'm family, sweetheart," Victor sneered, stepping closer and eyeing her up and down with cold contempt. "Unlike you. I hear Lorenzo threw Mrs. Gable in a cellar over you. A nobody from the gutter."
Giovanni’s jaw tightened. Inside his paralyzed frame, the old Don's blood ran hot with fury. His dark eyes fixed on Victor with a lethal intensity.
"You shouldn't be in here," Nora said, trying to keep her voice steady despite her fear. "Mr. Lorenzo said no one enters without his permission."
"Lorenzo isn't here right now," Victor spat, stepping directly into Nora's personal space. He reached out, roughly grabbing her chin with his leather-gloved hand. "Let me give you some advice, little maid. Lorenzo might be playing savior today, but in our world, weak things get crushed. You and that bastard in your belly don't belong here. If you know what's good for you, you'll take whatever cash he gave you and run before the real war starts."
"Get your hands off her," a voice boomed from the doorway.
Victor froze. He slowly released Nora’s chin and turned around.
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Lorenzo stood in the entrance, his hand resting inside his tailored jacket, right over his holstered pistol. Marco stood beside him, his weapon already drawn and leveled at Victor's chest.
"Victor," Lorenzo said softly, the silence in his voice far more dangerous than shouting. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't put a bullet through your head right now for putting your hands on a guest in my house."
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