Chapter 8 - THE MAN WHO HAD EVERYTHING EXCEPT PEACE
Roman had spent his adult life believing that power meant safety.
He had armed guards.
Armored cars.
Private investigators.
Security systems.
Yet none of those things had protected his family from betrayal.
His brother had deceived him.
His wife had been taken.
His son had lived with grief and fear.
And Roman had been too busy controlling his empire to notice the damage.
He began making changes.
Ethan started working with a child therapist experienced in trauma.
Roman attended family sessions when appropriate.
Sofia received support as she rebuilt her life.
Maya returned to work at Cardinale.
She tried to pretend everything was normal.
But the restaurant staff treated her differently.
Some admired her.
Others feared her connection to Roman.
One afternoon, Roman approached her near the service station.
"Miss Carter."
She turned.
"Mr. Duca."
He smiled faintly.
"Roman."
She raised an eyebrow.
"That seems dangerous."
He laughed.
He handed her an envelope.
Maya frowned.
"What's this?"
"A bonus."
She opened it.
Inside was a check.
A very large check.
She stared.
Then handed it back.
"No."
Roman blinked.
"What?"
"I didn't help Ethan for money."
"I know."
"Then don't pay me like I did."
Roman studied her.
For the first time in years, someone had refused his money without fear.
He slowly took the envelope.
"Fair enough."
Maya smiled.
"Thank you."
He hesitated.
"Could I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Why did you know what to do that night?"
Maya looked down.
Then answered:
"Because I know what it feels like when nobody listens."
Roman stared.
May you like
She smiled sadly.
"And sometimes the loudest person in the room is the one who's been ignored the longest."
