Chapter 14 - THE HOUSEKEEPER WHO CHANGED HIS LIFE
The months that followed were difficult.
Vivien and Lorenzo faced legal proceedings connected to the fraud investigation.
My companies underwent independent audits.
I replaced several advisers.
And I began the slow process of separating my remaining businesses from the criminal networks that had once defined my family.
Claire returned to her regular duties at Ravenwood.
But I offered her something different.
A promotion.
A management position.
Better pay.
More control over her schedule.
She looked stunned.
“Mr. DeLuca, I don't have a business degree.”
I smiled.
“You've managed this house better than I've managed half my companies.”
She laughed.
Then grew serious.
“I don't want special treatment.”
“Neither do I.”
She looked at me.
“I want to earn it.”
I nodded.
“Then we'll arrange the training you need.”
Over time, Claire and I began speaking more often.
At first, about Emma.
Then about the house.
Then about our lives.
She told me about her husband.
I told her about my father.
She told me how frightening it was to raise a child alone.
I told her how lonely it was to live in a mansion full of people who feared me.
One evening, I found her in the greenhouse.
Emma was asleep in a stroller beside the orchids.
Claire was watering the plants.
I stood near the doorway.
“Claire.”
She looked up.
“Mr. DeLuca.”
I smiled.
“Roman.”
She laughed.
“That's going to take some getting used to.”
I stepped closer.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Would you have dinner with me?”
She froze.
“Dinner?”
“Yes.”
She looked toward Emma.
Then back at me.
“Roman, I'm your employee.”
I nodded.
“I know.”
She studied me.
“And that makes this complicated.”
“It does.”
She smiled faintly.
“Then maybe we should make it less complicated first.”
I understood.
I arranged for Claire to transition into a separate professional role outside my household, with independent reporting and no pressure to accept anything personal.
Months later, when she was comfortable and free to choose, I asked again.
May you like
This time, she smiled.
“Yes.”
