Chapter 12 - THE RESCUE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
The investigation led to a secluded property in northern Italy.
Authorities identified the location through financial records and communications connected to Caterina's network.
Lucia Corvino was believed to be inside.
Irene waited in a secure location while police prepared to enter.
Aleandro stayed beside her.
She paced.
Checked her phone.
Looked toward the door.
Every minute felt unbearable.
Then the call came.
Lucia had been found alive.
Irene began crying.
Aleandro closed his eyes.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Hours later, Irene entered a hospital room.
Lucia sat beside the window.
Her hair had turned gray.
Her face was thinner.
But her eyes were the same.
“Mom?”
Lucia looked up.
For one second, she seemed unable to believe what she saw.
Then she stood.
“Isabella?”
Irene ran toward her.
They embraced.
Fourteen years of grief broke open at once.
Lucia held her daughter's face.
“My little girl.”
Irene cried.
“I thought you were dead.”
Lucia shook her head.
“I tried to come back.”
“I know.”
“I never stopped looking for a way.”
Irene held her tightly.
Outside the room, Aleandro stood quietly.
He watched through the glass.
Rocco approached.
“Boss.”
Aleandro looked up.
“What?”
“Caterina has been arrested.”
Aleandro nodded.
“And Vittorio?”
“Detained. Investigators are reviewing the evidence.”
Aleandro looked back toward Irene.
For the first time in years, he felt something other than anger when he thought about his father.
Not forgiveness.
May you like
Not peace.
But relief that the cycle of secrecy might finally end.
