Chapter 9 - THE NIGHT THE ESTATE WAS THREATENED
The warning came on a Friday evening.
Tony found an unfamiliar vehicle parked near the estate's outer gate.
Security cameras showed it had been there twice that week.
Vincent reviewed the footage.
He recognized one of the men.
A former associate of Dominic.
He called his uncle.
“Why are your people watching my house?”
Dominic laughed.
“Don't be dramatic.”
Vincent's expression hardened.
“My son lives here.”
Dominic paused.
Then said:
“You've forgotten what matters.”
Vincent looked toward the hallway.
Luca was laughing softly at something Emily had drawn.
“No,” Vincent said.
“I finally remembered.”
He ended the call.
Security procedures were strengthened.
Vincent contacted appropriate authorities about the suspicious activity.
He also began separating his legitimate businesses from Dominic's influence.
The process was difficult.
Dominic had connections.
Money.
Loyal followers.
But Vincent refused to let his son grow up surrounded by fear.
That evening, Emily found him standing in the garden.
“Everything okay?”
He looked at her.
“I'm trying to change my life.”
She nodded.
“I know.”
He smiled sadly.
“It's harder than I thought.”
She took his hand.
“Most important things are.”
Vincent looked at her.
Then whispered:
“I don't want Luca growing up like I did.”
Emily squeezed his hand.
“Then show him something different.”
May you like
Vincent nodded.
And for the first time, he believed he could.
