Chapter 9 - The Garden Party

To celebrate the arrival of late summer and the absolute peace that had settled over the Moretti empire, Adrian did something he had never done in his entire life: he threw a party.
Not a dark, smoke-filled meeting for mafia bosses, but a bright, joyous garden party for the families of his loyal men, his staff, and local community leaders.
The estate grounds were decorated with white fairy lights, colorful silk banners, and massive tables laden with gourmet food. Children ran across the emerald lawn, playing tag while parents relaxed under the shade of ancient oak trees.
Standing near the grand fountain was Bruno, wearing a tiny black bow tie attached to his leather collar. He was surrounding by a dozen children who were petting his massive head, and the gentle giant was soaking up every second of attention, resting his heavy chin on a young boy’s knee.
Adrian stood on the terrace, dressed in a crisp white linen shirt and dark trousers, holding a glass of sparkling wine. Beside him stood Clara, wearing an elegant blue dress, watching the crowd with a happy smile.
Marco walked up, holding a small silver box. "Boss, a delivery arrived for you. From Europe."
Adrian opened the box. Inside was a beautifully carved leather dog collar, studded with brass plates, inscribed with the words: Bruno - The Loyal Protector of the Moretti Family.
Included was a short note from an old ally in Italy: “A dog who guards the heart of a Don deserves the armor of a king.”
Adrian smiled, taking the collar out. He walked down the terrace steps toward the fountain. The children parted as Adrian knelt beside the mastiff, unclipping his old collar and replacing it with the stunning leather piece.
Bruno gave a heavy, contented grunt and licked Adrian’s cheek, causing the surrounding crowd to burst into laughter and applause.
May you like
Lily ran over, hugging Bruno’s neck tightly. "He looks like a prince!" she giggled.
"He is a prince," Adrian agreed, looking around at the bright, smiling faces of the people who inhabited his world now. "And this is his kingdom."