Chapter 9 - The Truth Unveiled
By morning, news of the Vance family’s total collapse swept through the city's underworld. The Moretti family was now the undisputed ruler of the entire region.
At the harbor, the sun rose over the sparkling blue waters where Matteo’s luxury yacht was docked. Ava stood on the upper deck, clutching a cardigan around her shoulders, staring anxious at the pier.
A black sedan pulled up to the dock.
Out stepped Matteo.
Ava’s heart leaped with joy. She ran down the yacht's spiral staircase and sprinted down the gangplank, throwing herself into his arms the second his feet touched the deck.
Matteo caught her effortlessly, swinging her around as his laughter echoed over the water. He held her close, burying his face into the crook of her neck, inhaling her sweet, floral scent.
"I promised I would come back," he whispered against her skin.
"I missed you," Ava confessed, pulling back to look at his face. "Is it over?"
"It's over," Matteo smiled gently. "The city is safe. You and Mila never have to fear anyone ever again."
He took her hand, leading her up to the top deck where a table was set with fresh flowers, fruit, and champagne.
As they sat down, Matteo pulled a sleek black velvet box from his pocket and placed it on the table between them.
Ava blinked in surprise. "What is this?"
"Open it," he encouraged gently.
Ava opened the box. Inside was not a piece of jewelry, but an official property deed and a key. She read the bold letters at the top of the paper: Monroe Foundation & Estate.
"I purchased a sprawling estate in the countryside, fifteen minutes from the best schools in the state," Matteo explained softly. "The property is registered entirely in your name, Ava. Furthermore, I have established a ten-million-dollar trust fund for Mila's education and future, along with a foundation in your name to help struggling families in the city."
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Ava stared at the papers, tears spilling over her eyelashes. "Matteo... this is millions of dollars... I can't accept this!"
"You can, and you will," Matteo said firmly, reaching across the table to clasp her hands in his. "You came into my life trying to earn ten thousand dollars for your sister. You showed me what true bravery and love look like. You gave me back my humanity, Ava."
