Chapter 8 - Cleaning House
The downfall of Julian Moretti was swift and decisive. With the undeniable proof provided by Rosa and translated by Emma, the syndicate board voted unanimously to strip Julian of his power, seizing his assets and casting him out permanently under heavy guard.
In the weeks that followed, the tension that had gripped the Moretti empire for years began to dissipate. Dante systematically dismantled the corrupt networks within his organization, replacing backroom betrayal with structured discipline and strict codes of conduct.
Through it all, Emma remained at the estate. What was originally meant to be a temporary translation job turned into a complete transformation of the Moretti household.
Emma established sign language classes within the mansion. She taught Dante, his top lieutenants, and even the estate staff how to sign. The mansion, which had once been a place of quiet isolation for Rosa, was suddenly vibrant and full of active communication.
One afternoon, Dante walked into the garden to find Emma and Rosa sitting by the fountain, laughing together as they signed. Dante sat down beside them and raised his hands, painstakingly signing a phrase he had spent hours practicing the night before:
May you like
Thank you... for bringing... light... to my family.
Rosa smiled warmly, reaching out to pat her son's cheek, while Emma felt a deep, unexpected warmth flutter in her chest.
