Chapter 17 - A Real Family
With Victor Russo eliminated and Beatrice Jenkins terrified into permanent silence, a profound peace settled over the Cavallo penthouse.
Winter thawed into spring. Clara no longer shrank in public. She wore her curves proudly, draped in couture, holding her billionaire husband’s hand as they conquered Chicago society.
Leo was thriving. He loved his new school, but more importantly, he worshipped Dante.
One Saturday afternoon, Clara was in the kitchen, baking a massive batch of chocolate chip cookies. Dante was sitting in the living room, helping Leo build a complex Lego Millennium Falcon.
“Dante?” Leo asked, snapping a gray brick into place.
“Yeah, kid?” Dante replied, sorting through a pile of pieces.
“My teacher asked us to draw a picture of our family for Open House next week,” Leo said quietly, looking down at his hands. “I drew Clara. But… is it okay if I drew you, too? As my dad?”
Clara stopped mixing, holding her breath from the kitchen.
Dante, the ruthless, terrifying head of the Chicago syndicate, froze. He looked at the eight-year-old boy, his dark eyes softening completely. He reached out and ruffled Leo’s hair.
“I would be honored to be in your picture, Leo,” Dante said, his voice thick with emotion. “In fact, I’m adopting you legally next week. You’re a Cavallo now. Forever.”
Leo threw his arms around Dante’s neck, hugging him tight. Dante hugged him back, burying his face in the boy’s shoulder.
Clara wiped away a tear, walking into the living room with a tray of cookies. Dante looked up at her, a beautiful, genuine smile breaking across his harsh face. He reached out his free hand, pulling her down onto his lap.
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“You made me a father,” Dante whispered into her ear. “You gave me a life I didn't think I was allowed to have.”
“You fought for us,” Clara replied, kissing his jaw. “You earned this, Dante.”
