Chapter 9 - THE CHOICE DOMINIC MADE
Raffaele's final move came through the family board.
He demanded that Dominic sign a guardianship agreement placing Sophie under the formal protection of the Valenti family. The document gave the board authority over her residence, schooling, and security.
Dominic brought it home and placed it on the kitchen table.
I read every line.
“This gives them control of her life.”
“I know.”
“Then why did you bring it here?”
“Because I wanted you to see it before I rejected it.”
He took a pen and signed a statement refusing the agreement.
“I won't let the board decide where my daughter sleeps or who raises her.”
“What will they do?”
“Some will resign. Some will threaten to remove me.”
“And if they do?”
“Then they do.”
I studied him.
“You're willing to lose the empire?”
“I'm willing to change what it means.”
The next morning, Dominic faced the board. I stayed home with Sophie, but Adrian called afterward.
Raffaele had presented forged documents claiming I had planned to use Sophie to gain access to the Valenti fortune. Dominic presented the intercepted letter, the call logs, and the security records linking Raffaele to the threats.
The board voted to suspend Raffaele's authority pending an independent investigation.
He left the meeting furious.
That evening, Dominic came home with a split lip and a tired expression.
“What happened?”
“He tried to leave before the investigators arrived. His driver refused to take him.”
“Did he hurt you?”
“Not seriously.”
I touched his cheek carefully.
He caught my hand, then let it go.
“I don't want Sophie to see me like this.”
“She already knows you're not made of stone.”
He gave a small smile.
Sophie came running into the hall.
“Papa! I made a picture!”
She held up a drawing of a house with a red roof. Three figures stood in front of it. A small one held a rabbit. The other two held hands.
Dominic crouched.
“Who's this?”
“Me.”
“And this?”
“Mommy.”
“And me?”
Sophie nodded.
“You're in the house now.”
Dominic's expression softened.
“Am I?”
“Uh-huh. But you have to knock.”
I laughed.
“That's a very good rule.”
Dominic looked at Sophie with solemn respect.
“I will always knock.”
She considered him, then gave him a hug.
He closed his eyes.
Later, after Sophie was asleep, Dominic found me on the balcony.
“I want to ask you something,” he said.
I turned.
“Not about custody. Not about money. Not about the past.”
“What, then?”
“Would you consider staying here? Not because you work for me. Because I want you and Sophie close.”
I looked out at the lights of the city.
“I won't move into your house because you're afraid.”
“Then don't. Move because you want to. Or don't move at all. I'll respect either answer.”
I was quiet for a long time.
“I need time.”
“You have it.”
May you like
And for once, I believed him.
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