Chapter 3 - An Unpayable Debt
"Mama, don't cry," Emma whimpered, her small hands clutching her mother's apron. "The mister was shaking. He was cold."
Sophia wiped her eyes frantically, shaking her head. "Hush, Emma! Hush!" She looked up at Alessandro, her shoulders trembling. "We are leaving, sir. Right now."
"Stop," Alessandro commanded.
His voice wasn't loud, but the sheer weight of authority in it made Sophia freeze in place.
Alessandro stood up from the leather chair. Standing six-foot-two in his tailored suit, he towered over the widow and her child. He reached out to the table, picked up the open envelope containing the five thousand dollars, and looked at it.
Sophia’s breath caught in her throat. She recognized the green paper inside. Her face turned ghost-white. "I... I didn't touch it, sir. I swear on my husband's grave, neither of us touched your money!"
"I know," Alessandro said quietly.
He did something Sophia had never expected. He walked over to the corner where the draft blew through the window frame, stepped up to the hearth, and added three heavy oak logs to the fire. Flames roared to life, casting a warm, golden glow across the cold room.
Then, he knelt down on one knee in front of the little girl.
The Don of Boston, a man who only bowed to God, knelt on the rug in front of a child wearing torn shoes.
"What is your name, little one?" he asked, his deep voice softening into a low, gentle rumble.
"Emma," the girl whispered.
"Emma," Alessandro repeated, holding out the faded yellow coat in both hands as if presenting a crown. "Your coat is very warm. Thank you."
Emma smiled tentatively, her cheeks dimpling. "You're welcome, Mister."
Alessandro looked up at Sophia. The widow was staring at him in utter shock, her tears paused on her cheeks.
"Mrs. Rossi," Alessandro said, standing up smoothly and setting the five thousand dollars back on the table. "Your shift is over for today. Go to the kitchen. Tell Rosa I ordered her to make two hot plates of stew for you and your daughter. And tell my driver, Marco, to bring the car to the front."
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"Sir?" Sophia stammered, completely bewildered. "Are... are you firing us?"
"No," Alessandro said, his dark eyes locking onto hers with absolute solemnity. "I am taking you and your daughter to buy a proper winter coat. And then we are going to discuss your future in this house."
