Chapter 7 - The New Order
In the weeks following the downfall of Salvatore Moretti, the underground landscape of Milan underwent a seismic transformation.
With the Moretti syndicate dismantled and its leaders imprisoned, peace returned to Lombardy under the firm, undisputed rule of the Vieri family. But it was a new kind of rule—one guided not just by iron discipline, but by a quiet sense of justice that had long been absent from the city’s shadows.
Villa Vieri was no longer a golden cage. The heavy steel blast doors were kept open, the gloomy dark tapestries were replaced with bright Italian artwork, and the gardens blossomed with vibrant roses and jasmine.
Nona Elena had taken over the villa’s greenhouse, spending her mornings teaching the hardened estate guards how to cultivate traditional herbs and tomatoes. Luca, the scar-faced lieutenant, could often be seen sitting on the patio, eating Nona Elena’s homemade pasta with an expression of childlike contentment.
Alessia sat in the villa’s library, wearing a simple cream sweater and trousers, reviewing a stack of financial documents.
She was no longer a cleaning woman, nor was she a passive guest. She had been named the director of the newly established Vieri Foundation—a multi-million-euro charitable trust created by Enzo to fund free medical clinics, housing assistance, and educational programs for working-class families across Milan.
The doors to the library opened, and Enzo walked in.
He looked relaxed, wearing an open-collared white shirt and dark slacks, free of the oppressive tension that had consumed him for years. He walked over to her desk, leaning down to kiss the top of her head before looking over her shoulder at the documents.
“You are working too hard, mia bella,” Enzo said softly, wrapping his arms around her shoulders from behind.
“I am making sure the money actually reaches the people who need it,” Alessia replied, leaning her head back against his chest. “The clinic in Navigli opened yesterday. Over a hundred families received free medical checkups on their first day.”
Enzo smiled, resting his chin on her hair. “My captains think I’ve gone soft. Mateo complained this morning that we spent more money on hospital equipment this month than on tactical gear.”
“And what did you tell Mateo?” Alessia asked, turning her head to look at him.
“I told him that if he complained again, I would assign him to dust the light fixtures in the main lobby,” Enzo laughed, his gray eyes sparkling with humor.
Alessia laughed—a bright, beautiful sound that filled the room.
Suddenly, Marco knocked gently on the open door frame.
“Don Vieri, Signorina Alessia,” Marco said, holding a leather folder. “The board of directors from Milano Cleaners is downstairs in the main reception room.”
Alessia raised an eyebrow. “Milano Cleaners? My former employer?”
“They heard rumors that the new director of the Vieri Foundation was reviewing corporate cleaning contracts across the city,” Marco explained with a subtle smile. “Their CEO, Signor Bruno, is currently sweating through his suit, terrified that he offended you when he suspended you three months ago.”
Alessia looked at Enzo, who gave her a conspiratorial wink.
“Would you like me to have Luca throw them into the fountain?” Enzo asked casually.
“No,” Alessia said, standing up and smoothing down her sweater. “I think I’ll go down and offer them a contract renewal. On one condition.”
“What condition?” Enzo asked.
May you like
“A fifty percent wage increase for all cleaning staff, full health insurance, and mandatory double-pay for night shifts,” Alessia said proudly.
Enzo looked at her with pure, unadulterated love. “You are merciless, Signorina. I adore you.”
