Chapter 3 - The Calvetti Estate
Twenty minutes later, a motorcade of six black armored Cadillac Escalades swept through the wrought-iron gates of the Calvetti estate in Lake Forest.
The forty-acre private estate was bathed in warm golden light, overlooking the quiet expanse of Lake Michigan. The grand foyer featured soaring ceilings, marble floors, and crystal chandeliers, but the intimidating atmosphere melted the moment Dante’s domestic staff opened the double doors.
"Prepare the entire east guest wing," Dante commanded his head housekeeper, Mrs. Gable. "Six bedrooms, fresh clothing, warm baths, and a full banquet in the main dining hall immediately."
Lily and Tommy gasped in pure wonder, their eyes wide as they walked across the plush carpets. For children who had spent eighteen months living in a cold, damp basement, the warmth and security of the mansion felt like stepping into a fairy tale.
While the children were guided upstairs to be settled, Dante led Olivia into his private mahogany study.
He poured two glasses of sparkling mineral water, handing one to her as she sat in the leather armchair.
"Why didn't you come directly to me, Olivia?" Dante asked, leaning against the edge of his desk. "You worked ten feet from my office every day. You watched me sign multi-million-dollar philanthropic grants."
"Because I didn't know if the boy Ruth raised was still alive inside the man who commands Chicago," Olivia answered honestly, looking straight into his eyes. "I had to be certain you wouldn't hand them over to social services, where they would be separated into six different foster homes."
A shadow of deep, unshakeable sorrow passed over Dante’s features.
"I spent five years in the foster care system before Ruth found me, Olivia," Dante said quietly. "I know the darkness of being forgotten. These children stay together under my name, under my roof, and under my absolute protection."
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Before Olivia could speak, Dante’s chief intelligence officer, Vincent, stepped through the study door, holding an encrypted satellite tablet.
"Boss," Vincent reported, keeping his voice low. "We have a critical perimeter alert. Viktor Volkov just discovered that the warehouse basement on 44th Street was cleared out."
