Chapter 78: The Godfather's Peace

Alexander Moretti did not retire from power.

Men like Alexander did not simply step away from empires and grow roses without causing international concern.

But he changed the shape of his power.

The violent edges of the Moretti world were cut away slowly and deliberately. Old alliances built on fear were replaced or ended. Legal enterprises expanded. Restitution continued. Enemies called him weaker.

They learned otherwise when they tested him.

Scarlett watched the transformation with quiet pride. Alexander did not become gentle to the world. He became just enough to live with himself.

One night, she found him in the lake house nursery, Isabella asleep against his shoulder.

He was humming badly.

Scarlett froze in the doorway.

'Are you singing?'

He looked offended. 'No.'

'That was definitely singing.'

'It was strategy.'

Isabella slept peacefully, unimpressed by denial.

Scarlett came closer, using her cane. Her steps were steadier now, though the wheelchair still waited nearby for long days. She had stopped treating either as proof of success or failure. They were tools. Her life was bigger than them.

Alexander looked at her. 'You are smiling.'

'You look peaceful.'

His expression softened. 'I am.'

The admission felt enormous.

They stood together beside the crib after Isabella was laid down.

'Do you miss who you were?' Scarlett asked.

Alexander thought for a while.

'Sometimes. He knew how to survive everything because he cared for almost nothing.'

'And now?'

He looked at their daughter, then at Scarlett.

'Now I have too much to lose. It makes me afraid. It also makes me human.'

Scarlett slipped her hand into his.

'I like you human.'

'Dangerous preference.'

'I have always had questionable taste.'

He smiled and kissed her forehead.

Outside, the lake reflected the moon.

Inside, the feared Godfather of New York stood barefoot in a nursery, holding his wife's hand and listening to his daughter breathe.

Peace had not made him smaller.

It had made him whole.