Chapter 5 - The Voice of Truth
Matteo Moretti laughed loudly from the doorway. "Listen to the hired help! Lorenzo, your daughter is a vegetable. Sign the custody transfer over to the Moretti trust, or the judge will drag her out of here in handcuffs by sunset."
Lorenzo stepped into the center of the room. He didn't look at Matteo. He looked at Sophia. He remembered Emma’s words: She thinks she’s alone in the dark.
Slowly, the terrifying mafia boss dropped to his knees on the carpet. He reached out and took Sophia's tiny, frail hand in his massive, scarred palms.
"Sophia," Lorenzo said, his voice cracking, completely exposing his vulnerability in front of his greatest enemy. "Forgive me, mi amor. I’ve been hiding downstairs because I was afraid. I was afraid to see you hurt. But I am here now. I will never leave your side again. If you want to go with these men, I will let you. But if you want to stay with Papa... you have to let them know."
The room fell into an agonizing, breathless silence. Dr. Burke tapped his pen against his clipboard, a smug smile forming on Matteo’s face.
Then, Sophia’s little fingers curled around Lorenzo’s thumb.
Her lips trembled. She looked past her father, locking her eyes onto Emma, who was softly humming the opening notes of Juliana's Neapolitan lullaby.
"Pa... pa," Sophia whispered.
The word was tiny, fragile, but it echoed through the room like thunder.
Dr. Burke’s pen stopped. Matteo’s smile completely vanished.
May you like
Sophia looked at Dr. Burke, her voice growing stronger, fueled by the protective presence of her father. "Stay. With... Papa."
Emma stepped forward, handing Dr. Burke a comprehensive file of Sophia's medical logs, perfectly organized and stamped by the chief of oncology. "As you can see, Doctor, the child is fully bonded, expressive, and receiving world-class nocturnal care. I suggest you take your petition and leave before Mr. Pellegrini's legal team sues your department for malicious harassment."
