Chapter 6 - The Choice Adrien Never Expected
The attorney placed the petition on Adrien’s desk.
“This is bad.”
Elena stood by the window.
“How bad?”
“Daniel’s abandonment helps us. His financial history helps us.”
“But?”
The attorney looked at Adrien.
“But opposing counsel is arguing that Mia is exposed to an unsafe environment.”
Adrien’s face remained unreadable.
Elena asked, “Because of Adrien?”
“Yes.”
The lawyer chose his next words carefully.
“Mr. Moretti has never been convicted of a felony.”
Carlo muttered, “That sounded almost complimentary.”
The attorney ignored him.
“But his reputation is known.”
Elena looked at Adrien.
“What happens now?”
“We show Mia has stable housing, childcare, school attendance, and no exposure to illegal activity.”
The attorney paused.
“It would also help if Mrs. Rossi were no longer employed on the estate.”
Adrien looked up.
Elena went still.
The attorney continued.
“And if Mia did not spend time with Mr. Moretti.”
No one spoke.
Elena finally said, “For how long?”
“Until the custody matter is resolved.”
Adrien stood.
“Do it.”
Elena turned.
“What?”
“Move out.”
Her face tightened.
“Adrien.”
“You heard him.”
“I did.”
“Take the apartment on Henry Street.”
“No.”
“It’s owned by a holding company. No connection to my name.”
“I said no.”
“Then choose another one.”
“You’re doing it again.”
“Doing what?”
“Deciding.”
Adrien stopped.
She stepped closer.
“You don’t get to push us away because you think sacrifice makes the decision noble.”
“This is about Mia.”
“I know.”
“Then what are we arguing about?”
“You.”
Elena’s voice cracked slightly.
“You think because your father chose business over your mother, the only alternative is for you to disappear whenever someone you love might be safer without you.”
Adrien stared at her.
She continued.
“That isn’t love either.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Let me choose.”
He swallowed.
“Fine.”
Elena looked at the attorney.
“What gives us the best chance?”
“Separate residence during proceedings. Documented childcare. Clear boundaries.”
Elena nodded.
“Then Mia and I move temporarily.”
Adrien looked away.
“But,” Elena continued, “I do not quit my job because Daniel ordered my life once already. He doesn’t get to do it again.”
The attorney nodded.
“We can structure limited hours.”
Elena looked at Adrien.
“And we don’t pretend you don’t exist.”
His eyes returned to hers.
“What does that mean?”
“It means no secret phone calls. No dramatic goodbye.”
Carlo murmured, “That probably needed saying.”
Adrien glared at him.
Elena almost smiled.
They followed the plan.
For the first time since Mia entered his study, the estate became quiet again.
Adrien hated it.
One afternoon he entered the servants’ kitchen.
The cook looked up.
“She’s at the apartment.”
“I know.”
“She’ll be back Monday.”
“I know.”
“You’re standing where her daughter used to steal cookies.”
Adrien looked at the empty counter.
“I know.”
The cook shook her head.
“Powerful man. Absolutely helpless.”
Adrien left without answering.
The custody hearing arrived six weeks later.
Daniel wore a new suit.
Elena suspected someone else had paid for it.
She was right.
Outside the courtroom, Carlo approached Adrien.
“We found the money trail.”
“Romano?”
“Salvatore.”
Adrien’s expression hardened.
Carlo handed him documents.
“Daniel’s legal fees. Apartment. Gambling debt. All paid through a Romano subsidiary.”
Adrien looked toward Elena.
She understood immediately.
“Isabella?”
“Her father.”
“Can we prove it?”
“Yes.”
The hearing changed within an hour.
Elena’s attorney produced financial records.
Daniel’s attorney objected.
The judge overruled him.
Daniel began sweating.
Under questioning, he denied knowing Salvatore Romano.
Then bank transfers appeared.
Hotel records.
Messages.
Finally Daniel snapped.
“They told me it would be easy!”
The courtroom went silent.
Elena’s attorney asked, “Who told you?”
Daniel looked toward Adrien.
Then toward the judge.
“Romano’s people.”
“What did they offer?”
“Money.”
“For what?”
“To get Mia away from the Moretti house.”
Elena closed her eyes.
Daniel continued.
“They said if I created enough trouble, the maid would disappear and Adrien would go back to Isabella.”
Adrien did not move.
But Elena placed one hand over his.
He looked at her.
The judge ordered a recess.
Two weeks later, Daniel withdrew his custody claim in exchange for a formal agreement terminating future interference and establishing his financial obligations.
Salvatore Romano’s involvement triggered investigations that had nothing to do with Adrien.
Isabella left New York.
Victoria came to see Elena shortly afterward.
They sat in the conservatory while Mia colored.
Victoria looked uncomfortable.
“I owe you an apology.”
Elena raised an eyebrow.
“That sounded painful.”
“It was.”
Elena smiled.
Victoria continued.
“I thought you were dangerous to Adrien.”
“I’m a housekeeper with a preschooler.”
“Exactly.”
Elena laughed.
Victoria looked toward Mia.
“He has spent his entire life understanding men with weapons and contracts.”
She sighed.
“He had no defense against a child with porridge.”
Elena’s expression softened.
Victoria looked at her.
“I also thought you wanted his money.”
“I don’t.”
“I know.”
“That’s not entirely true.”
Victoria stiffened.
Elena smiled.
“I want him to pay for the ridiculous dollhouse he bought.”
Victoria laughed.
It was the first time they had.
That evening Elena brought Mia back to the estate.
Adrien waited in the foyer.
Mia saw him.
She ran.
“Mr. Adrien!”
He crouched.
She threw both arms around him.
“You were gone forever.”
“You were gone.”
“Same thing.”
He lifted her.
Elena approached slowly.
Adrien looked at her.
“You’re coming back?”
“Yes.”
“To work?”
“Yes.”
His face fell slightly.
Elena added, “And maybe dinner.”
He smiled.
Mia touched his cheek.
“You’re better at that now.”
Adrien looked at Elena.
“I had a good teacher.”
Mia nodded proudly.
“I know.”
Elena reached for his hand.
For the first time, she did it in front of everyone.
May you like
And no one in the Moretti estate looked away.
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