Chapter 12: The Decision
Three days later, Vittorio called Renzo into his office.
“What do you want?” Vittorio asked directly.
Renzo stood solemnly before his desk.
“I only want one thing,” he said. “I want to stay with Sophia. Whether it’s as a gardener or whatever task you assign me. I ask for nothing more.”
Vittrio looked at Renzo for a moment.
“Do you want to reveal Sophia’s identity?” Vittorio asked.
Renzo shook his head.
“No. I don’t think now is the time. Sophia is young, and she’s been through too much. I don’t want her to face rumors and prying eyes.”
Vittrio nodded, agreeing with the decision.
“Then from now on,” Vittorio said, “you will officially work for me as Sophia’s guardian. Your salary will be tripled, and you will live in the same house as us.”
Renzo was slightly surprised.
“You… want me to live in the same house?”
“Yes,” Vittorio replied. “Sophia needs someone close to her. And I also need someone I can trust when I’m not home.”
Renzo was silent for a moment, then nodded slightly.
“Thank you, sir.”
After Renzo left the room, Vittorio sat alone and looked out the window. He realized that he was gradually changing. Not only in his way of dealing with people, but also in his perception of “family.”
Before, for Vittorio, family was just blood ties and power. Now, it included a loyal gardener and a little girl whose existence he had never known until recently.
Vittrio took out his phone and sent a message to his lawyer:
“Begin the process of recognizing Sophia as my daughter. Do it as quickly and discreetly as possible.”
After sending the message, Vittorio stood up and went out onto the porch. Sophia was sitting on the swing, while Renzo was trimming the trees nearby.
Seeing that scene, Vittorio felt a strange but warm sensation spread through his chest.
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For the first time in many years, he no longer felt lonely.
