Chapter 20 - The Door Stays Open
Six months later, there were flowers again at Bellflower House.
Not for a wedding.
For an opening.
It was not absolution.
But they could change what came next.
Warren Hale was awaiting trial on charges tied to fraud, conspiracy, coercion, and the investigation into Antonio Marconi's death. Preston had entered a plea on the assault and corporate conspiracy counts in exchange for testimony. Rafael was cooperating. Vittorio had resigned from every Marconi company and accepted the consequences of his own role.
Nico's sister kept custody of her children.
Marco found Giulietta in the old back office.
"You have a visitor."
"If it's a man with a ring, tell him the building is closed."
"It's Elena."
Elena entered carrying a small velvet box.
"Absolutely not."
"Relax."
Elena opened the box.
The hotel had returned it after the criminal evidence hold ended.
For months, she had imagined throwing it into the river.
A brass plaque beneath it read:
Elena smiled.
"Your father would have hated the publicity."
"Good."
Outside, Marco held the door for an elderly woman carrying a bouquet of blue flowers.
That was the detail she remembered most clearly from the wedding morning now.
Not Preston's face.
Not Warren's threat.
The locked door.
Giulietta had spent six months learning the opposite.
It was the ability to open the door and still know no one could force you through it.
"You okay?"
Giulietta looked at the flowers, the families, the sunlight, and the ring sitting harmlessly behind glass.
"Yeah."
May you like
She reached for the door and pushed it wider.
"Leave it open."
