The Mafia's Undoing-Chapter 174: New Direction

The press coverage was positive, and they seemed enthusiastic and the press reports they released were all encouraging ones.

Marvin Ventures represents a new direction for the Marvin family legacy.

From organized crime to ethical investing - the Marvin redemption story.

Tony and I were equal partners, making decisions together and building a legacy different from Thomas’s.

Something we could be proud of, and Rose can inherit in the future without shame.

Six weeks after Rose’s kidnapping, we attended Elliot’s graduation from Columbia.

It was his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology - summa cum laude.

The whole family attended. Rose was in a pretty yellow dress, and Tony’s ribs had mostly healed.

We sat in the audience, watching Elliot walk across the stage.

He received his diploma and shook hands with the dean.

I cried from being a proud sister. "My baby brother is now a Bachelor’s degree holder."

Elliot gave a brief speech as one of the top graduates.

He thanked his professors and his classmates. Then continued.

"I want to thank my sister, Katherine. She sacrificed everything for me and put her life on hold to raise me. This degree is as much hers as mine.

As a person living with autism, navigating college was challenging, but I persevered and fought hard to get to where I am today. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support, love, and care of my sister.

She believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself, reminded me that I was special and unique, and treated me no differently from anyone else. Her faith in me pushed me to fight for my dreams, and for that, I am deeply grateful."

I cried as Tony’s arm came around me, and Rose was on my lap, all comforting me.

The post-ceremony was a family celebration.

Elliot announced later. "I’m starting my Master’s program in the fall. Clinical psychology at Columbia again."

"That’s wonderful!" I hugged him. "I’m so proud of you."

"And Jeff and I found an apartment together. We’re moving in next month."

Jeff smiled. He was nervous but happy. "If that’s okay with you, Katherine."

"It’s more than okay. I’m thrilled for both of you."

Elliot looked at me. "You fought for your happiness with Tony in spite of everything and all the danger. You inspired me to fight for mine."

Rose’s first birthday was fast approaching.

One year old, though adjusted age nine months, but we’re celebrating a full year of life.

We planned a party, inviting family and close friends who were safe people and who would be in a controlled environment.

"Survivor’s first birthday," Tony joked. "She’s beaten more odds than most adults face in a lifetime."

The theme was Sunshine and flowers. The colors were yellow and white, which signified brightness, happiness, and hope.

The cake was ordered, decorations were purchased, and the guest list finalized.

It was small and intimate, but that’s what we wanted. A normal, beautiful, and peaceful party.

Everything we fought for.

Tony was fully healed now. It was six weeks post-injury, and his ribs had recovered.

We made love properly and intensely now. There was no holding back.

"I thought I lost you," I gasped. "Thought you’d die in that warehouse."

"Never. I’ll always come back to you. Always. I promised you that."

We had multiple rounds, and it was passionate, celebratory, and life-affirming.

Afterwards, when we lay tangled together, I realized something. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"This is the strongest we’ve ever been. We’ve survived everything, all the wars set against us, and we’re still here, still together, and still in love. This only confirms that we’re soulmates and destined to be together."

"Nothing can break us now. We’re unbreakable." He kissed me softly.

Late at night, I was at Rose’s nursery watching her sleep.

The monitors’ sounds were quiet, and her breathing was steady.

Tony’s arm was around me, and we were both watching our daughter.

"We made it," I whispered.

"Yes, we did."

"Do you think the threats and all possible danger are finally over?"

"I think we’ve proven we can survive anything together as a family. Whatever comes next, we’ll face it together."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

Life is good, and for the first time in four years, I felt truly safe.

Truly at peace.

Rose’s first birthday party came three weeks later.

We held it at Susan’s estate with friends and family gathered, and decorations were set everywhere.

There were yellow balloons, sunshine centerpieces, and flower arrangements.

Rose was in her high chair and had her birthday crown on her head with the cake in front of her.

She was smashing her hands into it, frosting everywhere, and was laughing.

Everyone was taking photos, smiling, happy, and partying.

It was a perfect day and a perfect moment.

Then Luca pulled Tony aside for a quiet conversation. He had an urgent expression on his face.

I noticed immediately and was already worried, so I approached them.

"What’s wrong?"

Tony’s face was pale, and he was shocked.

"My father escaped federal prison."

"What?"

"Two hours ago. It was a high-security breakout and seemed like it was a professional operation. Someone had helped him get out."

"Where is he?"

"Unknown, but he left a message for me." Tony’s voice shook as he continued. "Says he’s coming home. To protect his family, and there’s something I need to know. About our family history, and it’s a threat."

Luca continued grimly. "The message said Thomas is in danger. Someone tried to assassinate him in prison, which is why he escaped. He also has information about another hidden enemy and an urgent matter regarding the Marvin family business. Something we don’t know about."

I stared at Tony. "Is this another threat?"

"He didn’t specify, just said it’s urgent and that we’re all in danger. That he needs to warn us before it’s too late."

Around us, Rose’s party continued with pure laughter, joy, and innocence.

But Tony and I knew.

The peace we fought for might be ending.

Again.