Chapter 17 - The New DeLuca
Julian sold the shipping companies.
Closed the private security division.
Ended the criminal operations.
He kept only the legitimate businesses.
The money from the illegal accounts was returned through court-supervised settlements.
The DeLuca name appeared in newspapers for months.
But not as a criminal dynasty.
As a family rebuilding itself.
Claire opened a dance studio for children.
Nora became its director.
Lily attended the first class wearing blue shoes.
Julian watched from the doorway.
She practiced the bluebird turn.
Over and over.
Every time she spun, she laughed.
One afternoon, Claire found Julian standing alone outside the studio.
“You're thinking too much.”
“I do that.”
She smiled.
“I remember.”
He looked at her.
“Do you ever regret leaving?”
Claire took a long breath.
“I regret not knowing how to come back.”
Julian reached for her hand.
“I would have waited.”
“You did.”
“I'd wait again.”
She leaned against him.
Inside, Lily shouted,
“Mommy!”
Claire turned.
“What?”
“Watch me!”
Lily spun.
She stumbled.
Caught herself.
Then laughed.
Claire smiled.
“That was terrible.”
Lily gasped.
“You're supposed to say pretty.”
Julian laughed.
Claire kissed her forehead.
“You were happy.”
Lily nodded.
“That is better.”
Julian looked at Claire.
She looked back.
They both understood.
The bluebird turn had never been about dancing.
May you like
It had been about surviving.
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