Chapter 10 - A New Empire
Three months later,the Vale estate looked entirely different.
The oppressive,gray shroud that had hung over the Bedford mansion since Elena's death was gone.Fresh white paint lining the hallways,the security upgrades were modernized without feeling like a prison,and the sound of children's laughter echoed from the gardens every single afternoon.
In the sunlit kitchen,Sophie and the triplets were currently engaged in an aggressive flour-throwing contest while the estate chef buried his face in his hands,Laughing helplessly.
Out on the stone terrace,Dominic Vale standing leaning against the rail,Watching the chaos through the glass doors.He wore a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up,looking less like a feared syndicate boss and more like a man finally at peace.
Footsteps almost behind him.
"If the kitchen is destroyed,you're paying for it out of your salary," Dominic said without turning around,a warm smile playing on his lips.
Hannah stepped up beside him,leaning her elbows on the stone rail.She wore a bright floral sundress—a far cry from the thrift-store blazer she had worn when she first arrived at those iron gates.
"My salary is currently being spent on keeping four kids and one stubborn mafia boss in line,Hannah teased,bumping her shoulder against his."I think I deserve a raise.""
Dominic turned,wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close against him.
"You saved my family,Hannah.You own the empire now." he murmured softly before pressing his lips to hers in a lingering,Tender kiss.
May you like
Inside the kitchen,Sophie pressed her face against the glass door,dramatically covering her eyes."Ew!"They're doing the movie thing again!"
Lucas,Mason,and Theo laughed,pelting her with a stray handful of chocolate chips as the morning sun washed over the Vale estate,shining brightly on a family that had finally found its way home.
