I almost made it to the table. Six more steps. That was all I needed. My name is Claire Dawson. I was twenty-eight, worked as a housemaid in Luca Moretti’s Chicago

The arrests sent shockwaves through Chicago's elite business circles within hours.

By two o'clock that afternoon, local news channels were broadcasting live footage from outside the federal courthouse. Julian Vance and Vanessa Bellini were shown being led up the granite steps in handcuffs, surrounded by federal agents, charged with corporate espionage, grand larceny, attempted murder, and conspiracy.

Inside the quiet sanctuary of the Moretti penthouse, the atmosphere was entirely different.

Claire stood near the floor-to-ceiling windows of Luca's private office on the top floor of the tower, watching the police sirens flashing thirty stories below.

She had removed her uniform. In its place, she wore a simple white blouse and black trousers Luca’s staff had brought for her. Her bandaged arm hung comfortably in its sling.

The heavy door opened, and Luca walked in. He had discarded his suit jacket, rolling his white shirt sleeves up to his forearms, looking exhausted but immensely powerful.

He walked over to the side bar, poured two glasses of sparkling water, and walked over to hand one to Claire.

"They won't be getting bail," Luca said quietly, looking out at the city skyline beside her. "Julian’s offshore accounts have been frozen by federal marshals, and Vanessa’s father has officially disowned her to protect his own firm."

Claire took a sip of her water, feeling a strange, hollow sensation in her chest. "It’s over."

"For them, yes," Luca said.

Claire turned her head to look at him. "And for my brother?"

Luca reached into his trousers pocket and pulled out a blue leather folder, laying it on the window ledge between them.

Claire looked down at it. "What's this?"

"This is a deed to the West Chicago Rehabilitation Center," Luca revealed smoothly. "And a contract for Dr. Aris Thorne—the top orthopedic neurologist in North America—to take over Leo's care starting tomorrow morning."

Claire felt her throat tighten. "Luca... I can't accept this. I did what I did because it was the truth, not for a bribe—"

"It isn't a bribe, Claire," Luca interrupted, his voice surprisingly gentle as he stepped closer to her. "It is restitution. Julian was my vice president. He used my resources to hurt your family. I take full responsibility for what happened under my roof."

Tears welled in Claire’s hazel eyes, spilling over her lashes before she could stop them. For three long, agonizing months, she had carried the crushing weight of her brother's future on her shoulders. Now, in a single sentence, the weight was lifted.

She covered her face with her uninjured hand, letting out a soft, trembling sob.

Luca didn't hesitate. He reached out, pulling her gently into his chest. His arms wrapped around her slim shoulders, shielding her from the cold world outside.

Claire leaned into his warmth, burying her face against his crisp white shirt, feeling the steady, powerful rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her cheek.