Industrial bleach had ruined Sadi Hayes’s hands. At twenty-four, her knuckles were cracked, red, and bleeding from scrubbing stains no one at the Castello estate dared explain.

That evening, the city experienced a swift, silent purge.

Victor didn't start a bloody war in the streets. Instead, he used his massive financial intelligence network to completely dismantle the Falcone syndicate within six hours. He seized their illegal assets, leaked their offshore accounts to international law enforcement, and forced Julian Falcone to sign a complete surrender before fleeing to Europe.

By midnight, the city was dead quiet. The Costello empire stood absolute, unchallenged, and entirely secure.

Back at the estate, the third-floor master suite was bathed in the warm, flickering light of the fireplace.

Sam was fast asleep downstairs in the newly built private medical wing, surrounded by private nurses and top-tier equipment.

Sadi stood by the balcony glass, wearing a soft silk robe, watching the snowfall over the estate gardens. The heavy mahogany doors opened, and Victor stepped inside. He had shed his jacket and holster, looking exhausted but deeply at peace.

He walked up behind her, wrapping his thick arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder.

"Falcone is gone," Victor whispered into the quiet room. "The city is quiet. You and Sam are safe. Forever."

Sadi rested her hands over his, leaning back against his solid chest. "I used to wake up every morning terrified of the future, Victor. Terrified of the bills, terrified of losing Sam, terrified of the men in the shadows."

Victor turned her around in his arms, looking down at her with a depth of love that made her breath catch.

"No more shadows, Sadi," Victor promised softly. "From now on, you walk in the light. Beside me."

He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. He opened it to reveal a magnificent ring—a flawless oval-cut diamond set in platinum, glittering under the firelight.

Sadi gasped, her hand coming up to cover her mouth.

"I didn't bring you into my life just to protect you, Sadi," Victor confessed, his deep voice thick with emotion. "I brought you in because you saved me. You showed me that even in a world full of blood and greed, there is something real worth living for."

He took her bandaged hand, kissing her soft fingers gently.

"Will you marry me, Sadi Hayes? Will you be my queen?"