Chapter 10 - The Master of the House
One month later.
The afternoon sun shone brightly over the Greenwich estate, turning the rolling green lawns into brilliant emerald fields. The dark, oppressive fog that had hung over the property for years seemed to have vanished forever, replaced by the crisp, sweet air of autumn.
On the grand back terrace, Titan lay stretched out in a sunny spot, his tail giving an lazy thump every time a falling leaf brushed his nose.
Sitting on a picnic blanket on the grass, six-year-old Penny was laughing aloud as she showed a new drawing to Mrs. Gable. She was wearing a bright yellow dress, her cheeks full of color, her voice clear and sweet as she chatted happily with the housekeeper.
Standing by the stone railing of the terrace, Kendrick watched them with a quiet, profound peace in his eyes. He wore a simple dark sweater, his right side fully healed from the gunshot wound, his frame as powerful and commanding as ever—but his expression was entirely transformed.
A pair of soft hands wrapped gently around his waist from behind.
Kendrick smiled, turning in the embrace to pull Willa into his arms. She wore a warm cream knit dress, her blonde hair catching the sunlight, her face radiant with happiness.
"Penny just asked if we can go to the beach this weekend," Willa said, leaning her head against his broad chest, listening to the steady, comforting beat of his heart.
"Then we go to the beach," Kendrick murmured, pressing a soft kiss against the top of her head. "Whatever my girls want."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, heavy velvet box, opening it to reveal a breathtaking ring—a rare blue diamond set in platinum, sparkling brilliantly under the sun.
Willa gasped softly, looking up into his warm amber eyes.
"Six years ago, your world was stolen from you," Kendrick said softly, his voice rich with deep, undeniable devotion. "I spent years thinking I could only offer you protection and revenge. But you gave me back my soul, Claire. You gave my daughter her voice. I don't want to just protect your life... I want to build a new one with you."
He took her hand, sliding the ring onto her finger. "Will you marry me, Claire Vance?"
Tears of pure joy filled her eyes as she looked at the ring, then back up at the man who had risked everything to shield her from the dark.
"Yes," she whispered, throwing her arms around his neck. "Yes, Kendrick. A thousand times yes."
Penny came running up the terrace steps, seeing them holding each other. She let out a joyful cheer and jumped up, signing rapidly with her hands: [Family! We are family!]
Kendrick dropped to one knee, sweeping Penny up in his arm while keeping his other arm tightly wrapped around Willa. Titan trotted over, letting out a loud, happy bark before resting his massive head against their legs.
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Willa looked out over the estate, feeling the incredible warmth of the sun and the deep, unbreakable love surrounding her.
The waitress who had once hidden in the darkest corner of a crowded ballroom was gone forever. She was home, whole, and loved—the true lady of the house, holding the heart of the most powerful man in Manhattan.
