The first time Leo reached for me, I thought he wanted my necklace. By the third time, the entire restaurant had gone quiet. Aurelia was packed that Friday night, all amber light and white tablecloths, with a jazz trio fighting to be heard over champagne glasses and people who spoke louder whenever they mentioned money.

The next thirty-six hours moved like a whirlwind of silent preparation, intense lessons, and quiet, intimate moments that changed everything between us.

Julian Vance, Dante’s chief legal council—a smooth, silver-haired attorney who looked like he belonged on Wall Street—arrived at the estate on Saturday morning with a team of paralegals. They spent four hours reviewing my mother's birth certificate, my blood tests, and the Zurich trust deeds, preparing the legal documents that would prove my identity beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Gable and a team of high-end fashion stylists transformed my third-floor suite into a haute couture boutique.

By six o'clock on Sunday evening, I stood before the full-length mirror in my dressing room, barely recognizing the woman looking back at me.

I wore a floor-length dress of deep crimson silk that draped elegantly over my frame, featuring a daring open back and a subtle side slit. My dark hair was swept up into an intricate, sophisticated undo, leaving my neck bare except for a stunning vintage diamond necklace that had once belonged to Dante's mother.

I looked royal. I looked powerful. I looked like a Valenti.

A soft knock sounded at the open door.

I turned around. Dante stood on the threshold, wearing a flawless black tuxedo, a dark red silk pocket square tucked into his lapel matching my dress perfectly.

He stopped in his tracks, his dark eyes sweeping over me from head to toe. For three long seconds, the powerful, terrifying mob boss was completely speechbound.

"You look... magnificent, Elena," Dante said, his voice dropping into a low, gravelly timbre that made a delicious shiver run down my spine.

"I feel like an imposter," I admitted softly, smoothing down the front of the red silk gown with trembling hands.

Dante walked across the plush carpet, stopping inches in front of me. He reached out, his warm, broad hand sliding up to rest gently against the side of my neck, his thumb caressing my jawline.

"An imposter hides in the dark, Elena," Dante murmured, his dark eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my pulse race. "Tonight, you walk into the light. You are the daughter of Elena Valenti. You carry the blood of kings and warriors. Do not let them see a single second of hesitation."

I looked up into his eyes, leaning slightly into his warm touch. Over the past three days, the fear I had felt toward this dangerous man had completely evaporated, replaced by a deep, fierce trust—and a rising, undeniable passion that set my skin ablaze whenever he was near.

"What if Lorenzo doesn't care about the legal papers?" I asked softly. "What if he tries to kill us right there?"

Dante’s thumb traced my lower lip gently. "Then my men will turn that ballroom into a cemetery before he can take a breath. I will not let anyone harm you, Elena. I swear it on my life."

He leaned down, his face stopping a hair’s breadth from mine. I held my breath, my lips parting instinctively, waiting for the kiss that hung heavily in the air between us.

Suddenly, a soft babble sounded from the doorway.

We pulled back slightly to see Mrs. Gable standing there, holding Leo. The baby was wearing a tiny black tuxedo suit with a red bow tie, looking like a miniature version of his father.

Leo saw me and immediately held his arms out, letting out an excited squeal: "Mama! Pretty!"

I burst into a genuine laugh, the tension melting away instantly. I stepped forward and carefully scooped Leo into my arms, being careful not to wrinkle my dress.

"Look at you, little gentleman," I cooed, kissing his soft cheek. Leo giggled, resting his tiny hand against my diamond necklace.

Dante stepped up beside us, wrapping his arm around my waist, leaning in close so his chest was pressed against my open back. He looked down at Leo, then at me, his dark eyes filled with a profound, unshakeable devotion.

"We make a good team," Dante whispered against my ear.

"The best," I agreed softly, looking up at him.

"It's time," Marco announced from the doorway, holding two heavy tactical radios. "The motorcade is waiting."

Dante took Leo from my arms and handed him safely to Mrs. Gable, who would remain at the estate under the protection of fifteen armed guards.

Then, Dante turned back to me, offering his broad arm.

"Ready to claim your kingdom, Princess?" Dante asked with a dangerous smile.