Chapter 10
Six months later.
The summer sun shone brightly over the manicured gardens of the Lake Forest estate. The heavy gloom that once hung over the property had completely lifted, replaced by an atmosphere of modern elegance and security.
In the grand study where porcelain had once shattered on a freezing winter morning, sunlight now flooded through open windows, bringing the scent of fresh roses from the garden outside.
Emily stood by the large desk, dressed in a sharp tailored cream suit, looking over the final scholarship grants for the Moretti Foundation’s new community center in South Chicago.
The heavy oak doors opened smoothly, and Dominic stepped into the room. He wore a dark blue suit, his expression relaxed and confident.
He walked straight past his desk, coming to stand behind Emily, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin softly on her shoulder.
“You’re working too hard,” he whispered into her ear.
Emily laughed softly, leaning back against his chest. “Someone has to keep your foundation organized, Mr. Moretti.”
“Dominic,” he reminded her gently, kissing her cheek.
A quiet knock sounded at the open door. Vince stepped into the room, holding a brief document.
“Boss, Ms. Carter,” Vince said with a respectful nod. “The final legal transfers for the Northside community project are signed. Everything is clear.”
“Thank you, Vince,” Emily smiled.
Vince nodded and stepped back out, closing the door behind him to give them privacy.
Dominic turned Emily around in his arms, looking down at her with clear affection. The dark shadows of his past, the threats of betrayal, and the chaos of the city seemed miles away.
“Three years ago, you walked into this house with your head down, carrying a cleaning tray,” Dominic said softly, his hands resting gently on her waist.
“And now?” Emily asked, raising an eyebrow with a playful smile.
“And now you run the place,” Dominic replied, his voice filled with pride and devotion. “And you stole the heart of the most dangerous man in Chicago.”
Emily reached up, framing his face with her hands, her ring catching the sunlight streaming through the window.
May you like
“I didn’t steal it,” she whispered softly before kissing him. “You gave it to me.”
Outside, the warm summer breeze rustled through the trees of the estate. The past was buried, the betrayals were answered, and in the heart of the city, love had built an unbreakable fortress.
