Chapter 27
Claire dropped to her knees, setting her coffee aside, and caught Evan in a fierce, loving embrace. The deeply masculine, terrifying aura she projected to the criminal underworld vanished entirely. She buried her face in his soft hair, inhaling the sweet, innocent scent of her child.
"I'm here, my sweet boy," Claire murmured, kissing his rosy cheek. "Did you have a good night?"
"Yes! Marcus let me play with the dogs!" Evan cheered.
Claire looked up at Marcus, who offered a rare, genuine smile. The hardened, ruthless capo had become fiercely devoted to the little boy, acting as an unwavering, protective guardian.
"We have a full day today, Evan," Claire said, standing up and holding his small hand. "We are going to go look at a new school for you."
The transition from a hunted, abused widow to the undisputed queen of the city allowed Claire to provide Evan with a life of unparalleled privilege and absolute security. The elite private school they toured was heavily vetted, and Claire quietly purchased the adjacent properties to house her invisible, elite security detail.
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No one would ever lay a hand on her son again.
As they walked through the bright, sunlit courtyard of the school, Evan laughed, pointing at a large fountain. Claire watched him, her heart swelling with a profound, unshakeable peace. She had burned down families and slaughtered warlords to secure this exact, perfect moment.
