Chapter 26
The following weeks were a period of unparalleled, absolute peace. The violent eradication of the Montreal syndicate had sent a terrifying shockwave across the continent. No rival family dared to breathe the name Falcone with disrespect.
Dominic utilized the tranquility to restructure the syndicate's legitimate corporate holdings, ensuring that Lily’s future was entirely insulated from the dark realities of his profession.
It was a quiet Friday evening. The estate was heavily fortified but felt incredibly warm and safe. Dominic sat in his private study, the heavy oak doors closed. He poured a single glass of expensive bourbon, staring into the crackling fire.
The door opened softly, and Elena stepped inside. She wore a stunning, elegant evening dress, her hair pinned up flawlessly. The cinematic, golden light of the fire danced across her fair skin.
"Is the meeting over?" Elena asked, referring to his earlier conference with the capos.
"The business is concluded," Dominic replied, setting his glass down. He walked slowly toward her, his deeply masculine presence filling the room. "The borders are secure. The accounts are overflowing."
He stopped inches from her, his dark eyes locking onto hers. "But none of it matters without you."
Elena’s breath caught. She looked up at the apex predator who had burned down empires to protect her. "Dominic..."
"You stepped in front of a heavy door to protect a child that wasn't yours," Dominic whispered, his voice dropping into a terrifyingly intimate register. "You healed this family. You healed me."
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He reached into his pocket and withdrew a small, velvet box. He opened it, revealing a flawless, breathtaking diamond ring.
"Marry me, Elena," Dominic commanded softly, a proposal wrapped in absolute certainty. "Rule this empire with me."
