Chapter 38
"We brought you something, Mommy," Mia whispered, stepping forward and placing a beautifully painted, small wooden box next to the lilies. "It has pictures of us inside, so you can see how much we've grown."
Adrian’s heart ached with a profound, beautiful sorrow. He wrapped his powerful arms around both of his daughters, holding them tightly against his chest in the warm sunlight. They stood together in silence for a long time, honoring the woman who had sacrificed everything for their lives.
As they turned to walk back to the convoy, Dante approached, his expression serious but calm. "Sir, the European syndicates sent flowers to the estate this morning. A gesture of respect for the anniversary."
Adrian nodded slowly. The tribute was a clear indication that his brutal extortion of Julian Sterling and his violent eradication of the cartels had resonated globally. The Hale syndicate was universally recognized as an untouchable superpower.
"Acknowledge their gesture," Adrian instructed smoothly. "But remind them that our borders remain closed."
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The drive back to the estate felt lighter. The crushing grief of the anniversary was tempered by the overwhelming, joyful reality of his daughters' presence. They returned to a fortress that was completely secure, free of any internal treason or external threats.
That evening, the grand dining room was filled with laughter. Catherine joined them for dinner, the dark, heavy atmosphere of the past entirely replaced by familial warmth. Adrian sat at the head of the table, his movie-star handsome face relaxed, watching his girls debate about their upcoming school projects.
