Chapter 9 - The Rightful Queen
The chaotic, violent energy of the night finally ended.
Gabriel returned to the grand luxury mansion just as the sun began to rise, casting a warm, golden light through the large windows. The estate was completely secure. The Barone family was destroyed, and Cassandra was permanently removed from their lives.
Gabriel walked slowly up the grand staircase. He opened the door to Lily's bedroom.
Lily was fast asleep in her bed, clutching a new stuffed animal. Sitting in a chair beside the bed, watching over the child, was Natalie. The young maid was still wearing her black and white uniform, exhausted but fiercely protective.
Gabriel walked into the room. He didn't ignore his expensive suit; he dropped to one knee right beside the chair. The terrifying, ruthless mafia boss completely melted away, leaving only a profoundly grateful, loving father.
"You stayed," Gabriel whispered softly.
"I wouldn't leave her, sir," Natalie replied, keeping her voice low so as not to wake the little girl. "She needed someone to feel safe."
Gabriel reached into his pocket. He pulled out the solid gold locket. He had spent the last three hours having his private jeweler perfectly repair the broken clasp and the scratched casing. It looked brand new.
He gently placed the locket on Lily’s nightstand.
He looked at Natalie, his dark eyes filled with absolute, unbreakable respect.
"You stood up to a monster to protect my child," Gabriel said, his voice thick with genuine emotion. "You are no longer a maid in this house, Natalie."
Natalie’s eyes widened in fear, thinking she was being fired. "Sir, please—"
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"I am promoting you to Head of the Estate," Gabriel declared softly, cutting her off. "I am tripling your salary, paying for your entire college tuition, and giving you your own private suite. You are family now. And nobody will ever disrespect you in my home again."
👉 What beautiful, emotional moment awaits the father and daughter?
