Chapter 10 - The Queen's Protector
The chaotic, violent energy completely evaporated from the massive mansion.
Dante walked down the silent hallway and knocked gently on the heavy steel door of the safe room. Clara immediately unlocked it, standing protectively in front of Eleanor, who was resting on a plush sofa.
Dante bypassed the formalities. He dropped to his knees on the carpet, burying his face in his mother's hands, entirely shattered by the guilt of almost losing her.
"I am so sorry, Mom," Dante choked out, tears finally falling from his dark eyes. "She will never, ever hurt you again."
Eleanor smiled softly, gently stroking her son's wavy dark hair. "I know, Dante. I'm safe now."
Dante slowly stood up. He turned to Clara, who was standing quietly in her black and white uniform, expecting to simply go back to cleaning the kitchen.
Dante looked at the fierce, brave young woman who had risked her entire livelihood—and her life—to protect a fragile woman in the dark.
"Your job as a maid ended the second you put those pills on my table, Clara," Dante said softly, his eyes filled with profound, overwhelming respect.
Clara gasped slightly as Dante pulled a heavy, black titanium keycard from his pocket and handed it to her.
"You are now the Chief Executive of this estate," Dante vowed, the absolute power of his wealth backing every syllable. "I am quadrupling your salary. You will have a private suite, a personal security detail, and full authority over this household. You are no longer the hired help. You are family."
Clara wept with pure, unadulterated joy, hugging Eleanor tightly.
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The dark shadows of cruelty were permanently banished from the estate, replaced by an empire built on absolute loyalty, undeniable courage, and perfect justice.
If you were Dante, would you have handed Victoria to the police, or was completely bankrupting her family the ultimate, perfect revenge?
