Chapter 12 - The Woman Who Wanted Everything
Elena admitted everything.
She had believed Dante's father stole her son's inheritance.
She spent years building a network to take it back.
Victor became her weapon.
Jonathan became her shield.
Marco became her unwilling servant.
Derek became her disposable pawn.
And Emma became the perfect victim.
Elena never expected Dante to fall in love with Emma again.
She never expected Willa—no.
She never expected Emma to survive the lies.
Most of all, she never expected Dante to choose his daughter over his empire.
“You could have ruled everything,” Elena said.
Dante shook his head.
“I don't want everything.”
“What do you want?”
He looked at Emma.
Then Sophia.
“A life.”
Elena laughed.
“You think you can walk away?”
“Yes.”
“You're a Salvatore.”
Dante looked at the family crest on the wall.
“Not anymore.”
He removed the signet ring he had worn since childhood.
He placed it on the table.
“This symbol has caused more suffering than it's worth.”
Emma watched silently.
Dante had finally chosen freedom.
The authorities arrived shortly afterward.
Elena was arrested.
Victor surrendered.
Jonathan testified.
Marco received protection after cooperating.
Derek accepted responsibility for his role.
The Salvatore organization was dismantled.
Dante sold most of the businesses.
He kept only legal companies.
For the first time, his name meant something other than fear.
But there was one thing left.
Emma still had the ring Dante had given her.
She looked at it.
“Do you want it back?”
Dante smiled.
“No.”
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“Why?”
“Because that was the first thing I ever gave you without lying.”
