Chapter 10 - The New Empire
The heavy oak doors to the study suddenly swung open.
Sophie came running into the room, holding a massive, messy bowl of chocolate ice cream, completely oblivious to the heavy emotional tension in the room.
"Mama! Look!" Sophie beamed, running directly toward Dominic, who was still kneeling on the floor.
The towering man caught his daughter, hugging her tightly, burying his face in her messy braids to hide his tears. Sophie giggled, completely safe and entirely fearless in her father's massive arms.
Claire watched them. She saw the absolute, unconditional love radiating from the man she had been so terrified of. The violence was gone. The threat was neutralized.
Claire slowly knelt down on the plush carpet next to them. She reached out, gently placing her hand over Dominic’s tattooed arm. The fear in her chest completely evaporated, violently replaced by a profound, heavy peace.
"You don't get to buy us off that easily," Claire whispered, offering him a beautiful, tearful smile.
Dominic looked up at her, realizing that his family was finally, permanently home.
May you like
The violent empire was dead, the traitor was locked away forever, and the fearless little girl who asked for a hug had completely rewritten their destinies.
If you were Claire, would you have ever trusted the reformed mafia boss again, or would you have taken the fifty million dollars and left the city forever?
