Chapter 9 - The Debt Repaid
"I'm so sorry, Mr. Romano," Mara wept, keeping her head bowed. "I'll pack our things immediately. We'll leave the city tonight."
"You aren't going anywhere, Mara," Damen said, his voice completely steady and absolute.
He reached out his massive hand, gently resting it on Ellie’s shoulder. Atlas, having finished dealing with the traitors, trotted over and sat obediently right next to the little girl, resting his heavy head against her leg.
"This house is built on loyalty," Damen continued, looking the maid directly in the eyes. "Your daughter walked into a room full of guns and a killer dog to protect me when my own blood brother tried to put me in the ground. She showed more courage than any capo in my syndicate."
Mara swallowed hard, stunned by the profound respect in his tone.
"You are no longer a maid in this house," Damen vowed, the absolute power of the underworld backing every single word. "Your daughter's education, your housing, and your financial security are entirely covered for the rest of your lives. You sit at my table now. You are under my personal, unbreakable protection."
May you like
Mara covered her face, sobbing with absolute, unadulterated joy. For years, she had struggled to survive, working endless hours to keep her daughter safe. In a single afternoon, her entire world had been secured forever.
👉 The king had reclaimed his throne, leaving the little girl with the ultimate victory.
