Chapter 10 - Queen of the Chicago Sky
One year later.
The grand ballroom of the Castellano Tower—rebuilt, modernized, and more magnificent than ever—was filled with three hundred of the most powerful figures in the Midwest.
There were no whispers. No mocking laughter. No cruel games played by old men in smoky rooms.
Today was the anniversary gala of the Castellano empire.
The string quartet played a soft, elegant melody as the heavy mahogany doors swung open.
Clara walked down the grand staircase.
She wore a breathtaking, custom-designed emerald silk evening gown that sparkled under the crystal chandeliers, her curves celebrated and embraced with quiet, effortless grace. A diamond tiara rested in her dark hair, catching the light with every step she took.
Waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs, dressed in a pristine black tuxedo, was Dominic.
His slate-gray eyes shone with an overwhelming, absolute devotion as he watched her descend. When she reached the final step, he didn't wait for protocol. He stepped forward, taking her hand and pressing a tender, reverent kiss against her knuckles—right over the silvery scar on her wrist.
The room erupted into thunderous, respectful applause.
Later that evening, standing out on the private thirty-eighth-floor balcony, the cool Chicago breeze rustled Clara’s gown as she leaned against Dominic’s side, looking out over the endless, glittering sea of city lights below.
Dominic wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back against his chest, resting his chin gently on her shoulder.
“Penny for your thoughts, Mrs. Castellano,” Dominic murmured, his lips brushing against her ear.
Clara smiled, covering his hands with her own, looking up at the stars sparkling above the Chicago sky.
“I was just thinking,” she whispered softly, “about the fire. And how thankful I am that we didn't burn.”
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Dominic chuckled softly, turning her in his arms so she could face him, his eyes burning with an eternity of love and protection.
“We didn't burn, tesoro,” Dominic said, his voice a sacred vow. “We became the flame.”
