Chapter 10 - The Legacy of Elena Vale
One year later.
A warm June evening over the Chicago riverfront.
The outdoor terrace of The Monarch was filled with laughter, sparkling lights, and the soft hum of summer jazz floating out across the water.
I stood near the stone balustrade, wearing a stunning white silk jumpsuit that showed off my sculpted shoulders and short, chic pixie cut. My hair had grown out into a gorgeous, modern style that had become something of a fashion trend among Chicago’s young female executives.
Every month, The Monarch hosted "The Hayes Initiative"—a private dinner evening where twenty young working women from the South and Southwest sides were given full corporate mentorship, legal safety training, and micro-grants to start their own businesses.
Standing near the terrace entrance, watching me with a quiet, fierce pride, was Dominic.
He wore a dark blue suit, a glass of aged bourbon in his hand, looking every bit the formidable titan of Chicago. But whenever his eyes met mine across the terrace, the hard granite of his face softened into pure, unadulterated devotion.
Mia walked over to me, holding a tablet. “Mrs. Vale, the mayor’s office just confirmed their attendance for next month’s charity gala.”
“Wonderful, Mia,” I smiled. “Make sure the staff is well-rested, and order the white lilies for the foyer.”
“Right away, boss.”
I turned back to the river, watching the golden reflection of the city lights shimmering on the dark water below.
Twelve months ago, I was kneeling on a cold marble floor, gathering my chopped hair while six wealthy men laughed at my expense, believing my silence could be bought or beaten into submission.
They had thought I was just a waitress.
They had thought I was weak because I chose to serve.
They hadn't realized that the quiet woman carrying their plates was backed by an empire—and possessed a strength that no electric clippers could ever cut away.
Dominic walked up behind me, stepping close, his warm chest pressing gently against my back. His broad arms slid around my waist, pulling me tight against him as the cool summer breeze blew off the lake.
“What are you thinking about, sweetheart?” he murmured into my ear, kissing the soft skin right below my hairline.
I leaned back against him, looking out at the glittering skyline that belonged to us.
“I was thinking about the clock,” I whispered with a soft smile.
Dominic let out a quiet chuckle, his hands holding mine tightly over my stomach, where our six-carat diamond caught the moonlight.
“What about the clock, El?”
“It was the best three minutes of my life,” I said softly, turning my head to press a warm kiss against his jawline.
May you like
Dominic smiled—a rare, breathtaking, genuine smile that transformed his fierce face into something beautiful.
“And now,” Dominic whispered, pulling me close beneath the starry Chicago sky, “you have forever.”
