Chapter 10 - The New Dynasty
One year later, the snow had returned to New York, blanketing the city in a thick, beautiful white quilt.
Inside the grand ballroom of the Maro estate, the holiday lights twinkled against the high vaulted ceilings, reflecting off the polished marble floors where music drifted softly through the speakers.
There were no board members looking for heirs. There were no corporate assassins waiting in the shadows. There was only family.
In the center of the room, now walking steadily on her own two feet in a tiny pair of red leather shoes, little Lily chased a silver balloon, her laughter ringing out like bells.
Ava stood near the tall French doors, wearing a crimson silk dress, holding a glass of sparkling cider.
Nicholas walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her back against his chest, resting his chin comfortably on her shoulder.
"She looks like you," Nicholas whispered, watching their daughter chase the balloon.
"Thank God for that," Ava smiled, leaning back into his embrace. "She has your stubbornness, though."
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"That's not stubbornness," Nicholas murmured against her neck. "That's survival."
Outside, the snow continued to fall over the city, covering the old wounds and the broken promises of the past. But inside the gates of Maro House, the winter didn't feel cold anymore. It felt like home.
