Chapter 10 - The New Rule
Three months later, the Chicago sun broke through the clouds over the museum district, reflecting off the glass facade of the Art Institute.
Sadie walked through the grand marble lobby, wearing a sharp tailored burgundy suit and low leather heels. Her limp was completely gone, leaving only a faint, silvery scar on her calf that no one could see.
She wasn't carrying her work in an old leather portfolio anymore.
Walking two paces behind her was Marcus, wearing a sleek black suit, holding a high-security titanium briefcase.
Sadie walked into the museum director’s private office.
The director, a haughty man named Dr. Sterling who had spent years treating Sadie like an underpaid assistant, stood up quickly, his face pale with nervous energy.
“Miss Miller,” Dr. Sterling stammered, smoothing his tie. “Welcome back. We... we received the paperwork from the Russo Foundation. Is it true? Mr. Russo has donated the entire Renaissance collection to our private gallery?”
Sadie sat down in the leather chair opposite his desk, leaning back with a calm, effortless authority that she had learned from the best.
“It is true, Dr. Sterling,” Sadie said smoothly. “On one condition.”
“Anything! Name it!”
“I will serve as the chief curator of the collection,” Sadie announced, her voice ringing clear and strong through the office. “I choose the authentication staff. I set the budget. And you will never question my timeline again.”
Dr. Sterling swallowed hard, looking past Sadie at the broad shoulder of Marcus standing at the door.
“Agreed,” Dr. Sterling said quickly, signing the contract on his desk. “Completely agreed.”
Sadie stood up, shaking his hand once before turning and walking out into the sunny plaza outside the museum.
Idling at the curb was a sleek black armored SUV.
The rear door opened as she approached.
Callum sat inside, wearing a dark navy suit, his Patek Philippe gleaming on his wrist in the afternoon sun. He set down his tablet as she slid into the leather seat beside him.
The heavy car doors clicked shut, sealing them inside their private world.
Callum reached out, pulling her smoothly into his side, his large hand resting warm against her waist. He leaned down, kissing her temple softly.
“How did it go, Chief Curator?” Callum asked, a proud, handsome smile touching his dark lips.
“He signed everything,” Sadie said, laying her head against his shoulder, feeling the steady, comforting beat of his heart. “He didn't even argue.”
“Smart man,” Callum murmured, his fingers softly playing with her hair. “He knows what happens to people who disrespect my wife.”
Sadie looked up at him, flashing her gold wedding band that matched the silver one on his finger.
“I thought the first rule of surviving a man like Callum Russo was never to keep him waiting,” Sadie teased gently, touching his lapel.
May you like
Callum looked down at her, his stormy dark eyes filled with an absolute, breathtaking love that had rewritten his entire world.
“Rules change, little bird,” Callum whispered, leaning down to capture her lips in a sweet, lingering kiss. “The new rule is simple: you take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere.”
