Chapter 15 - The Ledger of Forever
Penelope’s breath hitched in her throat.
Larkin opened the box, revealing a flawless, five-carat emerald-cut diamond ring, gleaming beneath the soft office lights.
"One year ago, I was a bored, arrogant man who thought cruelty was strength," Larkin said, his eyes filled with profound love and devotion. "I brought you into a room of monsters hoping to watch you break, and instead, you showed me what real power looked like. You saved my life, you rebuilt my world, and you stole my heart completely."
He took her hand, his fingers warm and steady against hers.
"Penelope Woods, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, my partner, and the Queen of everything we have built?"
Tears of pure joy shimmered in Penelope's dark eyes. She didn't hesitate for a fraction of a second.
"Yes," she whispered, her voice rich with emotion. "Yes, Larkin."
Larkin slid the ring onto her finger, standing up and pulling her into a passionate, breathless kiss that lifted her right out of her chair.
Two hours later, the Continental Hotel ballroom was once again packed with the city’s elite. But this time, there were no smirks, no whispers, and no bets.
When the brass doors swung open, Larkin Steves walked in, holding his head high. And on his arm, wearing a breathtaking gown of pure white silk with diamond chains draping across her back, walked Penelope Woods—the undisputed Queen of his heart and his empire.
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Everyone who had once laughed now stood in absolute awe, raising their glasses in tribute to the woman who had turned an empire upside down and found her happily ever after.
THE END
