Chapter 14 - THE PROPOSAL ON THE BALTIMORE DOCK
Six months later.
The industrial waterfront had been completely transformed.
Where Pier 44 once stood as a decaying wasteland of rusted iron and criminal enterprise, the city had opened the Moretti Waterfront Park—a sprawling green space featuring walking trails, a children’s hospital wing funded by the foundation, and a marina filled with sailboats.
On a warm Saturday afternoon, Chloe stood near the railing of the newly built observation deck, looking out over the glittering blue waters of Lake Michigan.
Footsteps approached behind her.
She turned around.
Victor was standing there, holding a small velvet box in his hand.
He didn't make a speech. He didn't drop to one knee in the dirt.
He simply opened the box, revealing a brilliant, flawless diamond ring set in platinum.
"I spent my entire life building an empire on power, fear, and control," Victor said, his deep voice steady and absolute. "I thought love was a liability. A weakness waiting to be exploited."
He looked down into her eyes.
"Then a waitress dropped a water pitcher on my table and ruined everything."
Chloe laughed, tears shining in her eyes as she held out her left hand. "You took your sweet time ruining it, Victor."
May you like
He slid the platinum ring onto her finger, sealing it with a slow, tender kiss that tasted of sunshine and victory.
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