Chapter 15 - THE HAPPY ENDING
Ten years later.
The lawns behind the Moretti estate echoed with the joyful laughter of children running across the emerald grass.
Chloe sat on the shaded terrace, resting comfortably against Victor’s shoulder as they watched their six-year-old daughter chase a golden retriever across the yard.
Liam had graduated from medical school top of his class and now ran the pediatric oncology wing at St. Vincent’s Hospital, funded in perpetuity by the foundation.
The city of Chicago was peaceful, prosperous, and free of the shadow syndicates that had once choked its streets.
Victor wrapped his arms tighter around his wife, pulling her flush against his chest as the sun dipped below the skyline, painting the horizon in brilliant shades of gold and amber.
"Do you ever miss the Gilded Stag?" Victor asked softly, a playful glint in his gray eyes. "Do you ever wish you were still holding a champagne tray?"
Chloe smiled, leaning up to kiss his cheek.
"Not at all, Victor," she whispered, resting her hand over his. "I much prefer owning the building."
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They stood together as the evening mist rolled over the lake—a perfect, unbreakable ending to a story that had started with a terrified waitress and a mafia boss who knew how to recognize true strength.
THE END
