Chapter 10 - Unraveling the Final Thread
Two days later, federal marshals raided the last remaining logistics hub controlled by the remnants of the Vance and Moretti syndicates.
The waterfront of Baltimore was finally, truly cleansed.
I sat at the massive mahogany desk in Falcone’s private study, going over the final audit of my father’s real estate holdings.
The door opened quietly.
Augustus walked in, holding two cups of steaming black coffee.
He set one down beside me and leaned against the edge of the desk.
“The federal prosecutor just called,” Falcone announced, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “Priscilla tried to blame the entire embezzlement scheme on Tobias Grant. Grant retaliated by handing over documents proving Priscilla helped plan your father's car accident.”
I stopped reading, looking up at him.
“She’s facing life without parole?” I asked quietly.
“Both of them,” Falcone confirmed. “They’ll spend the rest of their days behind federal bars. They will never touch you again, Delaney.”
A profound sense of closure washed over me.
The ghosts of Federal Hill had finally been laid to rest.
“What happens now?” I asked, leaning back in the leather chair. “Now that the empire is secure and the enemies are gone?”
Falcone reached into his pocket.
He didn't pull out a gun.
He didn't pull out a contract.
He pulled out a small, velvet-covered box.
My breath hitched.
He knelt down slowly on one knee right beside my chair, looking up into my eyes with a raw, un guarded devotion that only I was ever permitted to see.
“Now,” Falcone said, his voice deep and steady, “we start our own chapter.”
He opened the box.
Inside rested a magnificent, vintage diamond ring that sparkled brilliantly under the study lights.
“Delaney Whitlock,” he whispered, “you are the strongest, bravest, most extraordinary woman I have ever known. Will you marry me, and rule this harbor by my side?”
Tears spilled over my eyelids, but a radiant smile broke across my face.
“Yes,” I whispered, leaning forward and throwing my arms around his neck. “Yes, Augustus. A million times yes.”
May you like
He slid the diamond ring onto my finger, pulling me into a fierce, passionate embrace as the morning sun broke fully across the Baltimore skyline.
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