Chapter 13 - THE QUEEN OF THE NORTH SIDE
Six months later.
The Grand Ballroom of the Palmer House Hotel in downtown Chicago was ablaze with golden chandeliers and crystal centerpieces.
Five hundred of the most influential figures in the state were in attendance.
Senators, federal judges, corporate titans, and the reformed leaders of the city’s trade unions.
Tonight was the inaugural gala for the Thomas Jenkins Foundation for Children’s Health.
The event had already raised fifty million dollars in a single evening.
At the top of the grand marble staircase, the master of ceremonies stepped to the microphone.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the announcer’s voice boomed.
“Please welcome Mr. and Mrs. Adrien Voss.”
The double doors opened.
The ballroom erupted into deafening applause.
Adrien stepped into the light, looking devastatingly handsome in a custom bespoke black tuxedo.
On his arm was Isabella.
She wore a breathtaking off-the-shoulder gown of midnight-blue velvet that flowed around her like liquid silk.
Her dark hair was styled in an intricate updo, held by diamond pins that caught the chandelier light like stars.
She was radiant, confident, and utterly breathtaking.
Beside them walked little Leo, looking sharp and proud in his very first tailored suit.
Leo was completely cancer-free.
The crowd parted with genuine reverence as they descended the staircase.
Marco stood at the base of the stairs in a sharp black suit, bowing his head respectfully to both of them.
“You look magnificent, Mrs. Voss,” Marco said with a warm smile.
“Thank you, Marco,” Isabella beamed, placing a gentle hand on his arm.
“Thank you for everything you did that night.”
“It was my honor, ma’am.”
Adrien led Isabella onto the polished dance floor as the thirty-piece orchestra began a slow, sweeping waltz.
He placed one hand firmly on the small of her back.
Isabella rested her hand on his broad shoulder, her diamond ring catching the golden light.
They moved together with effortless grace, floating across the floor as the entire room watched in awe.
“Are you happy, my love?” Adrien murmured into her ear as they turned.
Isabella looked up into the dark eyes that once terrified an entire city.
Now, those eyes held only adoration for her.
“I am happier than I ever knew a human being could be,” she whispered.
She leaned in, resting her cheek against his lapel.
“And I have a secret to tell you.”
Adrien’s eyebrow arched with curiosity.
“A secret?”
Isabella pulled back slightly, her smile glowing with radiant warmth.
She took his right hand and gently guided it down from her back, resting his palm over her stomach.
Adrien went completely still.
His eyes widened in sudden, profound realization.
“Isabella...” he breathed, his voice catching.
“We’re going to need another bedroom in the east wing,” she whispered.
May you like
For the first time in his entire life, Adrien Voss felt tears sting his eyes.
He swept her into his arms, lifting her off the dance floor and kissing her before five hundred cheering guests.
