Chapter 16 - The Spring AwakeningSpring returned to New York with an explosion of vibrant green leaves and warm, golden sunlight breaking through the winter mist.
Inside the sunlit nursery at The Citadel, baby Leo was now nine months old—laughing, crawling across the plush Persian rugs, and clutching a small wooden toy car shaped like a shipping truck.
Elena sat on the floor beside him, her long dark hair falling over her shoulders, a genuine, radiant smile lighting up her face as she watched her son take his first wobbly steps toward her.
"That's it, my love," she whispered, catching him gently in her arms as he tumbled forward with a happy squeal. "Right into my arms."
May you like
Her phone rested on the side table, silent and peaceful. No frantic calls from board members, no late-night whispers of betrayal, no toxic illusions disguised as romance.
For the first time in her life, Elena had absolute control, absolute peace, and an empire built entirely on her own terms.
