Chapter 10 - The Empire's New QueenThree months later.
The crystal chandelier at Il Destino vibrated once more—not from screams, but from the soft, joyous laughter of a toddler chasing a silver spoon across the polished marble floor.
The entire restaurant was closed to the public tonight. At the king's table in the center of the room sat Rico Moretti, dressed in a sharp new Brioni suit, his expression relaxed, a genuine, warm smile gracing his lips as he watched his son play.
Leo, now laughing and chattering in full, complete sentences, ran up to the side of the table, holding up a piece of fresh fruit. "Look, Papa! Clara gave it to me!"
Rico smiled, leaning down to ruffle his son's dark curls. "That's wonderful, Leo. Go show Clara."
At the service counter, Clara Vance watched the scene unfold. She was wearing a tailored, elegant designer dress instead of a cheap waitress apron. Her hair was styled neatly, and the tired, hunted look in her eyes had been replaced by a quiet, radiant confidence.
The front doors of the restaurant chimed softly.
Rico stood up, walking across the marble floor until he stopped right in front of her. He reached into his inner pocket, but instead of pulling out a weapon or a wad of cash, he pulled out a small velvet box and dropped slowly to one knee right there on the restaurant floor.
Marco nearly dropped a tray of champagne flutes near the kitchen doors, his jaw hitting the floor. Dante, standing guard near the entrance, gave a rare, approving nod.
"When you walked toward my table three months ago, you didn't just save my son," Rico said, his deep voice ringing clearly through the silent restaurant, his eyes shining with absolute devotion. "You saved my soul. I know I started this by trapping you in my world... but I want to spend the rest of my life making sure you never want to leave."
He popped open the velvet box, revealing a stunning, flawless diamond ring that sparkled brilliantly under the crystal chandelier.
"Clara Vance, will you stay with us forever? Will you be our queen?"
Clara looked down at Rico, then over at little Leo, who was clapping his hands and shouting, "Say yes, Clara! Say yes!"
A soft, genuine smile spread across her face. She reached out, taking Rico’s hand, and pulled him up to his feet.
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"Only if I'm the one making the rules from now on, Mr. Moretti," Clara whispered playfully.
Rico laughed, sliding the ring onto her finger and pulling her into a passionate, breathless embrace as the entire restaurant erupted into applause. The Butcher of Brooklyn had finally found his peace, and the waitress from the back corner had just inherited an empire.
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