Chapter 20 - Crown of Blood and GraceThree weeks later.
The sun shone brightly over the grand courtyard of the Moretti estate. The bullet holes in the limestone pillars had been repaired, the shattered glass replaced, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming white roses.
Inside the grand ballroom, Il Destino had catered a private, exclusive celebration. But tonight, it wasn't a business meeting or a tense underworld summit.
It was a wedding.
The crystal chandelier sparkled brilliantly overhead. At the altar stood Rico, dressed in a flawless black tuxedo, his blue eyes shining with an emotion that the underworld never thought possible.
The double doors swung open.
Clara walked down the aisle. She wore a breathtaking, elegant white lace gown that swept the marble floor. Her hair was styled in soft waves, and her eyes were bright, filled with fierce independence and profound love.
Running ahead of her, holding a velvet pillow with two platinum wedding bands, was three-year-old Leo. He was wearing a miniature tuxedo just like his father’s, giggling as he toddled across the floor straight toward Rico.
Rico knelt down, scooping his son up with one arm, while his other hand reached out to take Clara’s fingers as she finally reached the altar.
"You look stunning," Rico whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
"You clean up alright yourself, Mr. Moretti," Clara teased softly with a radiant smile.
May you like
As the priest began the ceremony, and Leo proudly held up the rings for them to take, Clara looked around the room. She saw Dante smiling softly near the front row, she felt the warm spring breeze drifting in from the gardens, and she knew she had finally found her home in the most dangerous place on earth.
The waitress from the back corner of the bistro had taken her place at the king's table—and together, they had built an empire that nothing could ever break.
