Chapter 18 - The Burning Empire
With Javier neutralized and the Calabrian network dismantled, the syndicate’s leadership in Mexico scattered like rats fleeing a sinking ship. The federal police, armed with the digital proofs I uncovered, raided every remaining front company linked to the European board.
Back in Mexico City, the air felt lighter. The constant shroud of paranoia that had hung over the Polanco mansion since my first day in Chapultepec finally began to lift.
Elena called a family dinner—the first one in decades where no bodyguards were stationed inside the dining room.
“To Lucía,” Elena raised her crystal glass of wine, her sharp eyes softening with genuine warmth. “You saved my grandson in the park, and you saved our entire dynasty from the shadows. You are a Vitale in every way that matters.”
I smiled, glancing across the table at Santiago, who sat watching me with an expression of deep, anchoring devotion.
Later that evening, as the city glittered outside the sprawling balcony of the estate, Santiago walked up behind me, wrapping his strong arms around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder.
“Are you regretting the day you stopped to comfort a crying child in the park?” he murmured softly against my ear.
I turned around within his embrace, wrapping my arms around his neck, a playful smile touching my lips.
May you like
“Every single day,” I teased gently. “My life has never been more chaotic.”
Santiago’s lips curved into a rare, breathtaking smile before he leaned down and kissed me—a slow, deep, grounding kiss that swept away every remaining shadow of the past.
