Chapter 16
Two hours later, the smoke cleared over the Santoro estate, leaving the courtyard silent save for the hum of idling federal transport vehicles and the crisp mountain wind.
The mercenaries had been rounded up, zip-tied, and loaded into federal vans under the direct supervision of a corrupt-free strike force Belvin had activated through his deep international contacts. The Zurich mastermind’s network in New York had been completely dismantled in a single, surgical sweep.
Inside the grand library of the manor, Julian Rivers sat comfortably in a leather armchair, sipping hot tea while a syndicate medic checked his fractured wrist.
Belvin stood by the massive stone fireplace, staring down into the crackling flames. He held the ancient, leather-bound ledger in his hands—the book that had cost his family their empire, and Naomi’s family their peace.
Naomi walked into the library, carrying a fresh cup of coffee. She handed it to Belvin, then sat down on the edge of the mahogany desk opposite him.
"The federal marshals are taking Julian to a secure medical facility in Vermont," Naomi said softly, watching the older man across the room. "He’ll be safe there. Truly safe."
"And so will you," Belvin said, turning his dark eyes toward her. He placed the heavy ledger onto the desk between them. "The final chapter is closed, Naomi. The past is officially buried."
"Not buried," Naomi corrected gently, resting her hand over the worn leather cover of the ledger. "Remembered. My parents didn't fight and die so we could hide in the dark, Belvin. They fought so we could have a future."
Belvin reached across the desk, placing his large, warm hand over hers. The touch sent a steady, grounding current straight through her veins.
"And what does your future look like, Naomi Rivers?" he asked, his voice dropping into an intimate register that made the rest of the room fade away.
"Well," she smiled, a genuine, radiant expression that transformed her tired features into something breathtaking. "I still have an animal rescue center to run. Maya starts college in the fall. And..." She glanced down toward the doorway, where Titan was curled up happily on a brand-new Persian rug, chewing on a heavy rubber toy. "I suppose I need to keep an eye on your dog. Someone has to make sure he doesn't terrorize any more real estate developers."
May you like
A low, deep laugh rumbled in Belvin’s chest—a sound warm and entirely real. He stepped around the desk, closing the distance until he was standing right beside her, pulling her gently into his arms.
"Then it's a good thing," Belvin murmured against her hair, "that I have plenty of room on this estate for stray animals... and stubborn women."
