Chapter 10 - The Empire of UsSix months later, the spring flowers in the Beacon Hill mansion’s dining room were the brightest white the estate had ever seen.
The Boston newspapers ran a bizarre headline that sent shockwaves through the financial and criminal districts alike: Callum Vale, Notorious Underworld Tycoon, Steps Down from Shipping Conglomerate to Focus on Private Estate Management and Philanthropy.
Inside the grand courtyard, beneath a canopy of blooming cherry blossoms, a small, private gathering was taking place. There were no corrupt politicians, no union enforcers, and no federal prosecutors. Just Marcus, Dante, a few trusted staff members, and a local magistrate.
Maeve stood at the altar wearing a simple, elegant ivory dress, her wrist fully healed, holding a bouquet of fresh lilies.
As Callum stepped up beside her, dressed in a sharp tuxedo with his sleeves neatly buttoned, he looked at her with a warmth that completely eclipsed the cold, terrifying mafia boss he once was.
"You missed a spot on the north library window this morning," Callum teased quietly as the magistrate began to speak.
Maeve smiled, her eyes shining with absolute happiness. "Then I guess you'll just have to keep me around to clean it tomorrow, Mr. Vale."
May you like
Callum slid a heavy, diamond-set platinum band onto her finger, sealing an alliance far stronger than any syndicate pact ever forged.
"For the rest of our lives, Maeve," he whispered, kissing her gently as the sun broke through the Boston clouds. "And not a single day less."
