Chapter 10 - The Empire We Protect
Three months later, the spring thaw had transformed the grounds of the Moretti estate into a vibrant landscape of blossoming green lawns, budding cherry trees, and clear blue fountains.
Inside the grand foyer of Paramount Holdings downtown, the marble floors gleamed like mirrors under the afternoon sun.
I stood near the executive elevators, wearing a sharply tailored charcoal pantsuit instead of a housemaid's uniform, holding an encrypted tablet in my left hand while Mateo walked beside me reviewing the morning security logs for the eastern shipping docks.
"The new biometric scanners are fully operational, Chief," Mateo reported respectfully, using my new title without a hint of irony. "Russo’s crew hasn't dared come within five miles of our perimeter since February."
"Good," I replied calmly, swiping through the digital manifest. "Keep the patrols doubled on Dock 4. Mr. Moretti is inspecting the incoming container shipments from Rotterdam this afternoon."
As if summoned by my words, the private elevator chime pinged with a crisp, pleasant note.
The heavy brass doors slid open.
Luca stepped out, looking immaculate in a navy tailored suit, his dark hair neatly styled. He held a takeaway cup of dark espresso in one hand and a single fresh white rose in the other.
He stopped a few feet away from me, dismissing Mateo with a subtle wave of his hand.
Mateo nodded, flashed a respectful grin, and walked down the corridor toward the security office, leaving the two of us alone in the quiet foyer.
"You're running this building better than my former chief operating officer, and he went to Harvard," Luca noted, stepping closer and extending the single white rose toward me.
I took the flower, sliding it neatly into the lapel pocket of my jacket, and smiled.
"Harvard didn't teach him how to survive four years of hospital budget cuts and a mafia shootout in a subterranean garage, Luca," I replied smoothly.
Luca chuckled, a rich, warm sound that echoed off the marble walls, before reaching out to gently adjust the collar of my jacket with familiar, effortless affection.
"No," he agreed softly, his dark eyes shining with quiet pride and absolute devotion. "They didn't."
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We stood together in the center of the grand foyer, the bustling city of Chicago moving past the massive glass doors outside, completely unaware of the quiet, unbreakable power that now guarded the heart of the empire.
I wasn't invisible anymore. I was standing right beside the man who ruled the city. And together, we were untouchable.
