Chapter 12 - After the Fall
Two weeks later, the scandal of the decade was still dominating every news network.
Vanessa and Julian were denied bail, facing life in federal prison.
Dante had successfully reclaimed his empire, purging the company of anyone loyal to the traitors.
I was standing in a massive, sunlit apartment overlooking Central Park.
The paperwork on the glass coffee table was a deed to the apartment, entirely paid for, alongside a bank draft for ten million dollars.
Dante stood by the window, watching me.
“It’s everything I promised,” he said quietly.
“A new life. You can go anywhere, do anything you want, Cara.”
I picked up the bank draft.
It was more money than I could ever comprehend.
I didn't have to worry about overdue rent or twelve-hour shifts ever again.
I was free.
But looking at Dante, my heart felt unexpectedly heavy.
“Thank you,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
“You kept your word.”
I set the draft down and picked up my purse, heading toward the door.
I reached for the handle, fighting back the sudden, inexplicable sting of tears.
“Cara.”
His voice stopped me.
I turned around. Dante crossed the room in three long strides, closing the distance between us until I had to look up to meet his gray eyes.
“I kept my promise to protect you,” Dante said, his voice thick with emotion he rarely showed.
“But I never promised to let you walk out of my life.”
My breath hitched as he reached up, gently brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
“What are you saying, Dante?”
“I’m saying the money is yours, no matter what,” he murmured, his gaze dropping to my lips.
“But I want you to stay. Not as a witness. Not as a savior. Just… stay.”
I looked into the eyes of the man I had saved, realizing he had saved me right back.
May you like
I let go of the door handle and smiled.
“I think I’d like that.”
