Chapter 12 - Crown of Blood and Steel
Six months later, the Chicago skyline glittered beneath a brilliant autumn sunset, casting golden light across the private balcony of the Gallagher penthouse.
Nora stood by the glass railing, dressed in an immaculate, razor-sharp midnight-blue designer suit that commanded immediate respect, holding a crystal glass of champagne.
Behind her, the corporate empire ran with clockwork, terrifying precision.
Row 42, column C was long gone, replaced by a secure, untouchable financial network that spanned three continents—all managed by the brilliant, unshakable mind of the woman Declan Gallagher refused to let go.
The heavy glass balcony door slid open, and Declan stepped out beside her.
His charcoal suit fit him perfectly, and the stiff injury in his shoulder had completely healed, leaving only a faint, invisible scar beneath his immaculate shirt.
He walked up behind her, wrapping his strong arms around her waist and resting his chin gently against her shoulder as they looked out over the glittering city together.
“Your mother's new medical team called today,” Declan murmured against her ear. “She's strong enough to leave the hospital next week. We built a private, fully staffed recovery wing for her on the lower estate.”
Nora turned in his arms, her dark eyes sparkling with a quiet, fierce happiness she had never expected to find in the dark underbelly of Chicago.
She reached up, her fingers gently brushing against his jawline just as she had in the broken elevator months ago.
“You really do control everything in this city, don't you, Mr. Gallagher?” she whispered with a faint smile.
May you like
Declan caught her hand, kissing her bruised knuckles softly before pressing her palm flat against his chest, right over his steady, powerful heart.
“Only the things that matter, Nora,” he replied, his dark eyes burning with absolute, unending devotion. “Only the things that matter.”
