Chapter 12 - I Stopped Pouring Coffee and Started Running Boston—The Waitress Who Became the Mob’s Greatest Queen
Six months later.
The Brass Lantern was still the most exclusive restaurant in Beacon Hill.
The old money still whispered over expensive wine, pretending not to notice itself.
At 9:15 PM, the front door opened, and the weather in the room changed.
The hostess straightened. The bartender stopped laughing. The owner, Mr. Callahan, rushed forward, bowing his head slightly.
"Mr. Moretti. Miss Bennett. Your table is ready."
Chloe walked past the dessert station where she used to stand until her feet bled.
She wore a stunning, backless crimson dress, her posture perfect, her eyes sharp and assessing.
Beside her, Dominic rested his hand respectfully on her lower back, a silent, powerful claim that everyone in the room understood perfectly.
They sat in the back corner booth, the one with the brick wall and the perfect view of the door.
Leo stood at the bar, keeping watch.
A nervous young waitress approached, her hands shaking as she poured the Cabernet.
Chloe looked at the girl. She saw the exhaustion, the fear of making a mistake, the desperate need for a tip to survive.
"What's your name?" Chloe asked gently.
"Sarah, ma'am," the waitress whispered.
"You're doing a great job, Sarah," Chloe smiled warmly. "Leave the bottle. We're fine."
The girl exhaled a breath of relief and hurried away.
Dominic lifted his glass, his eyes entirely focused on Chloe. They weren't empty anymore. They were full of absolute devotion.
"The South Port shipments are clear," Dominic murmured, keeping his voice strictly for her. "The families have accepted the new terms. You were right about the tax percentages."
"I told you," Chloe said, clinking her glass against his. "If you give them a little room to breathe, they won't try to stab you in the back."
"You are making me entirely too reasonable," he smirked, taking a sip of the wine.
"Someone has to keep you in line, Emperor," she teased softly.
Dominic reached across the white tablecloth, weaving his fingers through hers.
The city of Boston buzzed outside the glowing windows. The underworld was ruthless, violent, and cold.
May you like
But Chloe wasn't hiding in the background anymore.
She was sitting on the throne. And she had never felt more at home.
