Chapter 18 - A NEW FOUNDATION|
Three months later.
The Chicago winter had set in, covering Lake Shore Drive in a beautiful blanket of white snow.
Inside the penthouse, the fireplace roared softly, casting warm amber light across the hardwood floors. Laughter echoed through the halls—real, unscripted, joyful laughter.
Jack was sitting at the dining room table, working on a science project, while Rosie was at the grand piano, happily banging on the keys with Naomi sitting beside her, teaching her a simple melody.
I stood by the window, holding a glass of apple cider, watching my family.
My logistics business had expanded, taking over the Sloane routes, making my organization stronger than ever. But the violence of my old life felt distant now. I had restructured my operations, delegating the dark work to trusted lieutenants, choosing to spend my evenings at home.
Naomi walked over, handing me a stack of mail.
"The final court papers arrived today," Naomi said softly. "Camille and Arthur's sentencing was finalized. Thirty-five years each. No chance of parole."
I looked at the official court seal on the envelope, then threw it into the fireplace, watching the paper burn into grey ashes.
"Good riddance," I said.
May you like
Naomi looked out at the snow falling over the lake. "You've changed, Roman. The children see it. You smile now."
"I have you to thank for that, Naomi," I said genuinely. "I built an empire out of fear, but you reminded me that an empire means nothing if your home is in ruins."
