Chapter 19 - The Queen
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A month later, the Sterling Hotel ballroom looked exactly as it had the night my life changed. Imported roses, crystal chandeliers, silk tablecloths, and bottles of wine worth more than rent.
But this time, I wasn't carrying a tray.
I stood in the center of the VIP section, wearing a stunning, floor-length crimson gown that hugged every curve. My hair was professionally styled, and the heavy diamond ring on my left hand sparkled brilliantly under the lights.
Dante stood beside me, his hand resting possessively, proudly on the small of my back. He wore a sharp black tuxedo, projecting an aura of absolute, undisputed authority.
Volkov was dead. His syndicate had been dismantled in the brutal aftermath of the warehouse raid. The other mafia families in Chicago had quickly fallen in line, terrified by the wrath Dante Caruso had unleashed.
I noticed Brenda, my former catering supervisor, standing near the kitchen doors. She was staring at me with her mouth slightly open, a tray of champagne glasses trembling in her hands.
I caught her eye and gave her a small, polite smile. She quickly looked down at the carpet, her face pale.
“Enjoying the view?” Dante murmured in my ear, a dark, amused smirk on his lips.
“I prefer the view from this side of the room,” I admitted, leaning into his solid frame.
“You belong on this side of the room, Emma,” Dante said softly. “You are the Queen of this city now. And everyone in this ballroom knows it.”
A prominent senator approached our table, bowing his head slightly in a gesture of deep respect, entirely ignoring the illegal nature of the man he was addressing.
May you like
“Mr. Caruso. Mrs. Caruso,” the senator greeted smoothly. “It is a pleasure to see you both looking so well.”
I smiled gracefully, offering my hand. I was no longer invisible. I was exactly where I was meant to be.
