Chapter 16 - The Final Standoff
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Three months passed.
The scars of the war had fully healed. My cheek retained a faint, elegant silver line where Bianca’s ring had cut me—a mark I wore with pride, a symbol of the moment my life changed forever.
I had spent the summer transforming the Long Island estate into a sanctuary for Carmela, complete with a massive rose garden and a private art studio for myself.
Tonight was the grand opening gala for the Skyler Rossi Foundation—a charity I created using the Moretti assets to help young women escaping abusive foster care and domestic violence.
The ballroom of our coastal estate was filled with high-society guests, politicians, and syndicate leaders who now treated me with absolute reverence.
Carmela sat on a plush sofa near the stage, surrounded by friends, laughing happily.
Dominic stood beside me, wearing a crisp tuxedo, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist as we greeted guests.
“You look like a vision tonight,” Dominic whispered, kissing my neck as I laughed.
“You’re supposed to be host, Mr. Rossi,” I teased, straightening his bow tie.
“I’m only interested in being your husband,” he murmured, his dark eyes sparkling.
Suddenly, Marco approached us, holding a silver tray with a sealed black envelope.
“Boss, Miss Skyler,” Marco whispered discreetly. “A messenger just dropped this off at the front gate. It’s addressed personally to Skyler.”
May you like
Dominic’s posture stiffened instantly. He took the envelope and opened it carefully.
Inside was a single photograph.
