Chapter 5 - The Senator's Demand
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The tranquility of the hidden nursery evaporated the following afternoon when a massive, armored black Lincoln Town Car pulled into the circular driveway. Senator Robert Garcia had arrived.
Charlene was assigned to serve refreshments in the grand parlor. She kept her head down, balancing a heavy silver tray of scotch and crystal tumblers, her back aching relentlessly with every step.
Dominic stood by the fireplace, projecting an aura of relaxed, impenetrable power. Bethany sat on the velvet sofa, her legs crossed elegantly, beaming as her father entered the room.
The Senator was a large, imposing man who smiled with his teeth but never with his eyes.
“Dominic, my boy,” the Senator boomed, accepting a glass of scotch from Charlene’s trembling tray without even looking at her. “The polls are looking magnificent for the upcoming election. And your generous campaign contributions certainly haven't hurt.”
“I believe in supporting our civic leaders, Robert,” Dominic replied smoothly, taking his own glass.
“Indeed,” the Senator chuckled darkly. “And civic leaders believe in protecting their most valuable investments from federal scrutiny. It’s a mutually beneficial ecosystem.”
The Senator took a slow sip of his drink, his eyes narrowing as he looked at his daughter, then back at Dominic.
“Speaking of mutual benefits,” the Senator continued, his voice dropping into a demanding, serious register. “Bethany tells me you’ve been dragging your feet regarding a formal commitment. The autumn gala is in ten days, Dominic. Half the political elite of Chicago will be in your ballroom. It would be a profoundly strategic moment to announce an engagement.”
Charlene froze near the doorway. Her breath hitched, the silver tray rattling ever so slightly in her hands.
Dominic’s eyes flicked toward Charlene for a microscopic second before returning to the Senator. His expression remained entirely unreadable, a flawless mask of stone.
“An engagement requires careful planning, Robert,” Dominic stated calmly.
“And I am out of patience,” the Senator warned, stepping closer to the mafia boss. “The Petrov syndicate has been offering me very lucrative incentives to look the other way while they acquire the northern shipping routes. I have remained loyal to you, Dominic. Because I believed you were going to make my daughter a very powerful woman. If I don't see a ring on her finger at the gala, I might decide the Petrovs are a better investment.”
It was a direct, undeniable threat. Marry Bethany, or lose the political protection keeping the feds at bay.
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“You will have your announcement at the gala, Senator,” Dominic said, his voice devoid of emotion.
Charlene stumbled backward out of the parlor, her heart shattering into a million jagged pieces on the hardwood floor.
