Chapter 8 - A Proposal of Iron and Silk
Six months later.
Summer had arrived in Chicago, covering the sprawling lawns of the Russo estate in vivid green grass and blooming white roses.
The estate had changed. The oppressive, cold silence that had hung over the halls for six years was completely gone. The heavy dark curtains had been opened to let the warm sunlight flood the marble foyers.
Tommy, now sixteen, healthy, and back to his normal weight, was sitting on the terrace patio, arguing animatedly with Frank about basketball statistics while eating a slice of fresh peach pie.
Inside the grand study, Victor stood by the desk, signing the final set of papers that officially divested Russo Enterprises from its illegal shipping operations, transitioning the entire fortune into legitimate real estate, global logistics, and private security firms.
The door opened, and Chloe walked in. She wore a simple white sundress that caught the summer breeze coming through the open french doors.
Victor looked up, his dark eyes instantly softening into pure warmth.
“Frank tells me Tommy beat him in a three-point shooting contest on the driveway court this morning,” Victor said, a faint smile touching his lips.
“Tommy cheated,” Chloe laughed softly, walking over to stand beside his desk. “He used the distraction technique you taught him.”
“A valid strategy,” Victor replied smoothly, stepping around the desk to stand before her.
He took her hands in his, looking down into her hazel eyes. For six months, they had lived together not as boss and maid, nor as protector and charge, but as partners in every true sense of the word. They shared a bed every night, and for six months, Victor Russo had slept eight hours a night, peaceful and undisturbed.
“I have something for you,” Victor said quietly.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, black velvet box.
Chloe’s breath hitched in her throat.
Victor dropped to one knee on the polished hardwood floor. The most feared man in Chicago—a man who had never bowed to any rival, any court, or any king—bowed before the quiet girl who had once fallen asleep in his bed.
He opened the velvet box. Inside rested a magnificent solitaire diamond, glowing with brilliant, flawless light.
“Chloe Bennett,” Victor said, his deep voice thick with an emotion he no longer tried to hide. “Six months ago, you walked into my house looking for a paycheck to save your brother. You ended up saving me. You brought light into a life that was built on darkness. You gave me a reason to be a better man.”
Tears gathered in Chloe’s eyes, bright and joyful in the summer sun.
“I don't offer you an easy life,” Victor continued softly, looking up into her face. “My past will always cast shadows. But I promise you that every breath in my body will be spent protecting you, loving you, and honoring you. Will you marry me?”
Chloe didn't hesitate for a single second. She dropped to her knees in front of him, throwing her arms around his neck, pressing her lips to his in a passionate, joyful kiss.
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“Yes!” she cried against his mouth. “Yes, Victor! A thousand times yes!”
Victor let out a low, triumphant laugh, slipping the ring onto her finger before pulling her into his lap, holding her against his chest as if she were the most precious treasure in the world.
