Chapter 8 - The Queen of the Fortress
The sun rose the next morning over a transformed world.
Within forty-eight hours, the news of the failed night assault on DeWitt Manor swept through the state like a wildfire. The Moretti syndicate was completely dismantled, its assets seized or destroyed, and the remaining underworld factions swore absolute, unconditional fealty to Gabriel DeWitt.
Reconstruction of the estate gates began immediately, but the atmosphere inside the house was no longer cold or fearful.
It was alive.
One week after the battle, Gabriel held a formal gathering in the grand ballroom of the estate.
The city’s top politicians, judges, business leaders, and syndicate chiefs filled the room, dressed in white-tie attire, speaking in hushed, respectful tones. They were there to pay homage to the undisputed ruler of the city.
I stood at the top of the grand staircase, wearing a sweeping emerald silk gown that hugged my frame, my hair styled in soft elegant waves that cascaded over my shoulders. Around my neck rested a breathtaking diamond-and-emerald necklace—an heirloom of the DeWitt family that Gabriel had personally placed around my neck an hour before.
Beside me stood Mikey, looking extremely handsome in a tailored mini-tuxedo, holding my hand proudly.
At the bottom of the stairs, Gabriel stood waiting.
He wore an exquisite midnight-black tuxedo, looking regal, powerful, and strikingly handsome. But as he looked up at me walking down the stairs, the cold, formidable mask he wore for the world completely melted away.
He extended his hand to me as I reached the final step.
When I placed my hand in his, Gabriel turned to face the crowded ballroom.
The room went dead silent. Hundreds of powerful men and women bowed their heads in quiet respect.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Gabriel’s deep, commanding voice echoed through the high ceilings. “You are all here tonight because you know the power of the DeWitt name. But tonight, I want you to know the heart behind it.”
He brought my hand to his lips, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to my knuckles while looking straight into my eyes.
“Two weeks ago, this woman walked into my life,” Gabriel announced proudly to the entire city elite. “She saved my son. She saved my home. And she brought light back into a house that had been cold for far too long. From this day forward, Nora Carter speaks with my voice. Her word is my law. And anyone who fails to show her the respect she deserves will answer to me personally.”
A collective gasp ran through the high-society crowd, followed by a wave of enthusiastic, polite applause.
I looked at Gabriel, my heart swelling with an emotion so powerful it brought tears to my eyes.
He didn't care that I used to be a waitress. He didn't care that I came from nothing. He was placing me right beside him on his throne, showing the entire world that I was his equal, his protector, and his love.
Gabriel leaned down, his dark eyes shining with infinite devotion.
“Are you ready for this life, Nora?” he whispered against my cheek.
May you like
I looked at him, then down at Mikey, who was grinning up at us, and squeezed Gabriel’s hand firmly.
“With you?” I smiled softly. “I’m ready for anything.”
