Chapter 10 - The Unbroken Thread
By June, the heat of summer had settled over Westchester. The Thomas Bennett Foundation held its official inaugural gala on the grounds of the Carbone estate—a stark, poetic statement of how far the family had come.
The sprawling lawns were decorated with white silk tents, string lights, and ice sculptures. Over three hundred guests attended, ranging from high-ranking city officials and hospital board members to off-duty firefighters, local business owners, and estate staff.
Claire stood near the edge of the stone terrace, wearing an elegant navy blue evening gown. She watched the crowd with a feeling that bordered on surreal. Just over a year ago, she had been a struggling mother terrified of losing her child, stepping into this very house expecting a cold, ruthless employer.
Now, she was the heartbeat of the estate.
"Thinking about the old days?"
Claire turned to see Ethan stepping up beside her, wearing a crisp black tuxedo. His usual stoic expression was relaxed, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"A little," Claire admitted, adjusting the strap of her gown. "It feels like a lifetime ago. Sometimes I look at all of this and worry I’ll wake up back in our tiny apartment, worrying about rent."
"You won't," Ethan said firmly, looking out over the crowd toward where Dominic was currently engaged in conversation with the chief of the city fire department. "Dominic doesn't build things that break, Claire. Least of all this family."
"Look at him," Claire whispered, her gaze soft as she watched her husband. Dominic looked formidable in his tailored tuxedo, his commanding presence drawing the respect of everyone in his orbit—yet his eyes constantly scanned the terrace until they found hers, anchoring him.
Suddenly, a small commotion erupted near the dessert tables.
Evie, wearing a floor-length yellow princess dress with yellow high-top sneakers, was currently leading a procession of three off-duty firefighters toward the chocolate fountain. She held a silver spoon like a baton.
"Attention everyone!" Evie announced, her five-year-old voice carrying surprisingly well across the lawn. "The strawberry inspection is starting now!"
The guests laughed, clearing a path for her. Dominic excused himself from the fire chief with a polite nod and walked over to where Evie was standing. Without hesitation, the formidable former boss of New York leaned down, completely unbothered by the possibility of melted chocolate ruining his expensive suit, and allowed Evie to hand him a heavily coated marshmallow.
"Is it up to standard, General?" Dominic asked solemnly, taking a small bite.
Evie watched him critically, her small hands on her hips. "Needs more sprinkles."
"I will issue an immediate order to the kitchen," Dominic replied without missing a beat.
Claire walked over, joining them as Luca appeared out of nowhere with a plate of mini cupcakes.
"I've analyzed the situation," Luca declared, popping a cupcake into his mouth. "The sprinkles have been intercepted by enemy forces. I require back-up."
Evie gasped, her eyes wide. "Uncle Luca! No!"
As the little girl darted after Luca, laughing hysterically as he feigned a dramatic escape toward the gardens, Dominic wrapped his arm around Claire’s waist, pulling her flush against his side.
"You look breathtaking tonight," he murmured against her ear, his breath warm against her skin.
May you like
"And you are very good at taking orders from a five-year-old," Claire teased, resting her head against his shoulder.
"Only two people in this world give me orders," Dominic said softly, his tone shifting to something deeper, richer. "And I’d give my life for both of them."
