Chapter 9 - Legacy of Steel
Three years later.
The golden afternoon sun streamed through the expansive glass windows of our estate in the Hamptons. Ocean waves crashed softly against the shoreline in the distance, filling the air with a peaceful, salty breeze.
In the lush green garden, laughter echoed.
"Daddy, catch me!"
A three-year-old girl with raven-black hair and bright, intelligent hazel eyes was sprinting across the lawn, her tiny red dress fluttering in the wind.
Dominic stepped out onto the porch, catching little Sophia in mid-air and tossing her gently up into the sky before pulling her tight against his chest. Her delighted giggles rang out through the estate.
"Gotcha, my little princess," Dominic laughed, nuzzling his nose against her cheek.
I stepped out onto the veranda, holding a tray of fresh lemonade, watching the two of them. My heart overflowed with a warmth so deep it felt almost surreal.
Dominic looked up, his dark eyes locking onto mine with the same fiery, possessive affection he had shown me since the day he bought my contract—only now, it was tempered with profound peace.
He walked over, his stride smooth and strong, holding Sophia on his hip, and wrapped his free arm around my waist, pulling us both into a warm family embrace.
"Look at them, Claire," Dominic whispered, glancing back toward the city where our empires thrived. "They thought they could break us. They thought they could tear down everything we loved."
I rested my head against his shoulder, feeling the strong, steady beat of his heart.
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"They didn't know what we were made of," I replied softly, kissing his jawline.
"Steel," Dominic said, looking into my eyes. "And love."
