Chapter 7 - Blood and Iron
Though the external wars had settled, the task of rebuilding the Romano syndicate into a legitimate, clean enterprise was a massive undertaking.
Damen was determined to wash the blood from his family’s name, just as he had cleared mine. Over the next four months, he dismantled the illegal gambling and smuggling arms of the Romano empire, liquidating billions in assets and funneling them into legitimate shipping lines, medical research foundations, and real estate development.
His captains were stunned, but no one dared challenge him. Damen’s authority was absolute, backed by his unmatched brilliance and the fierce loyalty of his men.
One rainy Tuesday evening, a private summit was held at the estate. The leaders of the remaining crime families in the Northeast gathered in the grand dining hall to sign the historic peace accords—officially dissolving the old syndicate rivalries and transitioning into a legitimate commercial council.
I stood near the top of the grand staircase in a elegant emerald velvet dress, watching the powerful men in expensive suits file into the hall.
Atlas walked up beside me, leaning his heavy shoulder against my hip. He didn't growl at the visitors; he simply watched them with calm, watchful eyes, knowing his duty was no longer to kill, but to protect the peace of the house.
Damen stepped out from his private office down the hall, wearing a sharp charcoal-gray three-piece suit that made him look like a king. When his eyes caught mine, he stopped in his tracks.
His gaze swept over me, dark and full of raw, unspoken passion. He walked slowly toward me, taking my hand and bringing it to his lips, kissing my knuckles gently.
“You take my breath away, Sarah,” he murmured, his dark eyes locking onto mine.
“You look like a Don who’s ready to change the world,” I replied with a warm smile.
“I don't care about changing the world,” Damen whispered, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me flush against his chest. “I only care about building a world good enough for you and Ellie.”
He reached into his inner jacket pocket and pulled out a small, velvet-lined mahogany box.
My heart skipped a beat.
Damen opened the box. Inside rested a breathtaking ring—a rare, brilliant flawless emerald surrounded by a halo of micro-pave diamonds, sparkling under the chandelier light.
“Damen...” I gasped, my hand flying to my mouth.
“Seven years ago, my family brought tragedy to yours,” Damen said, his voice deep, gravelly, and filled with a profound sincerity that made tears spring to my eyes. “I spent my whole life thinking I was meant to live in the dark. But you walked into my study, saved my life, and brought me back into the light.”
He looked at me with an vulnerability he had never shown to another living soul.
“Sarah Vance... give me the honor of taking your name, protecting your heart, and being a father to Ellie. Marry me.”
Tears overflowed down my cheeks. I didn't hesitate for a single second.
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“Yes,” I sobbed happily, throwing my arms around his neck. “Yes, Damen! A thousand times yes!”
Damen let out a deep, triumphant laugh, lifting me off my feet and spinning me around in the quiet hallway as Atlas let out a happy, booming bark. Damen slid the emerald ring onto my finger, pressing his lips against mine in a passionate, deep kiss that sealed our promises forever.
