Chapter 6 - The New Mistress of Hardwick Hall
Two months later.
Hardwick Hall had completely transformed.
The cold, oppressive atmosphere that had once made the staff walk with their heads bowed had vanished. The dark velvet curtains in the grand reception hall had been replaced with airy, cream-colored drapes that let the summer sunlight pour over the marble floors.
In the gardens behind the mansion, a massive wooden playground had been constructed near the ancient oak trees, complete with swings, a slide, and a soft sandbox.
Laura sat on a bench near the rose garden, wearing a simple white summer dress, her dark hair tied back in a loose ribbon. She was watching little Clara, who was now walking with frantic, adorable toddler steps across the grass, chasing a golden retriever puppy Garrett had bought her for her birthday.
The heavy double glass doors of the terrace opened.
Garrett stepped out, wearing a sharp navy suit without a tie, his collar open, looking handsome, relaxed, and impossibly powerful.
The kitchen staff and guards passing by didn't flinch or look away when they saw him. Instead, they offered warm, respectful nods, which Garrett returned with a subtle, calm tip of his head.
He walked across the lawn, dropping onto the bench beside Laura, placing a large arm over the back of the seat, pulling her gently against his side.
"You look far too comfortable for a woman who used to complain about the size of this estate," Garrett teased softly, his lips brushing against her temple.
"I still think the house is absurdly big," Laura laughed, leaning her head against his broad shoulder, smelling his crisp cologne. "Clara lost her wooden duck in the west wing yesterday. It took three guards and a maid forty minutes to find it behind a 17th-century tapestry."
"That tapestry belonged to a French prince," Garrett noted with a dark smirk. "I'll have it moved to the attic so the duck has more room."
Laura turned her face, looking up into his dark gray eyes, her hand coming up to rest on his knee.
Over the past eight weeks, Garrett had dismantled the remaining remnants of the Vane and Moretti syndicates, securing a permanent, peaceful dominance over the city's trade routes. But more importantly, he had legally adopted Clara, making her the official heir to the Hardwick estate.
And through it all, he had never left Laura’s side.
"How was the meeting with the Commission?" Laura asked gently.
"It's finished," Garrett said, his thumb lazily tracing circles on her bare shoulder. "The other family heads agreed to the new treaty. No mob activity within five miles of residential schools or hospitals. The harbor operations are strictly legitimized. Maya’s dream of turning the family business into a legal logistics enterprise is eighty percent complete."
"She would be so proud of you, Garrett," Laura whispered, her eyes shining with warmth.
Garrett’s expression softened. He looked out at the lawn where Clara was giggling wildly as the puppy licked her cheek.
"She would be proud of us," Garrett corrected softly. "None of this would exist without you, Laura. You brought light back into a house that had been dead for four years."
He reached into his inner suit pocket, pulling out a small velvet ring box.
Laura’s breath hitched in her throat. Her heart started hammering against her ribs, just like it had the night she stood in his study with the silver locket.
Garrett didn't get down on one knee. He didn't need grand, dramatic gestures. He took her right hand in his, opening the box to reveal a stunning ring—a brilliant emerald-cut yellow diamond flanked by two flawless white diamonds, glowing like concentrated sunshine.
"This belonged to my grandmother," Garrett said softly, his voice thick with a deep, profound emotion. "My mother gave it to Maya before she died, telling her to give it to the woman who would finally bring peace to the Hardwick family."
He looked directly into Laura’s eyes, his gray gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that made the rest of the world fade into white noise.
"I don't want a fiancée who fears me, Laura," Garrett murmured, his fingers gently sliding the ring onto her finger. "I want a partner. A woman who hits back when the world tries to crush her. A woman who loves my niece like her own daughter. Will you marry me?"
Laura looked down at the glittering ring on her finger, then up at the man who had turned from a terrifying mob boss into her rock, her protector, and her greatest love.
Tears of pure, unadulterated joy filled her eyes. She leaned up, cupping his strong jaw in both hands, bringing her lips down onto his in a passionate, deep kiss that tasted of summer, promise, and a future built on truth.
May you like
"Yes," Laura whispered against his lips, smiling as he wrapped both arms around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest. "Yes, Garrett. Absolutely yes."
Across the lawn, little Clara let out a loud, happy screech as she chased the puppy toward the bench, tumbling into Garrett’s legs. Garrett reached down with a booming laugh, lifting his niece with one arm and pulling Laura close with the other.
