Chapter 9 - The Invitation from Geneva
Two months later, an encrypted courier delivery arrived at the gates of the Rossi estate.
It was a heavy, cream-colored envelope stamped with the gold wax seal of the European Syndicate Directorate.
Elena and I were sitting in the conservatory, watching Leo take his first tentative steps across the plush rug while Sophia cheered him on, clapping her hands with uncontained delight.
I broke the wax seal and pulled out the single sheet of embossed stationery.
“Director Dante Rossi,
The Directorate formally acknowledges your successful restructuring of the Rossi global portfolio and the complete eradication of internal corruption within your sector.
You are cordially invited to the annual Directorate Gala in Geneva next month, where you will be formally recognized as Chairman of the European Commercial Council.
Respectfully, Viktor Vance, Chairman.”
Elena walked over, resting her chin gently on my shoulder as she read the letter over my pen-holding hand.
"Geneva?" she murmured. "Are we going?"
I folded the letter, slipping it into my pocket, and turned to wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her close against me.
"Only if you want to," I smiled. "We don't answer to the council anymore, Elena. We answer to each other."
May you like
She smiled, her green eyes sparkling with a vibrant life that had been denied to her for twelve agonizing years. "I think we should go. I want the entire underworld to see that the ghost of the west wing is very much alive."
I kissed her gently, feeling the warmth of a future we had fought tooth and nail to reclaim.
