Chapter 5 - The Mob Boss’s Proposal
Ten minutes later, the clinic was secured by Enzo’s most loyal senior men. Julian had been dragged out to a waiting black van, bound in heavy chains, facing absolute retribution from the syndicate council for his ultimate betrayal.
In Iris’s warm private office, the fire flickered in the brick fireplace.
Iris sat on the leather sofa, a soft wool blanket wrapped around her shoulders, holding a cup of hot chamomile tea. Her hands were still shaking slightly from the adrenaline.
Orion sat right beside her legs, his massive head resting on her knee, guarding her faithfully.
Enzo stood by the window, staring out at the falling snow. He had holstered his weapon, but his posture was heavy, burdened by the profound weight of his nephew’s betrayal.
"I apologize, Iris," Enzo said softly, turning around to face her. It was the first time he had ever used her first name. "I brought violence and danger into your quiet life. I promised to protect you, and I failed."
"You didn't fail, Enzo," Iris said quietly, meeting his dark eyes. "You came back. And Orion saved me."
Enzo walked over slowly and sat beside her on the sofa. He looked down at his rough, scarred hands, then turned his gaze toward her face.
"Julian’s betrayal is only the tip of the iceberg," Enzo revealed, his voice low and heavy with serious intent. "The Moretti family and the corrupt members of my board will use tonight's event to claim that I have lost control of my family. They will attempt to seize my assets, my legal shipping companies, and my estate through hostile court injunctions and street violence."
"What are you going to do?" Iris asked softly.
Enzo looked directly into her eyes—his gaze intense, unwavering, filled with a sudden, profound determination that made Iris’s breath catch in her throat.
"I need to solidify my power legally and within the syndicate structure," Enzo said. "Under the old Valenti trust laws established by my grandfather, a Don who is married with a family holding cannot have his estate or assets contested by secondary board members."
Enzo reached out, his warm, rough fingers gently resting over her hand on the blanket.
"Iris," Enzo said, his voice dropping into a solemn, heartfelt register. "You are the most brilliant, brave, and compassionate woman I have ever met. You saved my dog, you faced my enemies without flinching, and you brought light back into a life I thought was dead."
Iris stared at him, her heart beating wildly in her chest. "Enzo... what are you asking me?"
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Enzo dropped to one knee on the floor before her sofa, looking up at her with complete sincerity.
"Be my wife," Enzo said clearly. "Marry me, Iris. Not just as a protection pact, but because I want to give you my name, my empire, and my entire life. I will protect you and your clinic with everything I own. No one will ever threaten you again."
