692 The mafia boss’s baby refused every person in the restaurant—until a broke waitress picked him up and he clung to her like he had finally found home.

Lorenzo moved with divine speed.

He lunged forward, throwing his arm over me while simultaneously firing two rapid shots.

The bullets hit Moretti square in the chest. The old tyrant staggered backward, crashing through the floor-to-ceiling glass window behind him, tumbling off the high cliff and plunging down into the roaring ocean below.

Silence fell over the hall.

The remaining Moretti guards immediately dropped their weapons, raising their hands in total surrender.

The four syndicate bosses looked at Lorenzo, then bowed their heads in respect.

"The Moretti territory is yours, Lorenzo," the Chicago boss said quietly. "The council stands with the Vance family."

Lorenzo didn't care about the territory. He immediately turned to me, wrapping his arms around my waist, breathing heavily as he checked me over.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly, his voice trembling with emotion.

"I'm okay," I smiled, wrapping my arms around his neck, resting my head against his chest. "It's over, Lorenzo. It's finally over."

ONE YEAR LATERThe sun was shining brightly over the gardens of the Vance estate. The dark, gloomy dark-stone compound had been completely renovated—now filled with vibrant flowers, open sunlight, and the sweet sound of laughter.

"Catch him!" I laughed, running across the manicured lawn in a light summer dress.

A nearly two-year-old Leo was sprinting ahead of me, giggling hysterically as he clutched a plush dragon toy in his little hands. He was healthy, chubby-cheeked, and full of life.

Suddenly, a pair of strong arms reached out from behind a hedge, scooping Leo up into the air. Leo shrieked with delight as Lorenzo spun him around before planting a kiss on the toddler's cheek.

"Got you, little monster," Lorenzo laughed.

He set Leo down on a soft picnic blanket, where Marco—now fully recovered and acting as the head of estate security—sat playing with toy cars.

Lorenzo walked over to me, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind and pulling me back against his broad chest. He buried his face in the crook of my neck, kissing the warm skin softly.

"You're late for lunch, Boss," I teased, turning in his arms to wrap my hands around his neck.

"Managing a global syndicate takes time, Mrs. Vance," Lorenzo smirked, his dark eyes shining with endless love and devotion.

Six months ago, we had gotten married in a small, private ceremony right here in the garden. I was no longer a broke waitress running from phantom shadows. I was the matriarch of the most powerful family in the state, a loving mother to Leo, and the wife of a man who would move mountains to keep me safe.

"Look at him," Lorenzo whispered, looking over at Leo, who was happily babbling with Marco. "He hasn't cried in months. You saved him, Mara. You saved both of us."

"We saved each other," I corrected softly, reaching up to gently trace the black dragon tattoo on his hand. The mark that used to terrify me was now my ultimate sign of safety and protection.

Lorenzo leaned down, pressing his lips to mine in a tender, passionate kiss that tasted like sunshine and sweet promises of the future.