Chapter 8 - THE FINAL WARThe real ledger was hidden in Robert Hayes's old police locker.
Sienna's father had left it there thirteen years earlier.
They recovered it together.
But Victor already knew.
He attacked before they could expose the network.
The Russo warehouses were hit.
Accounts were frozen.
Two legitimate companies were raided.
Several officials suddenly resigned.
Someone was trying to erase every trace.
Damian gathered his people.
"We're ending this."
Silas looked at him.
"How?"
"Legally."
Silas blinked.
"Seriously?"
Damian nodded.
"We have the ledger."
"We could destroy Victor."
"No."
Sienna stepped forward.
"He's spent years hiding behind violence."
She looked at Damian.
"If we become him, he wins."
Damian stared at her.
Then nodded.
"She's right."
They gave the evidence to federal investigators.
Names.
Accounts.
Recordings.
Everything.
But Victor disappeared.
Three days later, Sienna received a message.
COME TO THE PLACE WHERE YOUR FATHER DISAPPEARED.
She showed Damian.
He immediately shook his head.
"No."
"I have to go."
"No."
"He has my father."
"He wants you."
"Exactly."
Damian looked at her.
"You don't understand."
"I do."
She stepped closer.
"If I stay hidden, he'll keep hunting everyone."
Damian stared at her.
"What do you want me to do?"
"Trust me."
Silence.
Then he nodded.
"Okay."
They went together.
The location was an abandoned courthouse.
Robert was there.
Alive.
Older.
Tired.
But alive.
"Dad."
Sienna ran into his arms.
He held her.
"I'm sorry."
"I know."
Victor appeared behind them.
"Beautiful reunion."
Damian stepped forward.
"This ends tonight."
Victor smiled.
"You still think you're better than me?"
"No."
Damian looked at him.
"I know I'm different."
Victor raised his gun.
"You became weak."
"No."
Damian glanced at Sienna.
"I became human."
Victor fired.
The bullet struck the wall.
Federal agents stormed the building.
Victor tried to escape.
Silas tackled him.
Within seconds, he was handcuffed.
Victor stared at Damian.
"You'll never understand what power means."
Damian walked toward him.
"I understand perfectly."
He looked at Sienna.
"And that's why I don't need it anymore."
Victor was taken away.
The war was over.
But something else had changed.
Damian had a choice.
Continue running the underground empire.
Or destroy it.
He chose the second.
He turned over everything.
Properties.
Accounts.
Businesses.
Names.
The Russo criminal organization ceased to exist.
What remained became legitimate.
Shipping.
Construction.
Technology.
Security.
And a foundation.
Sienna became its first director.
Her brother joined the technology division.
Her mother finally received proper medical care.
And Robert Hayes testified publicly.
The truth finally came out.
Months later, Damian stood beside Sienna on the balcony.
"You changed my life."
She smiled.
"You saved mine first."
"Fair."
She leaned against him.
"Are you happy?"
Damian looked at the city.
For years, Manhattan had looked like territory.
Now it looked like home.
"Yes."
Sienna smiled.
Then Damian reached into his pocket.
Her eyes widened.
"What is that?"
He held out a small velvet box.
"I don't know if I'm doing this correctly."
She laughed.
"You run an empire and don't know how to propose?"
"I've never done this before."
He opened the box.
Inside was a simple ring.
Not enormous.
Not flashy.
Just beautiful.
"Sienna Hayes..."
She covered her mouth.
"I know we're young."
She nodded through tears.
"I know my life has been complicated."
Another nod.
"And I know you don't need me to save you."
She smiled.
"Good."
Damian took her hand.
"I don't want to own your life."
His voice softened.
"I want to share it."
Sienna looked at him.
"Yes."
He blinked.
"Yes?"
"Before you give a thirty-minute speech."
He laughed.
May you like
She kissed him.
For once, Damian Russo had nothing to say.
