Chapter 10 - Forever Cross
Ten years later.
The Hudson Children’s Foundation gala was once again packed with Manhattan’s wealthiest families beneath the shimmering glow of the crystal chandeliers.
At the center of the grand ballroom stood a family that commanded the room not out of fear or intimidation, but out of quiet, unshakable respect.
Gabriel Cross, silver now threading through his dark hair at the temples, wore a classic tuxedo with effortless elegance. Beside him stood Claire, radiant in an emerald silk gown that caught the light with every step.
And standing in front of them were three fifteen-year-old young men—tall, broad-shouldered, with identical dark hair, the signature stubborn crease between their eyebrows, and piercing gray-green eyes that surveyed the room with calm confidence.
Leo, now the tallest of the triplets, adjusted his bowtie and looked up at his father.
“Dad, do I really have to give a speech for the foundation grant tonight?”
Gabriel chuckled, resting a heavy, reassuring hand on his son’s shoulder. “Only if you want the scholarship fund to hit ten million dollars by midnight, son.”
Julian grinned, elbowing his brother. “I told you we should have written it yesterday.”
Mateo, the quietest of the three, pointed toward the entrance. “Mom, look. The Chancellor just arrived.”
Claire smiled, watching the doors open to reveal city officials, business leaders, and old friends who had stood by them through the fire. She looked over at Gabriel. He was already looking at her, the same fierce, unending devotion shining in his eyes that he had worn the day he knelt on a marble floor to meet his sons for the very first time.
Gabriel reached out, taking her hand and interlacing his fingers with hers.
“Five years in hiding,” Claire whispered with a soft smile. “Ten years building a kingdom. What’s next, Gabriel Cross?”
May you like
Gabriel leaned down, pressing a warm kiss to her cheek, his voice low and steady against the music of the ballroom.
“Whatever comes next,” Gabriel murmured, looking down at their three boys before returning his gaze to the woman who had saved his soul. “We write it together.”
