Chapter 9 - The New Empire
Six months later, Ross Global Holdings was recognized not only as the most formidable shipping and logistics conglomerate in the country, but also as one of the largest philanthropic backers of pediatric healthcare and forensic auditing education in the Midwest.
Ella sat at the massive mahogany desk in her new 39th-floor corner office, reviewing a quarterly audit report while sipping a cup of coffee that actually tasted good—courtesy of the private espresso machine Gabriel had installed specifically for her.
The door clicked open, and Gabriel walked in, holding a briefcase in one hand and a single white rose in the other.
He walked behind her chair, placing the rose in the crystal vase on her desk, and bent down to press a warm kiss to the back of her neck.
“Working hard, Mrs. Ross?” he murmured against her skin.
“Always,” Ella smiled, turning her head to kiss his cheek. “Though I have to admit, this corner office has a much better view than my old cubicle.”
“It’s yours as long as you want it,” Gabriel said, resting his hands on the arms of her chair. “Though I was wondering if you might want to take a break. My private jet is fueled at Midway. We have a dinner reservation in Paris tonight.”
Ella spun her chair around to face him, raising an eyebrow with playful skepticism.
“Paris? For dinner? Gabriel, we have a board meeting tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM.”
“The board can wait,” Gabriel said smoothly, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “Besides, in my world, fifteen minutes late means disrespect, but missing dinner with my wife means a complete corporate restructuring.”
Ella laughed, a bright, clear sound that filled the grand office.
May you like
She stood up, wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him down into a long, perfect kiss that blotted out every memory of storm, blood, and fear.
They had survived the darkest corners of the underworld, not with weapons or violence, but with loyalty, courage, and an unbreakable bond forged in the most unlikely place imaginable—right at the threshold of a billionaire’s office door.
