Chapter 10 - The New Empire
Six months later.
The morning sun filtered brightly through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse office at Vance Tower.
The shattered glass had long been replaced.
The bullet holes in the walls had been patched and painted.
Dorian Vance sat at his massive walnut desk, reviewing legal documents.
He was no longer the feared king of the criminal underworld.
The micro-SD card had not only exposed Victor, but it had given Dorian the leverage he needed to systematically dismantle the illegal operations of his own syndicate.
He had turned Vance Holdings into a fully legitimate corporate empire.
The heavy office doors swung open.
Marin walked in.
She was not wearing a faded gray uniform, and she was not limping.
She wore a beautiful, tailored emerald dress, and she walked with perfect grace.
Dr. Aris had successfully repaired the damage to her leg, completely removing the need for a brace.
Titan, who had been sleeping under Dorian's desk, immediately woke up.
The massive dog trotted across the room and happily nudged his head against Marin's hand.
"He still likes you more than me," Dorian noted dryly, a warm smile touching his lips.
Marin laughed, a beautiful, light sound that completely transformed the energy in the room.
"He just knows who brings him the good treats," she teased, rubbing the dog's ears.
She walked around the desk and stood behind Dorian, wrapping her arms loosely around his shoulders.
"The charity foundation paperwork is finalized," Marin said softly, kissing the side of his neck.
"The Daniel Caldwell Memorial Fund is officially open."
"It will pay for medical care for injured workers who can't afford treatment."
Dorian leaned back in his leather chair, pulling her gently onto his lap.
He looked into her warm, resilient eyes, completely captivated by the woman who had brought light into his darkest corners.
"He would be proud of you," Dorian said sincerely.
Marin smiled, resting her forehead against his.
"I think he would be proud of us," she corrected softly.
Dorian reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a small, velvet box.
He opened it, revealing a stunning, flawless diamond ring.
"I don't want you to be my archivist anymore, Marin," Dorian whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
"I want you to be my wife."
"I want to spend the rest of my life making sure you never have to be invisible again."
Tears of absolute joy pricked Marin's eyes.
She looked at the terrifying man who had saved her life, and all she saw was the man she loved with all her heart.
"Yes," she breathed without hesitation.
May you like
Dorian slid the ring onto her finger and pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss.
Titan let out a contented sigh and lay down beside them, completely satisfied that his humans were finally exactly where they belonged.
