Chapter 18 - The Aftermath
The private jet ride back to Chicago was quiet, wrapped in the peaceful exhaustion that only comes after a war is truly won. The Corsican Circle, reeling from the massive financial loss and the exposure of their Parisian safehouse, immediately disavowed Vanessa Whitmore. She was currently sitting in a maximum-security cell in France, facing multiple life sentences for international terrorism and chemical weapons manufacturing.
The threat that had loomed over the Moretti family was completely, permanently extinguished.
Dominic sat in the plush leather seat of the jet, watching Hannah sleep wrapped in a thick cashmere blanket. The adrenaline had finally faded, leaving a quiet, profound stillness in his chest. He had spent his entire life fighting for control, fighting to protect his family's legacy from vultures like Arthur, Walter, and Vanessa.
But looking at the brilliant, fearless woman sleeping across from him, Dominic realized his empire meant absolutely nothing without her to share it.
When they landed in Chicago, the crisp morning sun was breaking over Lake Michigan. They returned to the estate, where Eleanor was waiting in the grand foyer, sipping espresso and reading the morning paper.
"I see Paris is still standing," Eleanor noted dryly, looking up as they walked through the heavy oak doors. "I assume the auction was a bust?"
Hannah smiled tiredly, walking over and kissing the older woman on the cheek. "Vanessa's inventory was unexpectedly damaged by a sudden temperature drop, Mrs. Moretti. The authorities are handling the cleanup."
Eleanor laughed warmly, reaching out to pat Hannah’s hand. "Go get some rest, my dear. You have a hospital to run tomorrow, and a wedding to plan. I took the liberty of contacting the best florists in the city while you were busy saving the world."
Dominic led Hannah up the grand staircase to their master suite. The heavy, suffocating darkness that had plagued the mansion for a year was entirely gone, replaced by warm sunlight streaming through the massive windows.
Hannah kicked off her heels and collapsed onto the massive king-sized bed with a dramatic sigh. Dominic chuckled, unbuttoning his vest and lying down beside her. He pulled her close, burying his face in her dark hair.
"Are you absolutely sure you want to marry me, Hannah?" Dominic whispered in the quiet room. "My world is chaotic, dangerous, and demanding."
Hannah shifted, resting her chin on his chest so she could look directly into his dark, intense eyes. She traced the line of his jaw with a gentle finger.
May you like
"Mr. Moretti," Hannah replied softly, her gray eyes filled with unwavering love. "I am a cardiothoracic surgeon. I thrive in high-pressure, life-or-death situations. Your world isn't dangerous to me. It's just another puzzle to solve."
Dominic smiled, a genuine, breathtaking smile that reached his eyes. "Then I am entirely yours, Doctor. For the rest of my life."
