Anyone who touches her touches us.” Victor stood and looked at Clara in her rumpled dress, barefoot, holding a gun. She looked nothing like the soldiers who surrounded him.
But she had fought for his son. She had risked her life without hesitation. “You once asked if I believed you were innocent,” Victor said softly.
“I did. and after tonight, everyone else will too.” Behind them, the estate was smoking, the damage visible.
Outside, sirens wailed—the police, as usual, had stayed back until the shooting stopped. Private medics were arriving. The Roman empire had been attacked.
It had come close to falling, but it had held. And the whole city would know that Victor’s son was untouchable, as was the woman who saved him. Three weeks later, Victor Roman called a meeting in the grand hall of the estate.
All the captains, the security teams, and the business partners were there. Repairs were still underway—scaffolding covered part of the east wing, but the new windows were already gleaming in the sun. The family was back together.
Stronger than before. Clara stood at the back of the hall, feeling out of place in the tailored suit Mary had insisted she wear. She still wasn’t used to this world.
But Luke was holding her hand and wouldn’t let go. and that changed everything. Victor stepped forward, and his presence commanded instant silence.
Next to him, in a chair set out for all to see, sat Frank Russo—bound, bruised, but alive. “Gentlemen,” Victor began, his voice carrying through the hall. “We are here to settle the books.
Three weeks ago, my COO, my brother in everything but blood, tried to kill my son. He conspired with our rivals. He planted traitors in our midst.
He almost destroyed everything we built.” Frank stared at the floor, broken. “The Sterling Group thought pain would make me vulnerable.
They were wrong.” Victor scanned the room.
“Pain didn’t weaken me. It reminded me what I’m fighting for. Not for territory or money, but for family.”
He nodded to Tony. “Bring them in.” The doors opened, and the captured leads from the Sterling Group were brought in.
They were terrified. They had paid for their betrayal with information. “Bank accounts, safe houses, supply lines—it’s all ours now.
The Sterling Group no longer exists in this city. Their people are scattered, and their leader…” Victor smiled a cold smile, “let’s just say he’s out of the game.” A murmur of approval went through the crowd.
Victor turned to Frank. “As for you. You wanted to see me weak. Instead, you reminded me that mercy is a choice. and I choose not to show it to you.”
He nodded to the guards. Two men lifted Frank and led him out of the hall. Everyone knew he wouldn’t be coming back.
Some things couldn’t be forgiven. When the doors closed, Victor’s face softened. He gestured for Clara to come forward.
“Clara Bell,” he said. “Come here.” Clara’s legs felt like lead. Luke squeezed her hand, supporting her as she walked through the hall under the gaze of hundreds of eyes.
Victor placed a hand on her shoulder. “This woman saved my son twice. Once when even the doctors had given up hope, and a second time when the assassins came for him.
She had no weapon, no training, no reason to risk herself. But she did it anyway. Because that is who she is.”
He addressed the hall. “Clara Bell is now under my personal protection. She is family.
Anyone who touches her touches me. Anyone who threatens her threatens my son. Let it be known: she walks this city with the full weight of the Roman name behind her.”
The hall erupted in applause. Not polite clapping, but a roar of respect. These men valued loyalty and courage, and Clara had proven both.
“Furthermore,” Victor continued, “Clara is appointed as Luke’s official guardian and mentor. She will live here. Her word regarding my son is law.”
Mary stepped forward, smiling through tears. “Welcome to the family, Clara.”
Clara couldn’t speak. Tears streamed down her face. Three months ago, she’d been sleeping on a park bench, invisible to the world.
Now, she had a home, a purpose, and a family. When the meeting ended, Victor found Clara in Luke’s room.
The boy was showing her his comic books, telling her about the heroes. “Can I talk to you?” Victor asked. “In private.”
Luke reluctantly agreed to go to the kitchen with Mary. When they were alone, Victor pulled out an envelope. “What’s this?”
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