Chapter 10 - THE NEW MENU
Three months later.
The autumn air was crisp and clear over Chicago.
The front doors of Vanguard Bio-Tech's headquarters had been replaced, and the company was under the direction of an interim board approved by federal regulators.
At the center of the city's financial district, the famous Belladonna restaurant was open for evening service.
In the grand private dining room beneath the glittering crystal chandeliers, a single table was set for two.
Sitting at the table was Dr. Maya Lin-Vance. She wore an elegant burgundy dress, her dark hair falling gracefully over her shoulders, looking radiant and serene.
Sitting across from her was Daniel Cross.
He wore his customary black suit, a gold watch, and a soft, genuine smile that few people in the city had ever been privileged to see.
The restaurant manager—the same manager who had berated Maya three months ago—approached the table with extreme caution, carrying a bottle of vintage champagne.
"Mr. Cross... Dr. Lin-Vance," the manager stuttered nervously, pouring two glasses with trembling hands. "Is... is everything to your satisfaction tonight?"
Maya looked at the manager, then glanced down at the table.
"Where are the plates, manager?" Maya asked, a playful glint in her hazel eyes.
The manager gasped, sweating profusely. "I'm so sorry, ma'am! The waiter is bringing them immediately—"
"Relax," Daniel said quietly, his deep voice filling the room with immediate calm. "We're in no rush."
The manager bowed repeatedly, practically running back toward the kitchen.
Maya laughed—a bright, warm sound that filled the quiet room. She raised her champagne glass toward Daniel.
"To six words," Maya toasted gently.
Daniel clinked his glass against hers, his dark eyes fixed on her with absolute devotion.
"To the bravisest waitress in Chicago," Daniel corrected her softly.
"I still can't believe you bought the restaurant," Maya smiled, taking a sip of champagne.
"I didn't like the service," Daniel said simply, setting his glass down. "And I wanted to make sure nobody ever grabbed my partner's wrist again."
Maya looked across the table at the man who had risked his life, his empire, and his reputation to stand beside her when she had nothing.
"And what about your syndicate, Mr. Cross?" Maya asked softly. "Word on the street is you're converting your shipping docks into legitimate medical transport hubs for Vanguard's new clinics."
Daniel leaned across the table, taking her soft hand in his strong, gloved fingers.
"A wise woman once told me," Daniel murmured, his voice warm and deep, "that being afraid doesn't mean someone else gets to hurt people. I decided I liked her way of doing business better."
May you like
Maya smiled, squeezing his hand tightly.
Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city lights sparkled like a million diamonds against the night sky—no longer a place of fear or shadows, but a city they had conquered together.
