Chapter 10 - A NEW MAJESTY
One year later.
The grand ballroom of the Russo estate was once again filled with light, music, and hundreds of guests.
Sunlight poured through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, reflecting off the pristine, white Italian marble floor. The smell of fresh orchids and sweet pastries filled the air.
But this was not a meeting of mob bosses or a tense negotiation for peace.
It was a celebration.
Camila Russo stood near the center of the room, dressed in an elegant lavender silk gown, her gray hair styled beautifully. She held a glass of sparkling cider in her hand, chatting happily with a group of older women, her eyes bright and clear.
Beside her stood Nora.
Nora looked radiant. She wore a dark emerald green dress that complemented her dark hair and warm skin. On her right wrist was a simple, elegant gold bracelet—a gift from Vincent. On her left hand, a surgical pin scar was visible near her thumb, a permanent reminder of her bravery, but her palms were fully healed.
She had graduated from nursing school three weeks earlier, top of her class.
Vincent walked across the ballroom toward them. He wore a perfectly tailored dark suit, his dark eyes fixed entirely on Nora.
The crowd parted respectfully as he passed, but there was no fear in the room today. Only respect. Under Vincent’s firm leadership and Nora’s grounding influence, the Russo family had shifted away from the dark violence of the past, legitimizing their businesses and bringing stability to the city.
Vincent stopped beside Nora, wrapping an arm comfortably around her waist and pulling her against his side.
“How is the graduate holding up?” Vincent whispered into her ear, his lips brushing her skin.
Nora leaned into his warmth, a brilliant smile spreading across her face. “Better now that you’re here.”
Camila looked over at them, a sweet, knowing smile on her face.
“You two make a beautiful couple,” Camila said, her voice clear and present. “Thomas would have loved you, Nora. He always said our Vincent needed someone strong enough to keep his feet on the ground.”
Vincent smiled down at his mother, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “He was right, Ma.”
The orchestra began playing a smooth, slow jazz melody.
Vincent turned to Nora, stepping out in front of her. He bowed slightly, extending his right hand—the gesture of a true gentleman.
“May I have this dance, Nurse Hayes?” Vincent asked, his dark eyes filled with warmth and love.
Nora looked down at his offered hand, then up into his face.
She remembered the night they had first met—the blood on the marble, the broken glass, the cold fear, and the sheer audacity of a poor maid stepping forward when everyone else stayed silent.
She placed her hand firmly in his.
May you like
“Always, Mr. Russo,” Nora whispered softly.
Vincent led her out into the center of the grand ballroom, beneath the brilliant crystal chandeliers. As they began to move together to the music, surrounded by light, warmth, and the family they had built together, the shadows of the past finally faded away into history.
