Chapter 10 - The Sovereign
Autumn returned to Chicago, painting the trees along Michigan Avenue in rich shades of deep red, gold, and orange.
On the private balcony of the Duca estate in Highland Park, Jane stood watching the blue waves of Lake Michigan crash gently against the stone sea wall below.
She wore a long black velvet gown, her hair falling loosely over her shoulders. The rain from a passing storm had cleared, leaving the air fresh, cool, and smelling of autumn leaves.
Marco stepped out onto the balcony, holding two crystal glasses of aged wine. He handed one to Jane, leaning against the stone railing beside her.
"The Asian shipping contracts were finalized this afternoon," Marco said, taking a sip of his wine. "Our revenue projections for the fourth quarter are up forty percent. The board is calling you a financial prodigy."
Jane smiled softly, looking down into her glass. "I learned financial logistics from watching Charlotte hide money for twenty years. It's ironic, really."
Marco turned to look at her, his dark gray eyes holding that deep, unwavering warmth that had replaced the cold ice she had seen on the night they met.
"Two million dollars," Marco murmured softly.
Jane looked up, confused. "What?"
"That’s what Charlotte asked for you," Marco said, reaching out to touch the silver pocket watch resting against her collarbone. "She thought she was setting a price on a girl's life. She had no idea that everything she owned, everything this city owned, wasn't enough to pay for what you truly are."
Jane set her glass down on the stone railing and wrapped her arms around Marco’s neck, leaning her forehead against his.
"I spent my whole life waiting for someone to save me, Marco," Jane whispered. "I thought I was just contraband being delivered to a butcher."
"And what are you now?" Marco asked, his hands settling securely around her waist.
May you like
Jane looked out over the vast expanse of Lake Michigan, toward the glittering skyline of Chicago—a city where her name was now spoken with profound respect, fear, and admiration.
"I am Clara’s daughter," Jane said, her voice clear, strong, and echoing with absolute certainty. "And this is my empire."
