SHE AGREED TO BATHE THE PARALYZED MAFIA KING—THEN DISCOVERED HIS DEVASTATING SECRET

The sun rose over the Blackwood estate, painting the sky in breathtaking shades of pink, gold, and orange.

The dark clouds that had hung over the mansion for six long months had finally broken.

Emma stood on the high stone terrace overlooking the sprawling gardens, holding a hot mug of coffee in her hands. She wore a soft grey sweater, her hair tied back in a messy bun.

Footsteps sounded behind her—firm, steady, and unhurried.

Victor walked out onto the terrace. He wore a simple navy sweater and dark jeans. No sling. No weapons. No wheelchair.

He stepped up beside her, leaning his elbows against the stone balustrade and looking out over the misty grounds.

"It feels strange," Victor said softly, taking a breath of the crisp morning air. "Standing out here in the open daylight."

"You don't have to hide anymore, Victor," Emma said, turning her head to look at him. "The traitor is gone. Your empire is safe."

Victor looked at her, his dark grey eyes filled with a tenderness she had never seen before.

"My empire doesn't mean anything if I'm standing in it alone, Emma," Victor confessed quietly.

Emma felt her heart skip a beat. "What are you saying?"

Victor reached out, taking her hands in his, his grip warm and protective.

"When I hired you, I thought I was hiring a temporary distraction," Victor said, his deep voice thick with emotion. "I thought you were just another person who would look at me and see a monster or a paycheck. But you stood by me when everyone else betrayed me. You risked your life for me."

"I cared about you, Victor," Emma whispered softly. "Even when I thought you were trapped in that chair."

"I know," Victor smiled, pulling her closer until her body was pressed gently against his chest. "Your mother's hospital bills were paid in full yesterday morning. The best specialists in the country are overseeing her care now."

Emma gasped, tears springing to her eyes. "Victor... you didn't have to do that..."

"I wanted to," Victor murmured, leaning down and kissing her forehead tenderly. "Your job as my caregiver is officially over, Emma."

Emma looked up at him, a flicker of uncertainty touching her eyes. "It is?"

"Yes," Victor smiled, his thumb gently wiping a tear from her cheek. "Because today, I want to offer you a new position."