Chapter 10 - The Unshakable Foundation
What followed was a swift, brutal purging of the old guard. Within forty-eight hours, Gabriel Moretti had dismantled Don Vincenzo’s influence, forced the remaining council members into submission, and established absolute, undisputed control over the entire Midwest syndicate.
He didn't do it through violence alone; he used the financial maps Dakota had drawn for him, stripping his enemies of their funding before they could even draw their weapons.
Two weeks later, the spring sun shone brightly over Lake Forest.
The gardens of the estate were blooming with fresh white roses. On the marble patio overlooking the lake, a small gathering of thirty people stood under a white silk canopy.
Mary sat in the front row, wearing a beautiful blue lace dress, her cheeks full of healthy color, smiling through tears of joy.
At the altar stood Gabriel Moretti, dressed in a custom tuxedo, his dark eyes fixed entirely on the path leading from the house.
The music shifted.
Dakota walked out onto the terrace. She wore a stunning, custom-designed white satin gown that draped over her wide hips, highlighted her full cleavage, and trailed behind her like a cloud of silver mist. She wore no veil—only her dark hair pinned back with diamond clips, her face radiant, confident, and stunningly beautiful.
She didn't walk with hesitation. She walked like a queen coming to take her throne.
When she reached Gabriel, he took both of her hands in his, pressing his lips gently against her knuckles before looking into her eyes.
"You took your time," Gabriel whispered, a rare, genuine smile touching his lips.
"I had to finish an audit," Dakota whispered back, her eyes shining with warmth. "Your heart was showing a deficit."
"It's completely yours now," Gabriel said, his voice thick with emotion. "Every single piece of it."
The priest spoke the ancient words, but neither Gabriel nor Dakota listened to the formality. They had already written their contract in rain, blood, fire, and absolute loyalty.
"I pronounce you husband and wife," the priest finished.
Gabriel didn't wait. He pulled Dakota into his arms, wrapping his hands securely around her waist, and kissed her with a deep, consuming passion that made the small crowd erupt into applause.
May you like
Dakota kissed him back, holding onto his broad shoulders, knowing that she had never needed to change a single thing about herself to conquer the most dangerous man in Chicago.
She wasn't invisible anymore. She was the matriarch of an empire—bold, brilliant, unstoppable, and deeply loved.
