Chapter 10 - The Queen of Lake Ashford
Six months later.
The spring sun shone bright and golden over Lake Ashford, casting a dazzling glare across the crystal waters.
The grand estate was filled with the sounds of classical music, soft laughter, and the clinking of champagne glasses. Over two hundred guests gathered on the stone terrace overlooking the water for the annual Moretti Logistics Spring Gala.
Business leaders, shipping magnates, and community officials mingled freely with Adrian's top lieutenants. The atmosphere was no longer tense or shadowed; it was prosperous, powerful, and impeccably organized.
Standing near the marble balustrade overlooking the lake was Claire.
She looked breathtaking. She wore an exquisite, tailored midnight-blue silk gown that hugged her lean, athletic frame with breathtaking grace. Her dark hair was styled in an elegant updo, held by diamond pins, and around her neck rested a simple, elegant sapphire necklace—a gift from Adrian.
Under her right sleeve, hidden beneath the fine silk, was a faint, thin white scar across her hand—a quiet reminder of the day her new life had begun.
Mrs. Holloway, dressed in a crisp new housekeeper uniform, walked up to her carrying a silver tray with two glasses of sparkling water.
"Everything is set for the afternoon speeches, Mrs. Moretti," Mrs. Holloway said with a warm, respectful smile.
Claire took a glass, her blue eyes sparkling with genuine warmth. "Thank you, Mrs. Holloway. And please... call me Claire."
"Of course, ma'am," Mrs. Holloway said fondly, bowing her head slightly before turning to supervise the catering staff.
A pair of strong, familiar arms wrapped gently around Claire’s waist from behind.
Claire leaned back against Adrian's broad chest, letting out a contented sigh as he rested his chin on her shoulder.
Adrian was dressed in a sharp black tuxedo, looking imposing, impossibly handsome, and completely at peace. The dark, cold distance that had once defined his face was gone, replaced by a deep, enduring warmth whenever his eyes rested on his wife.
"You look stunning, my love," Adrian whispered into her ear, his hand coming to rest over hers on the balustrade.
"I was just admiring the lake," Claire replied, turning her head to kiss his cheek. "It looks much better in the spring."
"Everything looks better with you beside me," Adrian murmured, his dark eyes filled with absolute devotion.
A waiter carrying a silver tray walked past them on the terrace. As he passed, the tray wobbled slightly under the weight of three heavy wine bottles.
Claire’s eyes flicked to the tray instantly, analyzing the balance, the weight distribution, and the server's hand posture in under half a second.
"Center of gravity is two inches off to the left," Claire noted dryly. "He'll spill the second bottle if he turns near the stairs."
Adrian let out a rich, dark laugh that echoed warmly over the sunny terrace. He pulled her around to face him, wrapping his arms securely around her waist, looking down into her bright blue eyes.
"Always watching the room, Captain," Adrian teased softly.
May you like
"Always," Claire whispered, raising her hands to rest against his broad chest. "Someone has to keep you safe."
Adrian smiled, leaning down to press a deep, loving kiss to her lips under the warm spring sunlight, as the entire city watched the powerful, unbreakable reign of the King and Queen of Lake Ashford.
