Chapter 15 - Recovery
A month passed. The death of Marco Moretti sent shockwaves through the Midwest. The rival families backed off, terrified by the resurrection of the Lombardi patriarch.
Life at the estate returned to a quiet, luxurious peace.
True to his word, Sebastian brought the best pulmonary surgeons from Johns Hopkins to Chicago. Leo had his surgery. It was a complete success.
Claire stood in the sunroom of the Lombardi estate, watching through the glass as Leo played in the gardens. He was running—actually running—without wheezing.
Behind her, she heard the heavy, rhythmic thud of a cane.
She turned. Sebastian stood there. He wasn't in a wheelchair. He was wearing custom leg braces beneath a tailored suit, leaning heavily on a silver-handled cane. It cost him immense effort, but he was upright.
"He looks good," Sebastian said, his voice rumbling like distant thunder.
"He's perfect," Claire smiled, her eyes welling with tears. "Because of you."
"No," Sebastian corrected, stepping closer. "Because of you, Claire. You saved us both."
May you like
He reached out, his large, scarred hand gently cupping her cheek. "Your contract is fulfilled. You have your money. Leo is healthy. You're free to go."
Claire looked up at him, her heart skipping a beat. "Is that an order, Boss?"
