Chapter 10 - The Yellow Tulip
A month later, the Chicago winter had finally begun to thaw.
Clara wiped down the counter of a beautiful, sunlit bakery in the upscale Lincoln Park neighborhood. The sign above the door read Mila's Sweets. It was completely paid for, deed in her name, with a trust fund set up for Mila’s college tuition.
The bell above the door chimed.
Silas rolled in, dressed casually in a dark peacoat. Declan stood outside by the town car, keeping a respectful distance.
"Mr. Thorne," Clara smiled, wiping her hands on her apron. It wasn't a smile of fear anymore; it was a smile of genuine gratitude. "You're just in time. The red velvet is fresh out of the oven."
"I told you, Clara, it's just Silas," he said, rolling up to the display case.
Mila burst out from the back kitchen, covered in flour, holding a plastic dinosaur. "Mr. Silas!" she yelled, running over and throwing her arms around his legs as best she could over the wheelchair.
Silas patted her head, a warmth blooming in his chest that he never wanted to lose.
He had reclaimed his empire. He was more feared and respected than ever before. But something fundamental had changed within the Iron Wraith. He no longer measured his wealth by the fear in men's eyes, but by the safety of the two people who had stood by him when his world was empty.
Clara set a small, perfect red velvet cupcake on the counter in front of him.
Resting right on top of the cream cheese frosting, instead of a candle, was a single, fresh yellow tulip.
May you like
Silas looked at it, a quiet peace settling over his soul. He picked up his fork, looked at the little girl who had saved his humanity, and smiled.
"Thank you, Mila," Silas said. "Make a wish."
