Chapter 12 - Building an Empire
Over the next few months, Elena fully embraced her new role.
She wasn't just a figurehead; she was a brilliant strategist.
She merged the remaining Moretti assets with the Castiglione empire.
Together, Lorenzo and Elena became the most powerful couple in the European underworld.
Maya flourished in her new environment, treated like a little princess by the hardened guards.
She still carried the battered grey bear everywhere she went.
One evening, Lorenzo walked into the bedroom to find Elena standing on the balcony.
The lights of Rome sparkled beneath them like scattered diamonds.
He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, pressing a kiss to her neck.
"The eastern docks are fully under our control," he informed her softly.
"Good," she murmured, leaning back into his solid warmth.
"I never imagined my life would turn out like this," she admitted.
"I was a maid, scrubbing floors and keeping my head down."
Lorenzo turned her around, cupping her face in his large hands.
"You were always a queen," he said sincerely.
"It just took the world a little time to catch up."
May you like
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.
It wasn't a syndicate signet ring this time.
