Chapter 10 - The Warmth of the Hearth
Winter slowly gave way to spring. The snow on the Hudson Valley hills melted, revealing fresh, green grass and blooming wildflowers.
Dominic stood on the back patio of his estate, watching Harper run through the gardens, chasing a golden retriever puppy he had bought her for her fifth birthday. Mia stood beside him, her shoulder lightly brushing his. There was no tension between them, no hidden agendas, no secrets buried beneath the stone floors.
The business was changing. Dominic had begun the slow, difficult process of legalizing his assets, moving his capital out of the docks and into legitimate real estate and logistics firms. It was a dangerous transition, but without Nathan’s greed pushing him into the dark, it was possible.
"We have a meeting with the port authority tomorrow," Mia said, reviewing a tablet in her hands. "The contracts are ready for your signature."
"Cancel the morning sessions," Dominic said, not taking his eyes off Harper. "I want to take her to the park in town."
Mia looked up at him, a soft, warm smile on her face. "You’re changing, Dominic."
"I’ve spent forty years building a fortress to keep my enemies out," Dominic said, turning to look at her. "I think it’s time I started building a home for the people inside."
May you like
He reached out, his fingers gently tangling with hers. Mia didn't pull away.
Below them, in the garden, Harper looked back and waved, her laughter echoing through the warm spring air. The basement door was locked, the keys were gone, and the dark was finally gone from the Hudson Valley.
