Chapter 7 - The Dawn of Justice
By 6:00 AM, the storm had cleared, leaving the sky above the estate bathed in bright golden sunlight.
Federal law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, and mobile command units filled the massive driveway. The entire Vance crime network was dismantled in a single night as federal agents seized encrypted hard drives and financial ledgers discovered in Victor Strand’s private office.
Dominic stood near the fountain in the courtyard, a white bandage wrapped neatly around his left shoulder. He was speaking calmly to a pair of federal prosecutors who were nodding respectfully at his statements.
Gabe escorted Marcus and me out into the crisp morning air. Marcus was rubbing his eyes, sleepy but completely unharmed.
Dominic saw us and immediately cut his conversation short, walking over with a relaxed, confident stride.
"Are you two okay?" Dominic asked softly, looking down at Marcus.
"I'm hungry, Mr. Dominic," Marcus murmured, leaning against my hip.
Dominic chuckled, a warm, genuine sound that seemed to surprise even his surrounding security team. "We'll have the chef prepare the biggest breakfast in New York for you, Marcus."
He turned his attention to me, his dark eyes searching my face. "Elena... I know tonight was terrifying. You came here just to earn a paycheck to feed your son, and you ended up in the middle of a war."
"We're safe," I said, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. "That's all that matters."
"It's not all that matters," Dominic said firmly. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a clean leather document folder. "Victor Strand’s assets have been seized by the state, but my personal holdings are intact. Effective immediately, I'm appointing you as the primary manager of the estate's domestic operations."
I blinked in shock. "What?"
"No more hourly catering shifts, Elena," Dominic said gently. "You'll have a permanent salary, full medical coverage, and a private residence on the estate grounds for you and Marcus. You saved my life. I take care of the people who take care of me."
Tears welled in my eyes. For years, I had fought every single day just to keep a roof over my son's head. In a single night, our entire world had changed.
"Thank you, Dominic," I whispered, holding Marcus close.
May you like
Dominic reached down, offering his small hand to Marcus for a high-five. Marcus slapped it happily.
"You've got a great kid, Elena," Dominic smiled. "And starting today, nobody in this house will ever threaten either of you again."
