Chapter 10 - ASHES TO EMPIRE
The next few weeks were a brutal, systematic purge. Dominic moved with ruthless efficiency, eliminating the Moretti family captains who had conspired with Marcus. He restructured his organization, promoting younger, hungrier men who understood that loyalty was heavily rewarded and betrayal was fatal. The criminal underworld whispered his name with a renewed, terrified reverence. Dominic Russo had survived a coup from his closest confidant and emerged stronger, sharper, and utterly invincible.
But as the blood dried and the empire stabilized, Dominic found his mind returning constantly to the secure penthouse on the east side.
He visited Elara often. At first, it was just to ensure she was comfortable. He brought her books, toys, and a private tutor. But soon, he found himself lingering. He would sit in the armchair, listening to her read aloud, or watching her draw pictures. The cold, impenetrable fortress around his heart, built over decades of violence and paranoia, began to crack under the weight of her quiet, solemn innocence.
One afternoon, he found her sitting by the massive bay window, looking down at the sprawling city.
"Do you want to go outside, Elara?" Dominic asked, leaning against the doorframe.
She looked back at him. "Mrs. Eleanor said orphans shouldn't be seen too much. We ruin the scenery."
Dominic felt a familiar flash of anger, not at her, but at the world that had taught her to be invisible. "Mrs. Eleanor is no longer employed at my estate. And you are not just an orphan. Not anymore."
May you like
He walked over and crouched beside her. "I have a big, empty house, Elara. It's too quiet. I need someone to help me fill it up. I need someone brave, someone who knows how to spot the bad things hidden under desks. I'm wondering if you would do me the honor of letting me adopt you. You'd be a Russo. My daughter."
Elara stared at him, her wide eyes searching his face for the lie. When she found none, a small, genuine smile—the first he had ever seen from her—broke across her face. She threw her small arms around his neck, burying her face in his shoulder. Dominic closed his eyes, wrapping his arms around her, feeling entirely human for the first time in his life.
