Chapter 10 - CLAUSES OF THE HEART
One Year Later.
The sun was shining over the North Pier. The once-abandoned shipyards had been transformed into a bustling public park, flanked by legitimate, thriving businesses. There wasn't a red sticker in sight.
I stood on the balcony of the new Marino Enterprises corporate headquarters, watching the sailboats on the Delaware River.
"You're working late, Mrs. Marino."
I turned and smiled as Vincent stepped onto the balcony, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder.
"Just finishing up the final transfer documents for the new children's hospital wing," I said, leaning back into his solid warmth.
Grant Harlan was serving a twenty-year sentence in federal prison for racketeering, corporate espionage, and kidnapping. Kingsley Harbor Group had been dismantled by the feds. And Vincent? Vincent had done the impossible. He had taken his empire entirely legitimate. No more shadows. No more whispers.
He was just a real estate developer now. A wildly successful one, backed by a wife who ensured no one ever tried to hide a trap in his contracts again.
The glass doors slid open, and Lily bounded onto the balcony, her backpack bouncing against her shoulders. She was seven and three-quarters now, and she ruled the Marino organization with an iron fist and a love for chocolate milk.
"Mom! Dad!" she yelled, holding up a piece of paper. "I reviewed your new house plans. The architect put the playroom on the wrong side of the sun. The blue sticker goes here, not there!"
Vincent threw his head back and laughed, a rich, booming sound that I would never get tired of hearing. He knelt down, scooping Lily up into his arms, kissing her cheek.
"Good catch, Miss Hart," Vincent said, his silver eyes shining with nothing but love. "You just saved me from a terrible mistake."
"You're welcome," Lily giggled.
Vincent stood up, holding our daughter in one arm, and reached his free hand out to me. I took it, stepping into the circle of his embrace.
May you like
The world outside was still full of dangerous people and hidden clauses. But as I looked at the man who had burned down his world to save mine, I knew one thing for certain.
Our contract was ironclad. And the terms were perfect.
