THE MAFIA BOSS’S SECRET VOW AND THE MAID WHO SAVED HIS HEIR

The storm broke entirely by dawn.

Sunlight poured through the massive windows of the Costa estate, catching the dust motes dancing in the silent foyer. The broken glass had been swept away, the bloodstains scrubbed from the marble.

I sat on the edge of the velvet sofa in Dante’s study, a warm mug of tea resting in my hands. I had showered and changed into a soft sweater and jeans, entirely abandoning the black-and-white maid’s uniform.

Across the room, Sarah sat in an armchair, looking fragile but alive. A neat row of stitches lined her forehead, and a thick blanket covered her lap.

Ava was curled in Sarah’s lap, fast asleep, clutching her mother’s shirt as if terrified she might vanish again.

Dante stood by the fireplace, staring into the dying embers. He looked exhausted, the weight of the last twelve hours finally settling into his broad shoulders.

“The Swiss police arrested Meredith when she stepped off the plane,” Dante said quietly, turning to face us. “She’s being extradited back to the States. She’ll face charges for attempted murder, kidnapping, and embezzlement. She’ll spend the rest of her life in federal prison.”

Sarah let out a long, shaky breath, stroking Ava’s hair. “And Marcus?”

“Marcus didn't make it to the hospital,” Dante replied coldly. “The syndicate knows what Meredith tried to do. Her family’s remaining loyalists have been permanently dealt with. It’s over, Sarah. You and Ava are safe.”

Sarah looked up at him, tears welling in her eyes. “I thought I was going to die in that cellar, Dante. I thought she was going to take my baby.”

Dante walked over and crouched beside her chair. He placed a gentle hand on Sarah’s shoulder.

“I failed to protect you,” Dante said, his voice thick with guilt. “I brought that woman into our lives. I let her hurt our daughter. I will spend the rest of my life making up for that.”

Sarah offered a weak, forgiving smile. “You didn't know, Dante. None of us did. But you came for me. You saved us.”

“I didn't save you,” Dante corrected, turning his head to look at me. “Jenna did.”

Sarah followed his gaze. She looked at me with a depth of gratitude I had never experienced before.

“Jenna,” Sarah whispered. “You stood between a gun and my little girl. You fought for us when you had every reason to just walk away.”

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. “I love Ava. I couldn't let anyone hurt her.”

“You are not a maid in this house anymore,” Dante said, standing up and walking toward me. “I meant what I said last night. You are family now.”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the velvet pouch containing the Costa Diamond necklace.

He sat beside me on the sofa. Carefully, he pulled the breathtaking platinum and diamond heirloom from the pouch.

“My grandmother told my father that this necklace should only be worn by a woman who defends the Costa family with her life,” Dante said, his dark eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my heart race.

He leaned forward, reaching around my neck, and fastened the heavy, cold clasp at my nape.

The diamonds settled against my collarbone, catching the morning light.

“Dante, I can’t wear this,” I breathed, staring down at the priceless jewels. “It belongs to the head of the family.”

“I know exactly who it belongs to,” Dante replied softly, his thumb gently brushing my cheek.

The air between us shifted, thick with an unspoken promise. For two years, I had watched him from the shadows, admiring his quiet strength, his devotion to his daughter. And in one night, we had walked through fire together.

Before he could say anything else, Ava stirred in Sarah’s lap.

She rubbed her eyes, yawning widely, and looked around the sunny study. Her eyes landed on me, and then on the glittering necklace.

“Wow,” Ava whispered, a sleepy smile spreading across her face. “You look like a princess, Jenna.”

I laughed, a genuine, joyful sound that echoed in the quiet room. “Thank you, sweetie.”

Ava slipped off Sarah’s lap and ran over to the sofa. She climbed up next to me, burying her face in my side. I wrapped my arm around her, kissing the top of her head.

“Is the bad lady gone for good?” Ava asked, looking up at her father.

“She’s gone for good, little bird,” Dante promised, sitting on Ava’s other side so she was sandwiched safely between us.

Sarah watched us from the armchair, a gentle, knowing smile touching her lips. There was no jealousy, no bitterness. Just profound relief that her daughter was loved and protected by everyone in the room.

“I’m hungry,” Ava announced, her stomach giving a loud rumble.

Dante chuckled, the sound rumbling in his chest. “I think we can arrange breakfast. What sounds good?”

“Pancakes,” Ava demanded. “But not Chef Louis’s pancakes. Jenna’s pancakes.”

Dante looked at me, a playful spark returning to his eyes. “Do you think you can handle that, Miss Jenna? Or is cooking beneath the woman wearing the Costa Diamond?”