Chapter 29
A year later, the grand atrium of the Falcone estate was once again bathed in bright, cinematic light. Another birthday banquet was prepared, but this time, the atmosphere was entirely different. There was no heavy, suffocating tension. The guests were handpicked, fiercely loyal members of the inner circle who understood the sanctity of the event. The long marble table was set immaculately, but the seating arrangement had changed. Domenico sat at the head of the table, his presence commanding and relaxed. To his right, in the most ornate, beautifully carved chair in the room, sat four-year-old Ruby Falcone. She wore a bright, joyful dress, her fair, rosy cheeks flushed with genuine happiness. She laughed brightly as Tony, the fearsome head of security, presented her with a large, clumsily wrapped gift. The bodyguards smiled, the capos raised their glasses in genuine respect. There was no stepmother to cast a shadow over her joy, no arrogant uncle to challenge her place. She was the undisputed princess of the empire, fiercely protected by an army of ruthless men who worshipped her father. Domenico watched her, a rare, genuine smile touching his handsome, angular face, his cold eyes softening with profound love.
