Chapter 16 - The Symphony of Power
The news of the balcony proposal spread through the northeast underworld like wildfire,
shattering the old traditions of secrecy and cold detachment.
Dominic Vale no longer conducted business from behind closed doors in absolute silence,
nor did he allow his men to treat Ruby as anything less than the undisputed queen of the empire.
In the weeks that followed,
the grand estate underwent a massive transformation.
Where heavy velvet drapes once blocked out the morning light,
sheer white curtains fluttered in the gentle breeze,
filling the long corridors with golden warmth.
Where quiet whispers once dominated the dining hall,
rich jazz,
soulful blues,
and loud laughter echoed off the marble walls.
Ruby sat at the head of the dark walnut conference table in the main study,
a massive ledger open in front of her.
She was dressed in a tailored forest-green suit that accentuated her lush curves,
her dark hair styled in elegant waves.
Dominic stood right behind her,
his broad hand resting possessively on the back of her chair,
his dark eyes scanning the room filled with senior syndicate captains.
"The eastern shipping routes are fully secured,
" Ruby announced calmly,
her voice carrying a natural weight of authority.
"However,
" she continued,
tapping a pen against the page,
"we are redirecting ten percent of the monthly logistics revenue toward community housing and local clinics in the southern district."
A stern capo named Lorenzo leaned forward,
his brow furrowed in disbelief.
"With all due respect,
Miss Bennett—"
"That's Future Mrs. Vale,
Lorenzo,
" Dominic interrupted,
his voice dropping into a dangerous,
icy register that made the room freeze.
"Apologies,
boss,
" Lorenzo swallowed nervously,
turning back to Ruby.
"Ma'am,
we are a syndicate,
not a charity."
"We are an empire,
Lorenzo,
" Ruby corrected smoothly,
locking eyes with the veteran enforcer.
"And an empire built solely on fear collapses the moment someone stronger comes along."
"When you take care of the people in your territory,
they become your eyes and ears."
"You don't need a hundred guards on every corner when the entire city protects you for free."
Dominic looked down at her with unfiltered admiration,
a small,
proud smile gracing his lips.
Lorenzo stared at Ruby for a long moment,
then slowly nodded his head in genuine respect.
"The lady speaks wisdom,
boss,
" Lorenzo admitted.
"The southern district is already refusing to cooperate with Vance's remaining men."
"Because they know Miss Bennett treats them like human beings,
" Marcus added from the door,
grinning broadly.
Dominic stepped forward,
leaning his hands on the table.
"The old Commission is falling apart,
" Dominic stated firmly.
"And when Ruby and I walk down the aisle next week,
May you like
"
"we will mark the beginning of a new era."
