The Mafia Boss Secretly Returned Before Dawn to Test His Fiancée, Then Heard Her Threaten His Widowed Sister and Steal From His Dead Mother’s Trust…

By noon on Friday, the storm had finally passed, leaving behind a crisp autumn breeze and a brilliant blue sky over the Atlantic.

The broken glass in the foyer had already been replaced by a crew of master craftsmen. The estate was humming with quiet, efficient activity. Fresh white lilies filled the large vases in the grand hallway, and the scent of cedar and lemon wax replaced the acrid smell of gunpowder.

Dominic sat behind his massive mahogany desk in the primary study.

Natalie sat across from him on the velvet sofa, holding a warm mug of tea. Noah was outside on the grand lawn, throwing a baseball back and forth with Silas, the sound of his happy laughter carrying through the open French doors.

"Arthur Vance signed a full confession two hours ago," Dominic said, setting down his pen. "He surrendered his law license and turned over every asset Julian Harrington tried to shelter. The east cottage trust is completely unencumbered."

Natalie looked down at her hands, tears welling in her eyes. "Dominic... I’m so sorry. I should have told you weeks ago when Brooke first started making comments. I was just... I was terrified of ruining your chance at happiness. You’ve carried this family for so long alone."

Dominic stood up, walked around the desk, and sat beside his sister. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.

"You could never ruin my happiness, Natalie," he said softly. "The biggest mistake I made was bringing an outsider into this house without testing her true nature. Mom used to say that a viper will always smile until it finds a warm place to strike."

Natalie leaned against him, exhaling a breath she felt she had been holding for months. "What happens to the wedding tomorrow? Half the state was invited."

Dominic smiled—a genuine, warm smile this time. "The wedding is canceled. But the party isn't."

Natalie frowned playfully. "What do you mean?"

"I’m turning tomorrow’s reception into a celebration for Noah’s tenth birthday and the establishment of the Catherine Mercer Foundation for Widows and Children," Dominic announced. "We’re going to invite the entire staff, our loyal partners, and every family on the eastern shore who Catherine used to help."

Emma knocked gently on the open study door, holding a silver tray with fresh scones. "Excuse me, Mr. Mercer. The landscape architects have arrived to begin the restoration of the east cottage gardens."

Dominic looked up at her. "Thank you, Emma. And please, have a seat."

Emma hesitated, glancing at the empty armchair. "Sir, I have work to—"

"Sit, Emma," Dominic insisted gently.

Emma sat down, placing the tray on the coffee table.

Dominic leaned forward. "You stood your ground when Brooke threatened your livelihood. You protected Natalie and Noah when you had every reason to stay quiet and protect yourself. In this house, loyalty is not forgotten."

He reached into his pocket and placed an envelope on the table before her.

"Starting today, you are the head of estate management for all Mercer properties in New England," Dominic said. "Your salary is tripled, and this envelope contains the deed to the gatehouse on the south ridge for you and your family. Free and clear."

Emma’s hands trembled as she touched the envelope. Her eyes filled with tears. "Mr. Mercer... Dominic... I don't know what to say. I only did what was right."