Chapter 16: The Guardian’s Oath
Chapter 16: The Guardian’s Oath
As the wedding date approached, safety measures at Shaker Heights remained at military grade, not out of paranoia, but out of absolute commitment to preserving the family’s peace.
One evening, while Mia and Harper were asleep upstairs, Dominic called me into the grand library. The fireplace crackled softly, casting warm amber light across the walls lined with classic literature.
"You've been with me through every battle," Dominic said, pouring two glasses of scotch and handing one to me. "When my father died, when the syndicates fractured, when we cleared out the Chicago board. You could have taken your payout and left years ago."
I took a sip of the scotch, looking at my long-time friend and leader. "I stayed because I saw who you really were beneath the armor, Dominic. You were never a monster. You were a man trying to protect the people who depended on you."
"Tomorrow, I marry Mia," Dominic said softly, looking at a framed photograph of Mia and Harper on his desk. "I want to formalize your position. I’m appointing you Chief Operating Officer of Vale Enterprises and Head of the Vale Family Trust. You aren't just my security director anymore. You're family."
May you like
I was moved by the depth of his trust. "I would be honored, Dominic. I promise you, as long as I draw breath, no harm will ever touch this family."
"I know," Dominic replied, clinking his glass against mine. "To new beginnings."
