Chapter 9 - The New Partner
One year after the gala, the top floor of the Vance Logistics tower in Midtown was filled with champagne, flowers, and applause.
Sienna Cross—having passed the New York State Bar exam with the highest score in the state’s history—stood at the podium alongside Damian Vance.
Together, they officially announced the launching of The Cross-Vance Foundation—a fifty-million-dollar non-profit organization dedicated to protecting federal whistleblowers, funding investigative journalism, and offering free legal aid to victims of corporate corruption.
Nico Reyes stood near the door, smiling broadly as he raised a glass to the couple.
After the ceremony ended and the guests dispersed, Damian led Sienna out onto the private helipad on the roof of the skyscraper. The sun was setting over the Hudson River, painting the sky in breathtaking shades of gold, pink, and deep violet.
"You built something incredible today," Damian said, pulling her close against his chest as the cool evening breeze played with her chestnut curls.
"We built it," Sienna corrected, looking up into his eyes. "I couldn't have done any of it without you, Damian."
"You would have found a way," Damian smiled, brushing a soft kiss over her lips. "You’re the fiercest, most brilliant woman I’ve ever known. But I’m infinitely glad I didn't have to watch you do it alone."
He reached into his inner pocket and pulled out a small, exquisite velvet box.
Sienna’s breath caught in her throat.
Damian knelt down on one knee right there on the twilight helipad, holding open the box to reveal a magnificent, emerald-cut diamond ring that caught the dying golden light of the sun.
"Sienna Cross," Damian said, his voice filled with deep, unwavering emotion. "You walked into my club as a ghost seeking vengeance, and you became the light of my life. I don't want another day on this earth without you by my side. Will you marry me?"
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Tears of pure, unadulterated joy filled Sienna’s eyes. She sank down onto her knees in front of him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her lips to his in a passionate, beautiful kiss.
"Yes," she whispered against his mouth. "Yes, Damian. Always yes."
