A Little Girl Told a Mafia Boss Her Sister Never Came Home, and He Followed Her Into the Snow Before His Whole Empire Burned

Six months later.

The Chicago snow had long since melted, replaced by the brilliant green of summer and the warm breeze off the lake.

The Salvatore Tower was no longer a symbol of fear. The lower floors had been converted into the Isabella Salvatore Pediatric Clinic, a state-of-the-art facility funded entirely by the newly formed Salvatore Foundation.

Elena stood in the lobby of the clinic, wearing a clean, white doctor’s coat over her scrubs. She had been accepted back into medical school, her tuition paid, her dream finally within her grasp.

"Dr. Winters," a young nurse said, smiling as she passed by. "Your family is waiting for you in the garden."

Elena smiled, her heart warming at the word. Family.

She walked out to the private rooftop garden, where the flowers were in full bloom, their sweet scent filling the warm air.

Sofie was running through the grass, her blond ponytail bouncing, chasing a golden retriever puppy that Dominic had bought for her birthday. Her laughter was bright, loud, and entirely free of fear.

Sitting on a wooden bench, watching her with a quiet, deep contentment, was Dominic.

He had traded his tailored black suits for a simple gray linen shirt and trousers. He looked younger, the permanent shadows behind his eyes replaced by a soft, peaceful light.

"Hey," Elena said, walking over and sliding her hand into his.

Dominic looked up, his face softening instantly as he pulled her down to sit beside him.

"How was your shift?" he asked, kissing her temple.

"Perfect," she said, leaning her head against his shoulder. "We discharged two kids today. Fully recovered."

Dominic wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close.