Dominic sat frozen in his leather chair, his eyes glued to the black-and-white camera monitor. The silence of his study was deafening.

Later that night, as the music played softly indoors, Dominic led Evelyn out onto the private terrace overlooking Lake Michigan.

The cool spring night air was soft, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and the gentle lap of water against the shore.

Evelyn leaned against the marble balustrade, looking out at the city lights reflecting off the dark lake.

"What are you thinking about?" Dominic asked, stepping up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her back against his chest.

"I was thinking about the day I walked into your mansion," Evelyn murmured softly, resting her hands over his. "I was so scared. I had fifty thousand dollars in debt, no job, no future, and I thought my life was over."

"And now?" Dominic asked, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"Now I have a family," she whispered, turning in his arms to face him. "I have Mateo. I have a purpose. And I have you."

Dominic looked into her hazel eyes—the eyes that had seen through his severe, cold exterior and found the tired man sitting behind a desk.

He reached into his tuxedo pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.

Evelyn’s breath caught in her throat.

Dominic knelt on one knee on the marble terrace, holding up the box. Inside sat a breathtaking five-carat cushion-cut diamond ring, sparkling beneath the moonlight.

"Evelyn Parker," Dominic said, his deep voice rich with raw, profound devotion. "You walked into my house as a maid, and you saved my brother's life. But more than that, you saved mine. You taught me how to trust, how to hope, and how to love again."

Tears spilled down Evelyn’s cheeks—tears of pure, unadulterated happiness.

"Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Dominic asked. "Will you rule this family by my side?"

Evelyn let out a joyful laugh, dropping to her knees in front of him, throwing her arms around his neck.