He Dumped Her for Being Too Big, Until She Became the Mafia Don’s Wife and His Biggest Regret...

Two weeks passed.

The Blake-Valenti merger completely reshaped Chicago’s economy. Clara had taken total control of the harbor operations, modernizing the port systems and increasing efficiency by forty percent. Under her leadership, the docks were safer, the workers were paid better, and the Valenti syndicate’s legitimate revenue soared to record heights.

Meanwhile, the Rossi family was collapsing.

Without the shipping routes and the truck union, Dominic’s father lost millions every day. Their allies deserted them, their warehouses were seized by federal inspectors backed by Lorenzo’s legal network, and Dominic was reduced to a laughingstock among the city's crime bosses.

In a desperate, reckless attempt to save his family from ruin, Dominic made the ultimate mistake.

It was a rainy Thursday night.

Clara was leaving the Blake Maritime headquarters with two Valenti guards, stepping toward her waiting SUV in the private parking garage.

Suddenly, two black vans screeched to a halt, blocking the exit!

Six armed men jumped out, firing suppressed pistols into the air! Clara’s guards drew their weapons instantly, taking cover behind the SUV and returning fire.

"Clara! Get in the van!" a voice screamed through the darkness.

Dominic stepped out from behind one of the vans, holding a pistol, his suit rumpled, his hair messy, his eyes wild with desperate rage.

"Dominic, are you insane?!" Clara yelled, taking cover behind the heavy steel pillar of the parking garage.

"You ruined my family!" Dominic shouted, stepping closer while his men suppressed Clara's guards. "You married that monster! You gave him my trade routes! You’re coming with me, Clara! We’re going to force Valenti to sign the harbor land back to us, or I’ll end you!"

He rushed around the pillar, reaching out with a hand to grab Clara’s wrist!

Clara didn't scream. She didn't cower.

She reached into her heavy leather handbag, pulled out the compact silver snub-nosed .38 revolver Lorenzo had given her on their wedding night, and pointed it straight at Dominic’s chest.

Dominic froze, his eyes widening in shock. "Clara... you... you wouldn't—"