"My mother worked seventy-seven days without being paid while her boss flaunted a new Porsche and begged her to wait “one more week.” So I slipped away at lunch, walked past seven armed men, and asked the most dangerous man in Chicago why nobody had made David Sterling pay her.

A year passed.

The change in the lives of the Carter family was complete and irreversible.

Sarah had been promoted to Vice President of Operations at Kane Global. Her sharp mind and natural authority made her one of the most respected executives in the city. She moved out of her temporary apartment and permanently into the Lake Forest estate with Vincent.

The grand stone house, which had once been a cold, silent fortress of security, was now filled with warmth, music, and the constant sound of a little girl’s laughter.

Rory was now five and a half—and she still insisted that the half mattered immensely.

On a bright spring afternoon, the estate’s rear gardens were filled with white tents, fresh flowers, and classical music. It was the annual charity gala hosted by Kane Enterprises—an event that brought together Chicago’s top business leaders, civic officials, and high-society figures.

Two years ago, Sarah would have been serving hors d'oeuvres at an event like this, taking orders from arrogant men like David Sterling.

Today, she walked through the garden wearing a stunning floor-length sapphire gown, holding a glass of champagne, standing side-by-side with Vincent Kane.

The business elite of Chicago lined up to greet them, paying deep respect to Sarah not just because she was Vincent’s partner, but because she controlled the supply lines that kept their businesses running.

In the middle of the lawn, playing with a small golden retriever puppy Vincent had gifted her for her fifth birthday, was Rory. She wore a yellow sun dress and white shoes, her hair styled in soft curls.

Leo stood near the edge of the patio, wearing his customary suit, watching Rory with a protective grin.

"Look at her," Leo chuckled as Vincent walked over. "Kid runs the whole security team now. Yesterday she gave Marcus a performance review because he didn't smile when she walked past."

Vincent let out a quiet laugh. "And what did Marcus do?"

"He smiled, boss," Leo replied with a grin. "Nobody argues with Rory."

As the afternoon sun began to dip below the tree line, a sleek silver sports car pulled up to the security entrance of the estate. A valet stepped out, holding a set of keys.

It was a custom-ordered, top-tier luxury vehicle—a personal gift from Vincent to Sarah to mark her one-year anniversary as Vice President.

Sarah walked over, looking at the car in total disbelief. "Vincent... this is too much."

Vincent walked up beside her, wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her close against his side. "It is not too much, Sarah. You earned every piece of peace and security you have in this life."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, exquisite velvet box, placing it in her hand.

Sarah opened it. Inside sat a flawless, cushion-cut canary diamond ring that sparkled brilliant yellow in the afternoon light.

Sarah gasped, her hand covering her mouth as tears filled her eyes. She looked up at Vincent, her heart overflowing.

"Sarah Carter," Vincent said, his deep voice rich with sincere emotion. "You walked into my life through a dark cloud of grief and fear. You and your daughter gave this house a soul. Will you make me the happiest man in this city and marry me?"