Chapter 9 - The Sweetest Foundation
Six months later.
The West Town neighborhood of Chicago was bathed in the warm, golden light of a late spring afternoon.
On the corner of Grand Avenue, where the old, narrow brick building once stood, sat a magnificent new three-story stone building. A hand-carved wooden sign hung above the broad glass windows: Heart & Honey: Patisserie & Café.
Inside, the air smelled of rich espresso, toasted almonds, caramelized sugar, and fresh orange blossom honey.
The shop was packed with happy customers. Rosa stood behind a brand-new, state-of-the-art marble display case, serving freshly baked croissants and fruit tarts to a line of smiling locals.
In the center of the display case, resting on a pedestal of crystal glass, was the signature item: The Teresa Almond Cake.
Lena stood behind the counter, wearing a clean, crisp lavender apron over a flattering floral dress that showcased her gorgeous, curvy frame. She looked radiant, happy, and entirely at peace.
The brass bell above the front door chimed.
The chatter in the bakery didn't die down this time. No armed guards blocked the doors.
Adrien Moretti walked in alone.
He wore a tailored dark grey suit without a tie, looking impeccably handsome, a warm smile gracing his lips the moment his eyes landed on Lena. He had officially stepped down from the syndicate's enforcement wings, restructuring the Moretti holdings into a legitimate international shipping and culinary investment consortium.
He walked up to the counter, resting his hands on the marble top.
"Good afternoon, Miss Hart," Adrien said, his voice deep and smooth as velvet.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Moretti," Lena smiled, leaning over the counter. "Are you here to buy out my business again?"
"I gave up on buying your business months ago," Adrien chuckled softly, reaching across the counter to take her hands in his. "I'm here for my daily slice of cake."
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"We're almost sold out," Lena teased. "I might have to charge you twenty dollars."
"I'd pay a million," Adrien replied earnestly, looking into her eyes with an intensity that still made her breath catch.
