The Mafia Boss Promised the Poor Janitor She Would Die If His Brother Did, Until Her Phone Rang With a Child Who Could No Longer Breathe

Six months later.

Autumn had arrived in Chicago, painting the trees of Oak Brook in brilliant shades of gold, orange, and crimson.

The Brennan estate had changed dramatically over the past half-year. The dark, somber atmosphere of a mob stronghold had yielded to the vibrant warmth of a real home. Leo’s laughter echoed through the long corridors every afternoon, and Maya had moved into a lovely guest house on the property, taking over the management of the estate's domestic operations.

Dela was thriving as the Executive Director of the Brennan Pediatric Respiratory Foundation. Under her leadership, the foundation had opened four free clinics across Chicago, treating thousands of children suffering from severe asthma and respiratory illnesses.

Yet, despite their happiness, one shadow remained over Salvatore’s life.

One evening, after Leo was sound asleep in his room, Dela found Salvatore sitting alone on the dark terrace overlooking the estate gardens. He held a glass of scotch in his hand, his eyes fixed on the distant tree line.

Dela walked up behind him, wrapping her arms around his neck, resting her chin on his broad shoulder.

"You're thinking about the federal investigation," Dela said gently.

Salvatore placed his hand over hers, letting out a long, heavy sigh. "The United States Attorney’s office launched a formal grand jury inquiry yesterday, Dela. They are reviewing all South Side waterfront operations from the past ten years."

Dela stepped around to face him, sitting on his lap, her dark-blonde hair catching the moonlight. "Salvatore, you’ve spent six months transferring all Brennan operations into legitimate logistics and real estate firms. You stopped all illegal shipping."

"I did," Salvatore acknowledged, his gray eyes filled with a heavy, somber weight. "But the past doesn't vanish just because you decide to change, Dela. The government wants a conviction. And as the head of the family, I am the ultimate target."

Dela took his face in her hands, her eyes burning with fierce determination. "We fought Dr. Sterling, we fought Moretti, and we will fight this. You gave up a life of violence for me and Leo, Salvatore. I won't let them take you away from us."

Salvatore looked into her fierce, beautiful face, his heart overflowing with deep love. He leaned in and kissed her passionately under the starlit sky.

"I have an appointment with the US Attorney tomorrow morning," Salvatore revealed softly against her lips. "Liam and Marcus are coming with me. We are offering a full corporate restructuring settlement."