Chapter 9 - The Harbor of Peace
Three months after the wedding, a new chapter began at the Vale estate.
Mia Carter had officially been appointed as the Director of Estate Operations and Philanthropy, managing a twenty-million-dollar charitable foundation that Dominic and Claire had launched to support victims of domestic violence and human trafficking across the tri-state area.
Harper had her own bright, sunlit bedroom on the second floor of the East Wing, filled with toys, books, and a large bay window that looked out over the horse stables Dominic had built for her.
On a warm summer evening in late July, the sun began to set over the Hudson River, painting the sky in breathtaking shades of amber, rose, and deep violet.
In the private garden behind the main house, a long wooden table was set for a family dinner.
Mia was setting down a large bowl of fresh garden salad, laughing as Harper chased a golden retriever puppy across the green lawn.
Claire sat at the head of the table, wearing a comfortable summer dress, her hands resting gently over her stomach. A soft, radiant glow illuminated her face—a subtle, beautiful sign of the new life growing within her.
Dominic walked out onto the terrace carrying a tray of iced tea. He wore a casual linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, his dark hair catching the warm light of the setting sun.
He walked over to Claire, setting the tray down, and leaned down to press a soft, lingering kiss against her lips.
"How are you feeling tonight, my love?" Dominic asked softly, his long fingers gently resting over hers against her stomach.
"I’m perfect," Claire smiled, looking up into his eyes. "The doctor said everything is progressing beautifully. She thinks our little boy is going to be as tall as his father."
Dominic let out a low, warm laugh—a sound that was now a daily occurrence in a house that had once known only cold silence. He pulled a chair up beside her, wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her close against his side as they watched Harper and the puppy play near the rose bushes.
Daniel walked up the stone steps from the garden, holding a brief folder.
"Boss," Daniel said softly, catching Dominic’s eye. "The final reports from Montreal just came in. Reznik’s trial concluded today. He was sentenced to thirty-five years without parole. The syndicate has been completely dissolved."
May you like
Dominic looked at the folder for a fraction of a second, then offered a quiet, peaceful nod. "Thank you, Daniel. Put the file in the archive. We’re done with Montreal."
Daniel smiled, nodding respectfully, and walked back toward the house, leaving them to the quiet beauty of the evening.
