Chapter 6 - The Cleared LedgerBy dawn, the federal agents had arrived, accompanied by state prosecutors and forensic accountants. Arthur Vance was taken out of DeLuca Tower in handcuffs, his decades-long network of blackmail, embezzlement, and intimidation dismantled in a single night.
The forged asset-seizure warrants were officially rescinded by 9:00 AM, and the federal grand jury cleared DeLuca Enterprises of all charges, citing the ironclad digital audit trail provided by Clara Hayes.
The executive office on the 42nd floor was peaceful once more. The morning sun broke through the dissipating clouds, casting a warm, golden glow over the Chicago river.
Clara stood by the window, holding a cup of fresh black coffee, looking down at the bustling city below. Her resignation letter was gone—shredded and thrown into the recycling bin hours ago by Roman himself.
The door opened, and Roman walked in. He looked tired, but the dark, heavy burden that had shadowed his eyes for years was completely gone. He walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her back against his chest.
"The federal prosecutor called," Roman murmured against her hair. "Your grandfather's name has been officially exonerated in the public record. The city is restoring his plaque at the maritime union hall next month."
Clara closed her eyes, leaning back into his embrace, letting the warmth of him seep into her bones. "Thank you, Roman. For finding the truth. For... keeping me safe."
Roman turned her gently in his arms, his dark eyes looking down at her with an absolute, fierce tenderness. He reached up, his thumb tracing her lower lip.
"I told you the first time you tried to quit," Roman whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "You belong to me, Clara. Not because I bought you, not because I'm your boss, but because you are the only home I've ever had."
Clara smiled, her heart swelling with a love she had hidden in silence for years. She reached up, her hands resting on his chest, her fingers curling into his lapels.
May you like
"And what if I decide I don't want to be your assistant anymore?" she teased softly.
Roman’s smile turned devastatingly handsome as he pulled her flush against him, their lips inches apart. "Then I'll just have to promote you to CEO."
