Chapter 7 - A New Empire
The evening sun cast a brilliant, golden glow over the Hudson Valley as Cameron’s helicopter touched down on the private helipad of Stonebridge.
Spring had given way to the lush, vibrant green of early summer. The manicured gardens bloomed with red roses and white hydrangeas, and the old manor stood proud and secure against the backdrop of the mountains.
Cameron and Nora stepped out of the cabin, the rotor wash stirring their hair as the pilot idled the engines.
Instead of heading straight inside to the study, Cameron led Nora toward the stone terrace overlooking the river, where a candlelit table was set for two with fine crystal and silver service.
—Not bad for a former maid from Albany, huh? — Cameron teased gently, pulling out a chair for her.
Nora laughed, sitting down and smoothing her skirt. —I still have my old gray uniform hanging in my closet in Manhattan, just to remind myself where I came from.
—Never forget where you came from, Nora, — Cameron said, sitting down across from her and pouring two glasses of vintage Barolo. — But don't ever doubt where you belong now.
He raised his glass, his stormy gray eyes catching the flickering candlelight.
—To the woman who saved my life, my company, and my soul.
Nora clinked her glass against his, a warm, genuine smile spreading across her face.
May you like
—To paying attention, Cameron.
Across the valley, the sun dipped below the horizon, bathing the estate in a soft, eternal twilight. The enemies were gone; the shadows had been cleared away; and for the first time in his life, the billionaire master of Stonebridge wasn't alone in the dark anymore.
