Chapter 14 - The Golden Anniversary
The evening air was warm and balmy, carrying the sweet scent of blooming jasmine across the Santoro estate's sprawling terrace. Strings of delicate white fairy lights twinkled overhead, casting a magical glow over the gathering below. It wasn't a meeting of syndicate capos or corrupt politicians; it was a grand celebration celebrating the official restructuring of Santoro Global into a legitimate, publicly traded shipping conglomerate.
Guests in exquisite formal attire mingled gracefully across the marble patio, sipping champagne and celebrating the dawn of a new era. In the center of it all stood Tessa, wearing a breathtaking crimson silk evening gown that hugged her curves to perfection, radiating an effortless, magnetic elegance that drew every eye in the courtyard.
Leo stood beside her, dressed in a tailored midnight-blue tuxedo, his arm wrapped securely around her waist. He looked every bit the powerful, untouchable king he had always been—only now, his empire was built on light, legitimacy, and absolute devotion.
"I never thought I'd see the day this estate hosted politicians, bankers, and philanthropists instead of gunrunners and drug lords," Salvatore muttered with a dry smile as he walked over, handing Leo a fresh glass of champagne.
"Times change, Salvatore," Leo replied, clinking his glass against his trusted captain's. "And so do we."
Across the patio, a familiar face suddenly caught Tessa’s eye. Standing near the fountain, looking slightly out of place in a neat beige suit, was Gregory Allan Davis.
Tessa’s breath hitched slightly in surprise. She excused herself gently from Leo’s side and walked across the courtyard toward the unassuming actuary. Greg turned around, his mild face breaking into a warm, genuine smile as she approached.
"Greg! I can't believe you're here," Tessa said, her face lighting up with genuine happiness.
"I received the invitation in the mail," Greg smiled, holding up a glass of sparkling cider. "50,000 dollars in relocation cash and a completely wiped digital footprint gave me a pretty good start in Seattle. I got a promotion, adopted a second golden retriever, and honestly? Life is wonderfully, perfectly boring."
Tessa let out a soft, relieved laugh. "I am so glad, Greg. Truly. You deserve all the normalcy in the world."
"And it looks like you found a world that matches your strength," Greg added gently, casting a discreet glance across the patio toward Leo, who was watching them with a watchful, intensely protective gaze. "He looks at you like you hung the stars in the sky, Tessa."
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"He does," Tessa smiled softly, looking back at the dangerous, devoted man who had completely upended her universe only to rebuild it into a kingdom of their own making.
Greg offered a polite nod, wishing her well before disappearing gracefully into the crowd.
