Chapter 15 - The New Reign
The grand ballroom was a sea of bespoke tuxedos and designer gowns.
The air was thick with expensive champagne and dangerous secrets.
The heads of the Four remaining Families stood near the back of the room, whispering furiously among themselves.
They were waiting to see if Leo Rossi had truly survived the mountain ambush.
Suddenly, the heavy mahogany double doors at the top of the grand staircase swung open.
The string quartet stopped playing instantly.
A deadly silence fell over the massive room.
Leo Rossi stepped into the light.
He emanated pure, unadulterated power, his eyes scanning the crowd like a king surveying his subjects.
But it wasn't Leo who made the entire room hold its breath.
It was the woman on his arm.
Beatrice stood tall, her chin lifted high, the black velvet dress making her look utterly magnificent.
The massive ruby on her left hand caught the light, flashing like a drop of fresh blood.
Whispers immediately broke out across the ballroom floor.
"Is that her?"
"The one who killed the Kensington girl?"
"Look at the ring."
Beatrice felt a moment of panic at the hundreds of eyes staring at her.
Her old instinct screamed at her to shrink, to hide, to apologize for taking up space.
But then Leo’s hand tightened firmly around her waist.
His touch anchored her.
Beatrice didn't shrink.
She squared her shoulders, her dark eyes flashing with a newfound fire.
She was a mother to Lily.
She was a partner to a king.
She descended the grand staircase by Leo’s side, moving with a grace that demanded respect.
The crowd parted for them like the Red Sea.
The Don of the Irish Syndicate, an older man with a heavily scarred face, stepped forward.
He looked at Leo, then looked deeply at Beatrice.
He didn't see a maid.
He saw a survivor.
The older Don slowly bowed his head, a gesture of absolute submission.
"Congratulations on your victory, Don Rossi," the Irish boss rumbled.
He gestured respectfully toward Beatrice.
"And long live the new Queen of Chicago."
Leo looked down at Beatrice, a proud, dangerous smile playing on his lips.
He pulled her close, kissing her deeply in front of every rival, ally, and enemy in the city.
No one dared to look away.
No one dared to challenge them.
Beatrice closed her eyes, melting into the embrace of the man who had finally taught her exactly what she was worth.
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She wasn't invisible anymore.
She was the entire world.
