Chapter 10 - The Queen of the Costellos
One year later.
The new Costello estate had been built on the cliffs overlooking Newport, grander and more formidable than the old mansion could ever have been. Steel-reinforced stone, high walls, and guarded by the most loyal soldiers on the East Coast.
In the sunlit gardens, Oliver and Owen, now healthy, laughing eighteen-month-old toddlers, chased a golden retriever puppy across the manicured grass, their giggles echoing in the ocean breeze.
On the grand marble terrace overlooking the lawn, Clara stood wearing an elegant emerald silk gown, her hair swept up in diamond pins. The black diamond ring on her hand sparkled brilliantly in the afternoon light.
Beside her, leaning casually against the balustrade, was Damian.
He wore an open-collared linen shirt, looking more relaxed than any mafioso had a right to be. His arm was wrapped securely around Clara’s waist, his thumb lazily tracing circles on her hip.
A butler walked out onto the terrace, carrying a silver tray with a sealed letter.
"From Maine, Mrs. Costello," the butler said respectfully.
Clara took the letter, glancing at the convent seal. Victoria’s regular, pathetic plea for an increased allowance and release. Clara didn't even open it. She dropped it into the small brass brazier beside the table, watching it curl into gray ash.
Damian watched her with an amused, fiercely proud smirk. "Cold, my Queen."
"She abandoned them, Damian," Clara said simply, looking out at the boys who were tumbling in the grass. "She chose stones over flesh. I have no mercy for that."
Damian pulled her closer, his lips brushing the sensitive skin below her ear. "You are far more dangerous than I ever was, Clara Hayes."
"Costello," she corrected, turning in his arms to look up into his pale gray eyes. "Clara Costello."
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"Costello," Damian agreed, his mouth curving into that rare, devastating smile he reserved only for her.
He leaned down and kissed her—a deep, confident promise that sealed their past, their present, and the unbreakable empire they had built together from the ashes.
