**THE MOMENT THE MAFIA BOSS’S FIANCÉE CALLED ME “A NOSY LITTLE CLEANING GIRL,” I WAS STANDING BESIDE HIS DEAD BROTHER’S CASKET—HOLDING THE WATCH THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ON HIS WRIST.** The private viewing had been closed to everyone except family.

SIX MONTHS LATER

The morning sun poured through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows of the new gallery in Logan Square.

I stood on a small ladder, adjusting the lighting track above a display case.

I wasn’t wearing a black service dress. I was wearing comfortable jeans and a white linen shirt, my hands free of dust and bleach.

The gallery specialized in antique jewelry and vintage watches. My uncle’s old trade, brought back to life in the light of day.

The bell above the glass front door chimed.

I climbed down from the ladder and turned around.

Anthony walked in.

He wasn’t wearing a dark, intimidating suit. He wore a simple gray sweater and slacks. He looked five years younger. The heavy, suffocating weight of the Romano empire seemed entirely lifted from his shoulders.

Following right behind him was Leo, wearing a bright red Cubs baseball cap.

“Kate!” Leo shouted, running across the polished hardwood floor and wrapping his arms around my waist.

I laughed, hugging the boy tightly. “Hey, kiddo. Did you bring me a coffee?”

“Dad did,” Leo pointed back at Anthony, who was holding two steaming paper cups.

Anthony walked over, handing me a latte.

“How’s the new setup coming along?” he asked, looking around the bright, elegant space.

“It’s perfect,” I said, taking a sip. “The grant from the Romano Foundation cleared yesterday. The gallery is officially mine.”

Anthony smiled.

After the nightmare at the shipyard, Anthony had dismantled the illegal operations of the Romano family. The casinos, the protection rackets, the shadow companies—he systematically tore them down, turning the family’s vast wealth into legitimate real estate and charitable foundations.

He had handed the criminal evidence of his mother and Bianca’s actions to Elias, who had used his connections to bury the scandal quietly, ensuring the innocent members of the family were protected.

Elias had retired to Florida. Elena and Anthony had quietly married in a small, private ceremony on the beach, with only Leo and myself in attendance.

“Mom said we have to pick up the cake for dinner tonight,” Leo said, tugging on Anthony’s sleeve.

“I know, buddy. We’re heading there now,” Anthony said, ruffling Leo’s hair.

He looked at me.

“You’re still coming to dinner, right?” Anthony asked.

“Of course,” I said. “I wouldn’t miss Elena’s cooking.”

Anthony looked down at my neck.

I was wearing a new necklace. A simple, elegant silver chain. No locket. No hidden secrets.

“You look happy, Kate,” Anthony said softly.

“I am,” I said. And it was true.

I had legally changed my name, keeping Kate Morgan. I didn’t need the Russo bloodline, and I didn’t want the mafia legacy. I had carved out my own life, built on truth, not shadows.

“Good,” Anthony said. He placed a warm hand on my shoulder. “We’ll see you at seven.”

I watched them walk out of the gallery. Leo was holding Anthony’s hand, skipping slightly as they walked down the sunlit sidewalk.

The boy was safe. He was loved. He belonged.

I walked over to the front display case.

Resting on a velvet cushion, meticulously cleaned and polished, was Daniel’s old silver watch.

It wasn’t for sale. It was a reminder.