The downfall of the Salieri Syndicate was swift, absolute, and total.

Within forty-eight hours of the Plaza Gala, the contents of the ledgers were anonymously leaked to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice, and the New York Times.

Over sixty high-ranking syndicate members, corrupt judges, and police officials were arrested in simultaneous dawn raids across three states. Salieri himself was taken into custody at his Long Island estate, facing charges that guaranteed he would spend the rest of his natural life behind bars.

The Moretti Syndicate stood completely supreme, untouched, unified, and peaceful once more.

Six months later.

The summer sun shone bright over the rolling green lawns of a magnificent seaside estate in Marblehead, Massachusetts.

The estate featured a grand limestone mansion overlooking the sparkling blue Atlantic Ocean, private gardens, and a playground set built near the orchard.

Standing near the edge of the stone terrace, wearing a linen summer dress, was Elena. Her skin was radiant, her hazel eyes filled with deep, absolute peace.

From the lawn below, the sound of happy laughter echoed through the warm breeze.

Alessandro—wearing a simple white shirt with rolled-up sleeves, his silver-threaded hair messier than usual—was running across the grass, chasing Mila, who was screaming with joy while holding a colorful kite flying high in the summer sky.

Beside Elena stood Matteo, holding a stack of corporate shipping documents.

"The new distribution center in South Boston opens next Tuesday, Signora Moretti," Matteo said respectfully, bowing his head slightly. "The board has unanimously approved your proposal for the employee childcare program."

"Thank you, Matteo," Elena smiled gently, signing the top document. "Tell the managers that no mother working at our docks will ever have to worry about childcare again."

"Consider it done, Signora," Matteo said, taking the folder back and walking toward the house.

Elena walked down the stone steps into the warm grass.

Mila ran up to her, throwing her arms around Elena’s waist. "Mama! Look how high my kite is! Mr. King helped me launch it!"

"It's beautiful, sweetie," Elena laughed, kissing her daughter’s forehead. "Go show Uncle Dominic near the garden."

Mila giggled and ran off toward the orchard where Dominic and his family were preparing the outdoor dinner table.

Alessandro walked up to Elena, wrapping his broad, warm arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin comfortably on her shoulder. His chest felt solid, strong, and completely whole against her back.

"What are you thinking about, my Queen?" Alessandro whispered, his raspy voice warm against her ear.

Elena leaned her head back against his shoulder, looking out at the endless blue ocean, feeling the heavy gold wedding band resting on her left ring finger.

"I was thinking about eight-six dollars," Elena murmured softly.

Alessandro chuckled—a deep, rich sound that vibrated through his chest. He turned her around in his arms, looking down into her hazel eyes with endless, devotion-filled gray eyes.

"Eighty-six dollars bought me the greatest treasure in the world," Alessandro whispered gently.

He leaned down, pressing his lips to hers in a deep, tender, lingering kiss that tasted of salt air, summer sunshine, and a future built on unbreakable love.

Beside them, the music box played its sweet lullaby from the terrace table, carrying its gentle melody out over the peaceful sea.