Chapter 20 - The True Queen
Two months quickly passed since the violent fall of the Vargas cartel.
The chaotic underworld was completely purged of Alejandro's remaining lieutenants.
My grandfather, entirely exhausted by the endless bloodshed, officially announced his permanent retirement.
He hosted a massive, highly exclusive gathering of all the powerful mafia families in the city.
I stood beside him in the grand ballroom of the Commission's private headquarters.
I wore an elegant, sweeping black gown, projecting absolute strength and total confidence.
My grandfather raised a glass of expensive wine, commanding the complete silence of the room.
"I am stepping down today," my grandfather announced firmly.
"But I am not passing the throne to a traditional boss."
"I am passing the absolute power of the Commission to a woman who has the heart to change our world."
He turned and formally bowed his head to me.
The entire room erupted in shocked whispers, but no one dared to dispute the legal transition.
I stepped forward to the podium, looking out at the incredibly dangerous men who now answered directly to me.
"The era of blind violence is completely over," I stated, my voice echoing with fierce authority.
"The Commission will transition our vast resources entirely into legitimate corporate investments."
"Anyone who disobeys my new laws will answer directly to Ricardo Moretti."
I looked at Ricardo standing in the front row, wearing a tailored suit and smiling with profound pride.
The transition of power was absolute, completely bloodless, and incredibly terrifying to the old guard.
Later that evening, the grand ballroom was beautifully transformed for a completely different ceremony.
I walked down the long, flower-lined aisle toward Ricardo.
Leo ran ahead of me as the ring bearer, wearing a tiny tuxedo and giggling happily.
Dante stood proudly as Ricardo's best man, keeping a highly watchful eye on the secure perimeter.
I held Ricardo's hands, looking incredibly deep into his loving, unwavering eyes.
We exchanged our solemn vows, promising to fiercely protect our unique family forever.
The priest formally pronounced us husband and wife, and Ricardo kissed me deeply.
The beautiful sound of joyous applause filled the secure, heavily guarded room.
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I was no longer a frightened waitress running from a broken past.
I was a fiercely devoted mother, a deeply loved wife, and the absolute queen of a brand new empire.
