Chapter 10 - The Sovereign Queen
One year later.
The grand hall of the Vanguard Sovereign Hotel was once again hosting the Sapphire Solstice Ball. But this time, the atmosphere was different. The air was lighter. The oppressive arrogance of the Sterling era was gone, replaced by genuine philanthropy.
Clara stood on the sweeping grand staircase. She wore a breathtaking, custom-made gown of midnight blue silk and diamonds. She looked out over the ballroom, no longer a ghost, but the radiant centerpiece of the city.
By her side stood Lily, healthy, glowing, and laughing as she danced with a handsome young investor. The surgery had been a complete success.
Clara felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her waist from behind.
Alexander kissed the side of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. "You look incredibly bored for someone who just doubled her quarterly profits," he murmured.
Clara leaned back against his chest, smiling. "I’m not bored. I’m just reflecting."
"On what?"
"On the fact that a year ago, I was terrified of dropping a glass in this room," Clara said softly. She turned in his arms, wrapping her hands around his neck. "And now, I own the building."
Alexander smiled, his cobalt eyes softening with a love he reserved only for her. He reached into his tuxedo pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box.
"You own the building, Clara Vanguard," Alexander said, dropping to one knee on the grand staircase in front of the entire ballroom. The music slowly faded. A thousand eyes turned to them. "But I was hoping you might want to merge our empires permanently."
He opened the box, revealing a flawless, brilliant-cut diamond ring.
Clara’s heart soared. She looked at the ring, then at the man who had helped her burn down the past to build a future.
"Yes," Clara whispered, tears of pure joy filling her eyes. "Absolutely yes."
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The ballroom erupted in thunderous applause. Alexander slipped the ring onto her finger and stood, pulling her into a passionate, sweeping kiss.
The flashbulbs popped, capturing the moment forever. The catering waitress had vanished into history. The Sovereign Queen had finally taken her throne, and she was never letting it go.
