Chapter 6 - Shadows of the PastThe transition from maid to healthcare manager—and increasingly, the central figure in the Romano household—was not without its friction.
Four weeks after Vanessa’s arrest, the upper-crust social circles of Boston were still ablaze with gossip. The story of a high-society heiress trying to poison the patriarch of the Romano family while a young maid uncovered the plot was the scandal of the decade.
Inside the grand dining room of the Romano estate, a formal dinner was taking place.
Dominic had invited his senior corporate board members and regional syndicate allies to consolidate control over the newly acquired South Boston shipping docks.
Emily sat at the head of the table opposite Dominic, wearing an understated burgundy silk dress that accentuated her warm complexion and dark hair. Antonio sat in his place of honor to Dominic's right, looking healthier than he had in years.
However, not everyone at the table was pleased with Emily's presence.
Sitting across from Emily was Evelyn Dupont, a wealthy socialite and longtime ally of the Sterling family, whose daughter had once competed with Vanessa for Dominic's hand.
Evelyn set her wine glass down with a sharp click against the crystal, her eyes cold as she looked at Emily.
“It’s truly remarkable how quickly things change in this house,” Evelyn said, her voice dripping with artificial sweetness that carried across the quiet table. “One month a girl is scrubbing marble floors, and the next she’s sitting at the head of the Romano table giving orders to the staff. Dominic, dear, your generosity is truly legendary.”
The table went quiet. Several board members looked down at their plates nervously.
Antonio’s eyes narrowed, his fork pausing halfway to his mouth.
Dominic slowly set his glass down. The room temperature seemed to drop ten degrees instantly. “Evelyn,” he said, his voice terrifyingly calm. “Are you questioning my judgment in my own home?”
“Oh, not at all, Dominic,” Evelyn purred, smoothing her diamond necklace. “I’m simply observing that high society has standards. A healthcare worker... well, it’s charming, really. But managing a medical schedule is quite different from understanding the complex social responsibilities of the Romano empire. One wonders if she even knows which fork to use for the fish course.”
Emily felt a sting of humiliation heat her cheeks, memories of her years of poverty rushing back. But before she could lower her eyes, she felt Dominic’s intense gaze on her.
Dominic didn't look at Evelyn. He looked directly at Emily, his slate-gray eyes burning with absolute pride and devotion.
Then, Dominic stood up.
He walked down the length of the long mahogany table, stopping right beside Emily’s chair. He reached down, took her hand, and gently guided her to stand beside him.
“Let me make something clear to everyone in this room,” Dominic’s voice echoed like thunder across the dining hall. “Emily Carter did not just 'manage a schedule.' When my enemies infiltrated my security, when my fiancée sought to murder my father, and when everyone in this city turned a blind eye for profit... Emily stood alone in the dark.”
He looked around the table, his eyes locking onto every single guest, leaving Evelyn looking pale and small in her seat.
“She bled for this family. She sacrificed her rest, her health, and her comfort to protect my father when no one else would,” Dominic declared, holding Emily’s hand firmly in his. “She has more honor, more courage, and more grace in her little finger than the entire Boston social register combined.”
Dominic turned back to Evelyn. “And if anyone in this room thinks she doesn't belong at the head of this table, you are welcome to leave my home right now—and take your business holdings with you.”
No one moved. No one dared to breathe.
Evelyn swallowed hard, her aristocratic pride utterly shattered. “Dominic... I meant no offense—”
“You’re dismissed, Evelyn,” Dominic cut her off coldly. “My guards will escort you to your car.”
Two security guards stepped forward, politely but firmly guiding a humiliated Evelyn away from the table.
The remaining board members immediately raised their glasses.
“To Miss Carter,” one senior director offered quickly, bowing his head in respect. “To the guardian of the Romano family.”
“To Emily,” the table echoed in unison.
May you like
Emily looked up at Dominic, her heart soaring with a love so profound it took her breath away. He hadn't just defended her; he had elevated her above everyone who had ever looked down on her.
Dominic leaned down, his lips brushing softly against her temple. “You never lower your head in this house, Emily,” he whispered fiercely. “You belong here.”
Related Stories
