Chapter 6 - the council of blood
By midnight, the storm outside had eased into a gentle patter against the high glass windows of the grand ballroom.
The syndicate elders sat around a long mahogany table set up in the center of the room. Dominic stood at the head of the table, while Claire and her mother sat beside him in high-backed velvet chairs.
Don Corrado stood up, holding his silver-topped cane, addressing the gathered family members and council representatives.
"By unanimous decision of the syndicate council," Don Corrado announced, "all titles, land deeds, and primary holdings of the Serrano estate are hereby returned to Claire Bennett."
A loud wave of applause filled the ballroom as the remaining family members showed their respect to the rightful matriarch.
Claire looked up at Dominic, her eyes filled with profound gratitude. "Thank you, Dominic. You saved my family's legacy."
"I only restored what was stolen, Claire," Dominic replied softly, his deep voice carrying a rare warmth. "Your mother was a woman of great honor. My father would have wanted this justice."
Don Corrado gestured to a small wooden chest sitting on the table. "However... there is one final legal requirement that must be fulfilled according to the founding charter of 1924."
Dominic brow furrowed slightly. "What requirement, Don Corrado?"
"The charter states that the owner of the Bennett territory must share co-sovereignty with a ruling member of the Serrano family through a formal alliance contract," Don Corrado explained, handing a fresh parchment scroll to Dominic and Claire.
Claire looked down at the parchment scroll. Written at the bottom were two blank signature lines under the header: Co-Rulers of the Serrano-Bennett Dynasty.
Dominic looked into Claire's brown eyes, his battle-hardened expression remarkably gentle. "If you accept this alliance, Claire... I will protect you and this estate with my life for as long as I draw breath."
Claire smiled warmly, taking a gold fountain pen from her mother's hand. "I wouldn't choose any other partner, Dominic."
Claire signed her elegant signature on the left line, while Dominic signed his bold name on the right line.
May you like
As the gold seal was pressed into the parchment, a sudden sharp chime echoed from the mantle clock above the fireplace—striking one o'clock in the morning.
Marcus stepped into the room holding a encrypted radio, his face grim. "Boss... we have a satellite transmission coming through from our Chicago division."
