Chapter 14 - THE PROPOSAL WITHOUT A PRICE
Nicholas was found alive in a private medical facility outside New York.
He had been held under an assumed identity after suffering injuries connected to an attempt to silence him.
Investigators uncovered the arrangement through financial records and witness testimony.
Julian rushed to see him.
I went with him.
When Nicholas looked up from the hospital bed, Julian stopped.
For a moment, neither brother spoke.
Then Nicholas whispered:
“Jules?”
Julian crossed the room.
Pulled him into his arms.
And began crying.
I stood in the doorway.
Watching.
My own eyes filled.
Months later, Nicholas continued recovering.
Claire Whitmore and their daughter were reunited with him.
Victoria faced criminal charges connected to the fraudulent research operation and obstruction.
Julian's company underwent major restructuring.
And my mother began improving with appropriate medical treatment.
One evening, Julian invited me to the same conference room where we'd first met.
I laughed when I walked in.
“Really?”
He smiled.
“Yes.”
The clock read 11:47 P.M.
I stared.
“Julian.”
He took my hands.
“No deadline.”
I smiled.
“No money?”
He laughed.
“None.”
“No contract?”
He shook his head.
“Just a question.”
Then he knelt.
My heart stopped.
“Lena Morales.”
His voice softened.
“I love you.”
My eyes filled.
“I love you too.”
He opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a simple diamond ring.
Beautiful.
Elegant.
Perfect.
Julian looked up.
“Will you marry me?”
I laughed through tears.
“Yes.”
He smiled.
“Really?”
I nodded.
“Yes.”
He slipped the ring onto my finger.
Then kissed me.
May you like
And for the first time, midnight didn't feel like a threat.
It felt like a beginning.
