Chapter 11 - THE MAN WITHOUT A THRONE
A year after the canceled wedding, Dominic stood before a federal judge.
He admitted responsibility for financial crimes and illegal contracting arrangements connected to his former organization.
His cooperation had helped dismantle a trafficking network and secure convictions against several powerful defendants.
The court imposed substantial penalties and a period of supervised restrictions.
Dominic lost control of multiple companies.
Others were sold or placed under independent management.
The Castiglione empire that had once intimidated half the city was shrinking.
One evening, Clara found him sitting outside a small neighborhood restaurant.
No entourage.
No expensive car.
Just Dominic, wearing an ordinary gray sweater.
“You look different,” she said.
“I've been told I look unemployed.”
She laughed.
“Are you?”
“Not quite.”
He had started consulting on lawful logistics compliance under strict oversight.
It was unglamorous work.
He liked it more than he expected.
They ate dinner together.
For the first time, neither owed the other anything.
When the check arrived, Clara insisted on paying half.
Dominic looked at her.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
He smiled.
“Then I suppose this is a date.”
Clara raised an eyebrow.
“You haven't asked.”
Dominic leaned back.
“Clara Higgins, would you consider having dinner with me sometime?”
She looked at the empty plates.
“Your timing is terrible.”
“I've heard that before.”
May you like
She smiled.
“Yes.”
