Chapter 12 - THE MAN WHO CHOSE A DIFFERENT EMPIRE
Roman began restructuring Castiglione Holdings.
He wanted clear boundaries between legitimate businesses and the criminal operations he'd inherited.
Independent auditors reviewed the accounts.
Attorneys examined compliance issues.
Several questionable partnerships were terminated.
The changes were expensive.
Some investors withdrew.
Others threatened litigation.
But Roman continued.
Nora watched from a distance.
She refused to become his secret adviser.
Instead, she focused on rebuilding her own career.
With Evelyn's help, she corrected her professional records and began the process of returning to her original identity.
The legal and administrative work took months.
Roman supported her.
But he didn't make decisions for her.
One evening, they walked along the Chicago River.
Nora looked at him.
“Do you ever regret meeting me?”
Roman smiled faintly.
“Constantly.”
She laughed.
He continued.
“You've cost me sleep.”
She grinned.
“Sorry.”
“Money.”
She raised an eyebrow.
“Not my fault.”
“And several very comfortable illusions.”
Nora smiled.
“Those sound expensive.”
Roman laughed.
“They were.”
He stopped walking.
Then looked at her.
“But no.”
His expression softened.
“I don't regret meeting you.”
Nora's heart pounded.
Roman took her hand.
“I'm glad you told me I was wrong.”
She smiled.
“Someone had to.”
May you like
He laughed.
Then kissed her gently beneath the city lights.
