Chapter 9 - The New Rules of Kane House
Six months later, the mansion on Lake Michigan looked entirely different.
The dark, smoked-glass windows had been replaced with clear, open panes that let the brilliant morning sunlight pour through the halls. The oppressive silence that once hung over the stone corridors was replaced by the warmth of acoustic music playing in the foyer, the scent of fresh flowers in every room, and the soft chatter of staff who no longer walked in fear.
Avery Collins—now Avery Kane—sat at the head of the massive mahogany table in the study.
She was wearing a sleek, tailored emerald-green dress that hugged her gorgeous, full curves in all the right places. Her thick brown curls were styled in soft, cascading waves around her shoulders. Across from her sat three heads of Chicago’s largest medical charities.
"So," Avery said smoothly, setting down her pen, "the Kane Foundation will fully fund the new emergency wing at South Side Memorial Hospital. Under one condition."
The head administrator leaned forward eagerly. "Anything, Mrs. Kane."
"Full debt forgiveness for any family whose medical bills exceed their annual income," Avery stated, her voice quiet, firm, and absolute. "No collection agencies. No predatory interest. Ever."
"Agreed," the administrator said instantly, signing the contract.
When the meeting concluded and the guests were escorted out, the heavy oak doors opened, and Dominic walked in.
He was wearing a dark, custom-tailored suit, but his tie was already loosened. The moment he saw his wife sitting behind the desk, the stern, terrifying mafia Don vanished, replaced by a man hopelessly devoted to the woman in front of him.
He walked up behind her chair, leaning down to wrap his broad arms around her shoulders, resting his chin against her cheek.
"How was the meeting, Mrs. Kane?" he murmured, kissing her jaw line softly.
"We just saved four hundred families from medical bankruptcy," Avery said, leaning back against his chest, covering his hands with hers. "And how was your meeting with the waterfront union?"
"Boring," Dominic grunted gently into her neck. "They agreed to all your safety regulations for the docks. Nobody works more than twelve-hour shifts. Everyone gets full healthcare coverage."
Avery turned in his lap, smiling up at him. "You're turning into a softie, Dominic Kane."
"Only for you," he growled playfully, nipping at her bottom lip before bringing his mouth down on hers in a slow, deep kiss that made her head spin.
When he released her, his hand rested gently over her waist, pulling her closer against his solid frame.
"I have a gift for you," Dominic said softly.
He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box. He placed it in her palm.
Avery opened it. Inside was a tiny, exquisitely crafted silver key.
"What is this?" she asked, looking up at him.
"The keys to the new Avery Collins Community Medical Center," Dominic said, his dark eyes shining with pride. "It opens next month in your old neighborhood. Free emergency care, free prescriptions, and a nursing school funded entirely in your brother Mason's name."
Tears welled in Avery's eyes. She stared at the silver key, the weight of her past—the fear, the debt, the grief over her brother—finally melting away completely, leaving only warmth and deep, unshakable peace.
May you like
"Dominic..." she choked out, throwing her arms around his neck. "Thank you. Thank you."
"Don't thank me," he whispered, holding her tight against his heart. "You gave this house a soul, Avery. Everything I have, everything I am, belongs to you."
