Seven powerful heiresses competed to become his wife, but only the five-foot-four housemaid knew the real secret behind his test.

Three weeks later, the grand hall of Vale House was filled once again—not with prospective brides, but with the heads of the Five Families of the East Coast Syndicate.

Twelve powerful capos sat around the massive mahogany dining table, surrounded by their security details. At the head of the table sat Adrian Vale, wearing a tailored charcoal tuxedo, looking every inch the unchallenged king of the territory.

To his right sat a woman in an elegant, floor-length emerald silk dress, her dark brown hair styled in a graceful crown, her hazel eyes calm and fearless as she looked across the room of ruthless mob bosses.

Me.

Grant Mercer stood in the center of the room, flanked by two armed guards, his hands bound in front of him as the evidence of his treason was presented to the Commission.

Caroline Wells’ father sat at the far end of the table, his face white as paper as Adrian laid the financial ledgers and recorded security audio onto the table.

"Grant Mercer attempted to sell the family's core intelligence ledger to an outside family," Adrian announced to the silent room, his voice carrying an absolute, terrifying weight. "He compromised the security of Vale House and betrayed his blood."

Old Capo Marcone, the senior leader of the New Jersey families, leaned forward, resting his gnarled hands on the table. "The evidence is absolute, Adrian. Grant Mercer forfeits his position and his life. But who authorized the security counter-operation that saved the ledger?"

Adrian turned his head, reaching across the table to take my hand, lacing his fingers securely through mine in front of all twelve bosses.

"My future wife," Adrian declared clearly, his voice echoing through the grand hall. "Nora Bennett."

A murmur of shock rippled across the room. Capo Marcone raised an eyebrow, examining me with sharp, old eyes.

"A maid?" Marcone asked softly.

I didn't back down. I looked Capo Marcone straight in the eye, my voice clear, steady, and sharp as a polished diamond.

"A woman who knows every secret door, every line of debt, and every weakness in this city, Capo Marcone," I said smoothly. "And the woman who will ensure the Vale family remains unbroken for the next thirty years."

Marcone stared at me for three long seconds. Slowly, a dry, respectful smile spread across his weathered face. He raised his crystal glass of bourbon toward me.