Chapter 9 - The Queen of New York
The rain had finally stopped over Manhattan, leaving the city streets gleaming under a blanket of autumn stars.
Inside the grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel, elite society, political leaders, and syndicate capos gathered for an event that had New York tabloids in a feeding frenzy: the wedding of Alessandro Moretti and Sophie Dubois.
There were no reporters allowed, no cheap champagne, and no hesitation.
Sophie stood before the massive bay windows of the bridal suite, adjusting the diamond-encrusted platinum band on her finger. The dress she wore was a masterpiece of French haute couture—silk, lace, and timeless elegance.
The heavy oak door opened, and Alessandro walked in. He looked breathtaking in a classic black tuxedo, his dark eyes softening the moment they landed on her.
"Penny for your thoughts, ma reine," Alessandro murmured, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms securely around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder.
Sophie leaned back against his chest, looking out over the glittering expanse of the city skyline that they now ruled together.
"I was just thinking about the menu at L’Étoile Noir," Sophie teased softly, a bright, genuine smile touching her lips.
Alessandro chuckled, kissing the side of her neck. "Ah. The menu that started a war."
"It wasn't a war," Sophie corrected, turning around in his arms to wrap her hands around his neck. "It was just a lesson."
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"And what lesson was that?" Alessandro asked, his eyes dancing with amusement.
"Never underestimate a woman who knows her vintage," Sophie whispered, before pulling him down into a deep, passionate kiss that sealed their empire forever.
