Chapter 8 - The Aftermath
Three days later, the Navarro compound was entirely purged.
Every guard loyal to Hector was eliminated or exiled. Dante tightened his inner circle, transforming the estate into an impenetrable fortress of loyalty.
Sofia’s brother, Diego, had successfully undergone the kidney transplant at the Angeles Clinic. The surgery was flawless, and Dante had anonymously donated enough money to the hospital wing to ensure Diego received the finest postoperative care in the country for the rest of his life.
It was a quiet Sunday afternoon. The Mexican sun was sinking low over the mountains, casting a golden hue over the estate.
Sofia was packing her small duffel bag in her room.
The door clicked open, and Dante leaned against the frame. He was wearing a casual black Henley, looking more relaxed than Sofia had ever seen him.
"What are you doing?" he asked, his dark eyes fixed on the bag.
"My brother is being discharged next week," Sofia said softly, keeping her eyes down. "My job is done here, Mr. Navarro. Leo is speaking again. He is safe. You know the truth now. I... I should go back to my life."
Dante walked into the room, gently taking the clothes from her hands and tossing them onto the bed. He stepped into her personal space, lifting her chin with two fingers so she was forced to look into his eyes.
"Your life is here," Dante murmured, his voice a low, intoxicating rumble. "With him. With me."
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Sofia’s breath hitched. "Dante... I’m a maid from Santa Catarina. You are—"
"I am a man who was drowning in the dark until you pulled me out," Dante interrupted, stepping closer until there was no space left between them. "I don't care where you came from, Sofia. I only care that you never leave."
