“CHECK THE CLOCK, MR. HALE,” THE HOUSEKEEPER’S FOUR-YEAR-OLD WHISPERED—SECONDS LATER, THE EAST COAST’S MOST FEARED CRIME BOSS FOUND A BLINKING SECRET THAT MADE HIM QUESTION THE WOMAN HE WOULD MARRY IN ELEVEN DAYS

Ten minutes later, the courtyard was secured.

Federal tactical teams—coordinating with Marcus Vance’s off-grid network—arrived to take custody of Victor Vane, Jack Mercer, and the surviving mercenaries. The corrupt enterprise that had threatened the city for a decade was dismantled in a single afternoon.

The terrified civilian guests were escorted safely into the mansion’s grand ballroom to recover, treated to vintage champagne and fine food by Mrs. Parker’s staff.

Out on the quiet terrace overlooking the sunlit lake, Dominic stood alone, leaning against the stone balustrade, wiping a speck of dust from his suit cuff.

Claire stepped out through the french doors, her white dress pristine, having removed her veil. She walked over to him, leaning her body against his side.

Dominic wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close, resting his chin on her head.

“Are you alright?” he asked softly.

“I’ve never been better,” Claire smiled, looking out at the calm water. “Though I think our wedding photos are going to look a little unusual with SWAT teams in the background.”

Dominic chuckled—a deep, genuine sound that warmed her heart. “We can retake the photos.”

At that moment, Paige walked out onto the terrace, wearing a pretty light-blue dress. Her color had returned, her eyes bright and clear, completely freed from the nightmare of her captivity. Behind her trotted little Lily Parker, holding her stuffed rabbit, wearing a tiny white flower crown.

“Mr. Hale!” Lily called out, running up to them. “Is the spy mission over now?”

Dominic dropped to one knee, taking the four-year-old girl’s small hand in his.

“The spy mission is officially completed, Lily,” Dominic said, pulling a tiny silver medal from his pocket—a real military courage medal he had ordered custom-engraved for her—and pinning it gently to her stuffed rabbit’s ear. “You saved this entire house.”

Lily gasped in delight, hugging her rabbit tight. “I’m the chief spy!”