Chapter 9 - The Reckoning at Aster House
Within ten minutes, Aster House was cleared of federal threats, and the remaining diners had evacuated in a panicked rush.
The grand dining hall was entirely empty except for Dominic, Gideon, and Nora, who stood by the host stand taking slow, deep breaths to steady her nerves.
Dominic walked back over to her, adjusting his cuffs. His imposing aura was still palpable, but the razor-sharp edge of violence had faded, replaced by an intense, probing curiosity.
“Well, Miss Bennett,” Dominic said, crossing his arms. “That was quite an introduction to corporate management.”
Nora let out a breathless, nervous laugh. “I think I preferred regular customer complaints. At least those usually just involved cold soup.”
Dominic smiled—a genuine, rare expression that completely transformed his harsh features, making him look remarkably human.
“You saved dozens of lives tonight,” Dominic said quietly. “My security cameras caught the initial leak, but your insistence on moving immediately prevented a catastrophe.”
“I just didn't want anyone getting hurt,” Nora said simply. She looked around the cavernous, silent dining room that had been her second home for six years. “Well... I guess I really am unemployed now.”
Dominic stepped closer, his gray eyes locking onto hers.
“Not quite,” he said.
Nora raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Did Randall leave me his office?”
“Randall left us with a vacancy,” Dominic replied smoothly. “Aster House needs a general manager. Someone who knows the staff, understands the guests, values human dignity, and isn't afraid to look a mafia boss in the eye and tell him he’s wrong.”
Nora stared at him, stunned. “You want me to run Aster House?”
“I want someone I can trust completely running the flagship property of my hospitality division,” Dominic corrected. “Starting salary is triple what you made as a waitress, full medical benefits for you and your family, and absolute authority to fire any manager who steps out of line.”
Nora’s mind raced. It was an offer of a lifetime—financial security, respect, and a chance to truly make a difference in a place she loved.
She looked up at Dominic, a playful, familiar spark returning to her eyes.
“Does the position come with unlimited cheesecake?” she asked.
May you like
Dominic let out a low, rich laugh that echoed through the empty hall.
“Miss Bennett,” Dominic smiled, “for you, we’ll buy the bakery.”
