Chapter 18 - A DIFFERENT KIND OF EMPIRE
Hawthorne Holdings survived.
But it changed.
Damian sold several divisions.
Closed businesses connected to criminal operations.
Created independent oversight.
He funded programs for children affected by domestic violence, organized crime, and family displacement.
Grace became director of the Hawthorne Child Safety Foundation.
Not Damian’s employee.
Not Noah’s nanny.
An executive with her own board.
Her own salary.
Her own apartment in Chicago.
Noah hated that last part.
Every time Grace left the estate he demanded,
“Grace home?”
Damian answered,
“Grace has her own home.”
Noah frowned.
“Bad idea.”
Grace laughed for five minutes when Damian told her.
Lucas began spending weekends with Damian.
The strange little family slowly found its rhythm.
Evelyn became honorary chairwoman of the foundation.
She threatened donors who arrived late.
Donations increased dramatically.
Camille received a reduced sentence for cooperation.
Grace visited her once more.
Camille asked about Noah.
“He’s good.”
“Does he remember me?”
“No.”
Camille closed her eyes.
“Good.”
Grace studied her.
Camille was not redeemed.
Some things could not be undone.
But remorse mattered.
“You can become someone else when you leave here,” Grace said.
Camille looked surprised.
“Why would you tell me that?”
“Because believing people can’t change is how Mercer controlled everyone.”
Grace stood.
“I refuse to live by his philosophy.”
Outside, Damian waited.
“You okay?”
“Yes.”
He opened the car door.
Grace stopped.
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I know.”
“Then why?”
“Because I’m trying to impress you.”
Grace stared.
Damian Hawthorne.
Once one of Chicago’s most feared men.
Trying to impress a former nanny by opening a car door.
She laughed.
He smiled.
“Is it working?”
“Barely.”
That night, Damian asked her to dinner.
Not at the estate.
Not with Noah.
Not for business.
“A date?” Grace asked.
“If you want.”
Grace pretended to think.
“For someone supposedly fearless, you look nervous.”
“I am.”
She smiled.
“Good.”
May you like
Then took his hand.
“Yes.”
