19 4011 Ten years passed . Aoife grew fierce and smart . Her brother Cian followed - thoughtful where she was bold . The Brennan - Fitzgerald empire evolved with the times . We controlled shipping , construction , and several legitimate businesses . The violent days weren't gone , but they were rarer . " You've built something impressive ," Vincent Brennan said , officially passing family leadership to me . " I'm proud of you . " " I learned from the best . " " You learned , then improved . That's what good leaders do . " The ceremony was held at our compound . All allied families attended . Even the O'Sullivans , now a smaller but stable family under Declan's leadership . Cillian didn't attend . He'd stayed in Ireland , running operations there . He'd never married , my sources said . Some men only loved once . " Any words for the families ? " my father asked . I stood , looking out at the assembled powers of Boston's underworld . " The old ways served our parents well . But the world changes . We can change with it or be buried by it . The Brennan - Fitzgerald alliance chooses evolution . We invite you to join us . Those who prefer the old ways , we respect your choice . But don't stand in our way . " Clear , direct , dangerous . The families understood . Later , Ronan found me on the balcony overlooking the city . " Heavy is the head that wears the crown , " he said . " Good thing I have a strong neck . " " And a stronger partner . " " The strongest . " " Flattery will get you everywhere . " " I learned from the best . " We stood together , looking out at our city . Our empire . Our future . Not bad for a girl who'd once thought love conquered all . Now I knew better . Power conquered . Partnerships conquered . Evolution conquered . Love ? Love was just the bonus .