“CAN I SIT WITH YOU?” THE MAID’S LITTLE GIRL ASKED — THEN THE FIANCÉE SAID SOMETHING CRUEL

By eleven o'clock that evening, the dinner guests had departed, their luxury sedans speeding away into the dark estate grounds. The grand dining room had been cleared by the night staff, leaving only the soft glow of wall sconces illuminating the mahogany paneling.

Damian sat in his private, third-floor study. The room was vast, lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a heavy antique desk, and broad bay windows overlooking the foggy harbor below.

Sitting across from him was Marcus, who handed over a thick manila folder filled with decrypted data from Selene's mobile device.

"She was thorough, Boss," Marcus reported, his voice low. "She managed to photograph six primary shipping manifests before the kid caught her. She was scheduled to meet Julian Moretti at the south pier at midnight to hand over the flash drive."

Damian took a slow sip of dark whiskey from a crystal glass, his dark wavy hair catching the lamp light. "Julian Moretti is moving earlier than expected. He thinks taking my eastern shipping lanes will cripple my distribution."

"What are your orders?" Marcus asked, his hand resting near his concealed shoulder holster.

Damian leaned back in his leather chair, tapping his fingers against the mahogany desk. "Julian expects Selene to show up at the pier with the drive. We won't disappoint him. Prepare three tactical units. We leave in twenty minutes."

A soft knock sounded at the heavy oak door of the study.

Damian paused, his sharp eyes flicking toward the entrance. "Come in."

The heavy door creaked open. Nora stood in the doorway, holding Lily’s hand. Lily was now wearing a soft pair of fleece pajamas, clutching a small stuffed brown bear against her chest. She looked sleepy, but her fair, rosy cheeks were warm and content.

"Mr. Bellucci," Nora said softly, bowing her head slightly. "I just wanted to thank you for tonight. For being so kind to Lily... and for protecting us."

Damian set his whiskey glass down, his expression softening instantly. He stood up from his desk and walked over to the doorway, dropping down onto one knee so he was at eye level with the seven-year-old girl.

"How was the bread, Lily?" Damian asked softly.

"It was very good," Lily chirped, rubbing one sleepy eye with her fist. "Thank you for letting me sit in the big chair."

Damian reached out, gently patting her curly hair. "You saved this company tonight, little one. You can sit in that chair whenever you want."

He looked up at Nora, his expression turning serious and protective. "Nora, I want you and Lily to stay in the east wing guest suite tonight. It's fully secured. Marcus's men will be outside the door."