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

By late afternoon, Damian returned to the estate. The autumn sun was dipping behind the ocean horizon, casting long, amber shadows across the rolling lawns and marble fountains.

Damian walked through the grand foyer, removing his suit jacket and handing it to a waiting attendant. He walked down the primary hallway toward the sunroom, hearing the light sound of laughter and classical music playing from a small speaker.

Inside the sunroom, Nora was seated at an elegant mahogany desk reviewing event schedules and catering invoices, looking completely in her element as estate manager.

In the center of the room, Lily was sitting on a plush white rug, surrounded by a brand-new set of wooden art easels and watercolor paints that Damian had ordered for her earlier that week.

Lily looked up as Damian entered the room, her eyes lighting up instantly. "Mr. Bellucci!"

Damian walked over, dropping down on one knee beside her art easel. "What are you painting today, Lily?"

Lily proudly turned her canvas toward him. It was a bright, colorful painting showing the grand dining room. In the center was the long table, with a tall man in a black suit sitting at the head, and a little girl in a pink dress sitting right beside him in a big chair.

Damian looked at the painting, a genuine warmth filling his chest. The ruthless mafia boss who controlled the city's shipping ports found himself deeply touched by the child's simple drawing.

"It's us at the dinner table," Lily explained sweetly, pointing her paintbrush at the figures. "When you told everyone I could sit with you."

"It's a masterpiece, Lily," Damian said softly, taking the small girl's hand in his broad palm. "In fact, I think we should frame it and hang it right in the main dining room."

Nora smiled warmly from her desk, her eyes filled with gratitude as she watched the powerful man interact so gently with her daughter.

"Mr. Bellucci," Nora said, stepping over. "The new security detail for the estate grounds has been fully briefed, and the evening dinner service is prepared."