Chapter 3
The grand ballroom felt like a tomb. Damian turned his back on Celeste, completely dismissing her presence, and knelt back down beside Lila. The little girl was holding the tiny newborn hospital bracelet, her rosy cheeks stained with a single, silent tear. She was incredibly brave, her elegant demeanor holding strong despite the chaos around her.
"Lila," Damian said gently, placing a large, warm hand on her small shoulder. "I need you to be very strong for me right now. Can you do that?"
Lila nodded, her pale-pink flats shifting on the marble floor. "I am strong, Daddy. Are you going to go find him? Are you going to find the boy?"
"I am going to bring him home," Damian promised, his voice carrying an absolute, unbreakable vow. He looked up and signaled his most trusted lieutenant. "Vance."
A tall, athletic bodyguard with a sharp military haircut stepped forward immediately, his black suit immaculate. "Yes, Boss."
"Take Lila up to the secure penthouse," Damian commanded, his intense gaze never leaving his daughter's face. "Lock the reinforced doors. Four men on the hallway, two inside the room. No one enters that suite except me. If anyone tries to bypass you, you have authorization to use extreme prejudice."
"Understood," Vance said respectfully. He offered his hand to the little girl. "Come on, Miss Lila. Let's go pick out a movie."
Lila carefully placed the hospital bracelet into her father's palm. "Bring him back, Daddy. I want to share my birthday cake with him."
"I will," Damian swore softly.
May you like
As Vance escorted the little girl out of the ballroom, Damian stood up to his full, commanding height. He placed the bracelet and the note safely into the inner pocket of his midnight-black tuxedo. The gentle father vanished entirely, instantly replaced by the ruthless, terrifying Mafia Boss who controlled the city's underworld. He turned his cold eyes back to the woman in the emerald gown.
"Now, Celeste," Damian whispered dangerously. "You are going to tell me exactly what else you did yesterday."
