I Wrapped an Abandoned Baby in My Own Coat—Then One Lion-and-Dagger Symbol Told Me Exactly Who Her Father Was.

Lorenzo fell to one knee, picking up the photograph as if it were made of spun glass. He stared at the image of his younger self, at Francesca’s smiling face, and at the handwriting on the back.

*My firstborn daughter, Elena. 2000.*

He looked up at Elena, his gray eyes shining with unshed tears and mounting fury. "Where did you get this?"

"I found it in Clara’s safe," Elena whispered, tears blurring her vision. "In the Palermo folder."

Lorenzo stood up slowly, the paper trembling in his hand. "You have her eyes. You have her mark. And your name... your name is Elena."

"Boss," Marco interrupted, his voice tight as he lowered his radio. "The perimeter is secure. It wasn't an assault team outside—it was a diversion. Two men fired into the trees and fled in a sedan. But that's not all."

Lorenzo didn't take his eyes off Elena. "What is it, Marco?"

"Clara just requested a private visitor at the federal medical facility," Marco said quietly. "She refused to speak to the U.S. Attorney. She refused to speak to her lawyer. She said she will only give the name of *Il Notaio* to one person."

Lorenzo’s voice dropped to a razor-sharp whisper. "Me?"

"No," Marco said, glancing directly at Elena. "She asked for Elena."

A cold dread pooled in Elena's stomach. Sofia was crying softly now, nuzzling against Elena's neck.

"Why me?" Elena asked. "I ruined her plans. She hates me."

"Because Clara knows what was in that safe," Marco replied grimly. "She knows you took that folder before the feds bagged the evidence."

Lorenzo took a deep, shuddering breath, carefully tucking the photograph into his breast pocket. He looked at Elena, his expression a storm of paternal instinct, grief, and ruthless authority.

"You are not going near her," Lorenzo stated firmly. "Clara is a viper backed into a corner."

"If she knows who took me twenty-four years ago, I have to go," Elena insisted, stepping forward, meeting his gaze without flinching. "You searched for your daughter for over two decades, Lorenzo. Don't tell me you don't want the truth."