A Maid’s 7-Year-Old Saved the Mafia Boss From a Rigged Car, but When the Hitman Came for Her Mother, He Declared All-Out War

While Marcus interrogated Anthony in the study, Vincent walked down the residential wing to the guest suites on the third floor.

He had moved Maria and Sophie out of the staff quarters and into the heavily fortified executive penthouse suite usually reserved for visiting foreign dignitaries.

Two armed guards stood at the entrance, snapping to attention as Vincent approached.

He knocked softly on the wood before opening the door.

Inside, the suite was warm, lit by a roaring fire in the stone hearth. Maria was sitting on the plush sofa, wrapped in a cashmere blanket, watching Sophie sleep soundly in the center of the massive king-sized bed.

Sophie had her arms locked around her stuffed rabbit, her breathing soft, rhythmic, and peaceful at last.

Maria rose quickly to her feet, her hands clasping her apron. "Mr. Romano... you shouldn't be here. We are so grateful, but we have caused you so much danger—"

"Stop, Maria," Vincent said gently, raising a hand to cut off her apologies. "You and your daughter did not cause this danger. My own family's corruption brought this darkness into your lives."

Maria wiped a stray tear from her cheek, glancing toward the bed where Sophie lay. "She was so brave, sir. She heard the man talking about the car this morning, and she told me she had to tell you, even if she was scared."

"She has more courage than half the captains on my payroll," Vincent said, a rare, genuine smile touching the corners of his mouth.

He reached into his pocket and placed an embossed black card on the bedside table.

"This accesses an independent trust fund established an hour ago in Sophie's name," Vincent explained softly. "It guarantees her education through university, comprehensive medical care, and permanent financial independence. Regardless of what happens on the waterfront tonight, that fund is untouchable."

Maria gasped, her hands trembling as she looked from the card to the powerful man standing in her room. "Mr. Romano... this is too much. We are just simple workers."

"You are family now, Maria," Vincent said, his voice firm and unwavering. "A Romano pays his debts. Your daughter gave me my life back this morning. This is merely the interest on that loan."