THE MAID’S THREE-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER TOUCHED THE MAFIA BOSS’S VICIOUS DOG—THEN THE CHILD VANISHED, AND HE DISCOVERED THE FAMILY HE NEVER MEANT TO LOVE HAD BECOME HIS ONLY WEAKNESS

Within an hour, the Moretti estate was transformed into a command center for a war.

Alessandro called in every favor, activated every contact, and mobilized every armed soldier under his command. Cars arrived in a continuous stream, unloading heavy tactical gear, automatic weaponry, and satellite tracking systems. The quiet elegance of the estate was replaced by the cold, metallic reality of an empire preparing for slaughter.

Sophia sat in the study, holding the small cream teddy bear in her lap, her eyes red and swollen. A private doctor was attending to Bruno in the corner, bandaging the dog’s head and administering fluids. Despite his severe injuries, the massive hound refused to sleep, keeping his dark eyes fixed on the front door, growling softly under his breath whenever a guard walked past.

Alessandro stood at the central map table, surrounded by Marco and his top tactical leaders.

"Lorenzo thinks he holds the cards," Marco said, laying out blueprints of the abandoned 4th Street meatpacking plant. "The place is a fortress. Old steel construction, four floors, multi-tiered security, dozens of blind spots. He’s going to have at least thirty heavily armed men inside."

"He told me to come alone," Alessandro said coldly, checking the magazine of his custom tactical pistol.

"Boss, you can't go in there alone! It's a trap!" Marco argued passionately. "The moment you hand over the ledgers, Lorenzo will kill you and the girl!"

"I know," Alessandro replied smoothly. "Which is why I’m not going alone."

He turned his head toward the corner of the room. Bruno stood up slowly, his legs shaky at first, but his posture radiating an intense, lethal focus. The dog walked over to Alessandro and pressed his broad snout against his master's hand.

Sophia looked up from her seat, terror in her eyes. "Alessandro... you can't go without backup. Please, let your men help!"

Alessandro walked over to Sophia, kneeling down so he was eye-level with her. The harsh, lethal aura surrounding him softened instantly as he looked at her.

"If Marco’s men breach the building first, Lorenzo will panic and use Emma as a shield," Alessandro explained gently, cupping her face in his broad, calloused hands. "I have to draw their attention. I will go in through the front. Marco and three sniper teams will take the surrounding rooftops. Once I locate Emma, I give the signal, and we execute every living thing in that building."

Sophia leaned into his touch, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks. She reached up, taking his hand, and pressed a desperate, burning kiss against his palm.

"Bring her home, Alessandro," she whispered, her voice choking. "And come back to me. Don't leave us alone."

Alessandro felt a surge of emotion so powerful it threatened to tear through his chest. He leaned forward and pressed his lips firmly against hers in a passionate, fiercely protective kiss. Sophia kissed him back with all the desperation and love overflowing from her heart.

When he pulled away, his dark eyes burned with an unquenchable fire.