The eviction notice was still taped to her door when Marina Holtz strapped her six-month-old son to her chest and walked into the home of the most dangerous man in the city. She had no choice — the agency made that clear, and the heat had been shut off twice that month. But when Noah stirred mid-service, his cry cutting through the silence of Adrien Cole's private dining room like a blade, Marina understood the true weight of her gamble. Every weapon in the room turned toward her. Every conversation stopped. And then the impossible happened: her baby, who screamed at every stranger, went silent the moment the mafia boss touched him. The same baby who now gripped Adrien Cole's jacket with both tiny fists and would not, under any circumstances, let go.

The heavy doors of the SUV swung open, and four men stepped out with their weapons drawn.

Marina stepped in front of Adrien, raising her small handgun with shaking arms to protect him.

Do not shoot her! a familiar, commanding voice echoed from the backseat of the vehicle.

An older man with silver hair and a sharp, aristocratic face stepped out into the rain.

Adrien groaned, slipping down the brick wall to a sitting position.

Hello, Victor, Adrien coughed, pressing his hand harder against his bleeding side.

Marina realized this was Victor Rossi, Liam's father and the head of the rival syndicate.

Victor looked at Marina, but his cold, assessing eyes immediately locked onto the baby strapped to her chest.

My grandson is beautiful, Marina, Victor said smoothly, taking a slow step toward her.

Stay away from him! Marina yelled, cocking the hammer of the gun just like Adrien had shown her.

Victor stopped, raising his hands in a mocking gesture of peace.

My son Liam is a reckless fool who destroyed his own family to steal money, Victor stated calmly.

I have no interest in supporting Liam's violent little coup at Adrien's mansion.

Victor looked down at the bleeding mafia boss sitting against the wet bricks.

I will offer you a deal, Adrien, Victor proposed, his voice cutting through the heavy rain.

I will give you my private medical team to save your life, and my men will wipe out Liam's mercenaries tonight.

What do you want in return? Adrien rasped, his breathing growing shallow and uneven.

Victor pointed a single, manicured finger directly at Marina's chest.

I want the boy.

Marina felt her heart stop completely, her arms instinctively wrapping tighter around Noah.

Adrien looked up at Victor, his dark eyes burning with a fierce, protective fire despite his fading strength.

When my newborn 'passed away,' my mother-in-law leaned in and said

My Husband Left Me Alone in My Car While I Was in Labor

“You’re Dead When We Get Home,” He Snapped

If you ever try to touch that child, Adrien whispered, I will burn your entire empire to ash.

Victor sighed in disappointment, pulling a silver pistol from his own coat pocket and aiming it at Adrien's head.

Chapter 6 - The Deal with the Devil