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.

Marina did not even think about what she was doing next.

She pointed her handgun directly at Victor's chest, her maternal instincts completely overriding her fear.

If you shoot him, I will kill you right here in this alley, Marina promised, her voice steady and terrifyingly cold.

Victor paused, looking at the fierce, desperate mother standing between him and his dying rival.

He slowly lowered his weapon, a small, genuine smile of respect touching the corners of his mouth.

You have fire in your blood, Marina, it is a shame my son did not value you, Victor noted.

Victor holstered his gun and turned to the armed men waiting by the SUV.

Put the weapons away and help Mr. Cole into the car, Victor ordered his guards.

Marina watched in absolute shock as the rival mafia soldiers gently lifted Adrien and placed him into the vehicle.

Get in, Marina, we are going to my private clinic, Victor said, holding the back door open for her.

Why are you helping us? Marina asked, refusing to move until she understood his angle.

Because Liam crossed a line when he involved a child in this war, Victor explained, his expression hardening.

I want my syndicate back from my rogue son, and Adrien wants his mansion back.

For tonight, we share the exact same enemy.

Marina cautiously climbed into the SUV, pulling Noah close as she sat next to the semi-conscious Adrien.

The drive to the underground clinic was a blur of neon lights and heavy rain.

When they arrived, a team of underground doctors immediately rushed Adrien onto a surgical gurney.

Marina sat in the sterile waiting room for hours, rocking Noah until he finally fell asleep.

Victor sat across from her, quietly sipping a cup of black coffee.

Liam will not stop hunting you until he has the boy, Victor warned her softly.

We have to lay a trap, Marina said, her voice devoid of any hesitation.

Victor raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden tactical shift in the young mother.

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

I will call Liam and tell him I escaped Adrien, Marina planned, her eyes burning with resolve.

I will tell him I want to trade the baby for my own freedom, but we will be waiting for him.

Chapter 7 - The Unlikely Alliance