Chapter 3 - The Heavy Wool Sweater
The double doors of the Sovereign Lounge did not open quietly.
They parted with a solid, heavy thud that made the maitre d' step back in sheer panic. The ambient chatter in the room died in an instant. Even the pianist’s fingers hesitated over the keys before drifting into silence.
Massimo Lombardi walked in.
He wore a long, charcoal wool overcoat over a tailored Italian suit, his silver-streaked hair swept back, his dark eyes carrying the absolute stillness of an oncoming storm. Behind him stood two towering security men in dark overcoats, their eyes scanning the perimeter before stopping dead behind their patriarch.
Massimo did not look at the chandeliers. He did not look at the patrons who instinctively pulled back into their booths.
His eyes locked onto the small, trembling figure in the oversized wool sweater.
"Mia," Massimo said. His voice was low, deep, and carried a resonance that seemed to vibrate the crystal stemware on nearby tables.
The little girl turned. "Grandpa...?"
Massimo crossed the marble floor with long, purposeful strides. He ignored Grant, ignored Vanessa, and went down on one knee directly in front of his granddaughter.
The terrifying gravity in his face melted the moment his gaze met the child's. He reached out with large, calloused hands and pulled Mia tightly against his chest, wrapping his arms around her small frame to shield her from the venomous table behind her.
May you like
"Ah...!"
A sharp, breathless whimper tore from Mia’s throat. She violently arched her back, her small face turning ghostly white as she gasped in agonizing pain.
