TINY GIRL DESPERATELY READS LIPS OF 4 JAPANESE MEN AT GALA AND URGENTLY SLAPS PLATE BEFORE MAFIA BOSS TASTES THE DEADLY POISON

The Mercer Estate sat high atop the cliffs of Pacific Heights, a grand stone fortress surrounded by ten-foot wrought-iron gates, security towers, and thirty armed men patrolling the grounds.

For Claire, stepping through the front doors felt like entering a different universe. High vaulted ceilings, priceless oil paintings, and polished granite floors stretched out before them. But despite the breathtaking luxury, every window was made of three-inch bulletproof glass, and security cameras covered every inch of the perimeter.

"This will be your home for now," Renzo said, leading them up a grand curved staircase. "My personal staff will handle everything. Food, clothes, medical care. You don't leave the grounds without my personal escort."

He opened a set of double doors to a massive master suite overlooking the ocean. It was warmed by a roaring fireplace, with a king-sized bed, plush sofas, and a adjoining children's room painted in soft cream and pink.

"It's... it's huge," Claire whispered, standing in the doorway, afraid to step on the plush white rug with her worn server shoes.

"It’s safe," Renzo corrected gently. He turned to Claire, his eyes assessing her worn coat and the dark shadows under her eyes. "My head housekeeper, Mrs. Gable, has already prepared dinner downstairs. Eat, rest, and sleep. Tomorrow, we figure out our next move."

"Mr. Mercer," Claire said softly as he turned to leave.

Renzo stopped in the hallway. "Call me Renzo."

"Why are you doing this?" Claire asked, her voice trembling slightly. "Men in your position... people say terrible things about you. They call you a monster."

Renzo stayed silent for a moment, looking out at the rain tearing through the garden.

"I am a monster to my enemies, Claire," Renzo said quietly. "Fifteen years ago, my father was betrayed by his own lieutenants. They bombed our family home. I survived, but my little sister didn't. She was seven years old."

He turned back, his dark eyes meeting hers with a deep, sorrowful sincerity.

"I couldn't save my sister," Renzo whispered. "But I will burn this city to ash before I let anyone lay a finger on your daughter. Get some sleep."

He pulled the heavy wooden door shut, leaving Claire standing in the warm light of the room, her heart hammering with a terrifying mixture of relief, fear, and something else she didn't dare name.

Downstairs, Ivy was sitting at the massive dining table, a plate of warm chicken cutlets and mashed potatoes in front of her.

Renzo walked into the room, pulling off his tie. He sat down at the head of the table, watching the little girl eat.

"Is the food okay?" he asked.

Ivy nodded swallowing. "It's really good. Better than the diner."

Renzo chuckled softly—a rare, genuine sound that made his guards by the door glance at each other in shock. "I'm glad. Ivy, can I ask you something?"

"Mmhmm."

"When you read those men's lips... were you scared?"

Ivy set her fork down. She looked at Renzo with wisdom far beyond her seven years. "I was scared for my mom. And I was scared for you."

"For me?" Renzo smiled faintly. "People don't usually worry about me."

"You looked lonely," Ivy said simply. "Even with all those people around you."

Renzo’s smile faded, replaced by a deep, quiet awe. He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. "You're a very special girl, Ivy Doyle."

Suddenly, Lev entered the room quickly, his face grim. He leaned down to whisper in Renzo’s ear.

"Boss. The three hitmen we captured in the basement... one of them just broke. He said Kazama didn't plan this alone. Someone inside your inner circle gave them the security codes to the ballroom."

Renzo’s face hardened into stone. "Who?"

"He doesn't know the name," Lev whispered. "Only that the mole communicates with Kazama using encrypted video feeds routed through the harbor shipping terminals."

Ivy, who had been listening quietly, suddenly spoke up.

"He means the man with the gold watch," Ivy said.

Renzo and Lev both snapped their heads toward her.

"What gold watch, Ivy?" Renzo asked, his voice low and intense.

"The man who handed the server the sake bottle," Ivy said, her small eyebrows drawing together as she recalled the scene. "Before he walked away, he looked at a camera near the ceiling and moved his lips. He said: 'Tell the Vice President the shipment at Dock 4 is cleared.'"