Chapter 1 - The Sanctuary in the Shadows
The restaurant manager’s face turned white as sheet paper. The heavy brass doors clicked shut, the deadbolts sliding into place under the watchful gaze of two sharp-suited men who seemed to step out of the shadows near the entrance.
Vincent Moretti did not raise his voice again. He didn't need to. The quiet authority in his command froze the entire room.
He walked over to my table, his tailored charcoal suit pristine, his dark eyes fixated on the makeshift carrier tied around my chest. Up close, I could see a faint scar running along his jawline.
"Sit," Vincent said softly, pulling out a plush velvet chair.
My knees were trembling so violently I practically collapsed into it. "Sir, I... I didn't mean to cause trouble. I just wanted—"
"I know what you asked for," he interrupted, signaling the head chef who was standing frozen by the kitchen doors. "Bring out warm milk, broth, fresh bread, and whatever soft food you have prepared for the evening. Now."
Within minutes, the table was laden with a feast. Steam rose from fresh soups, buttery rolls, and roasted vegetables. Vincent personally poured a small bowl of lukewarm broth and handed me a spoon.
"Feed the boy first," he said quietly, sitting opposite us. "Then you eat."
I fed Eli tiny spoonfuls of broth. His weak whimpers gradually turned into soft, contented sighs as food finally filled his empty stomach. Tears blurred my vision, dropping onto my worn sweater.
"What is your name, child?" Vincent asked, leaning forward, his elbows resting on the table.
"Lily," I whispered. "Lily Carter. And this is Eli."
"Where do you live, Lily?"
"Lower East Side. With my grandmother, Rose. But... she’s sick. A man stole all her money at the bank card machine six days ago. We ran out of food today, and her heart medicine is almost gone."
Vincent’s eyes darkened into something cold and terrifying, though his voice remained surprisingly gentle when addressing me. He stood up, pulled a sleek leather phone from his jacket, and made a single call.
May you like
"Dante," Vincent said into the phone. "Send a medical unit and two men to an apartment on the Lower East Side. Name is Rose Carter. Treat her like royalty, get her heart medication immediately, and secure the building. I’m bringing her granddaughter and the baby to the estate."
He hung up, looked down at me, and said, "Eat, Lily. You will never go hungry again."
