Chapter 3

Alexander returned early the next morning.

He seemed in high spirits; Lucas’s fever must have broken. He walked straight to Leo, who had just woken up, pulled a heavy Desert Eagle from his waistband, and placed it in Leo’s hands.

"A late birthday present, son."

Alexander ruffled Leo’s hair, his voice full of expectation.

"You're five now. You're a man. This gun has serious firepower. You need to learn how to use it to protect yourself, and protect your mother like I do."

The weight of the gun made Leo stumble. His face went pale, and he began to shake uncontrollably.

"I... I don't want it," he whispered.

Alexander frowned.

"Leo, you're five. Why are you so timid? Even Lucas plays with guns."

I watched them, the chill in my heart colder than the steel barrel.

Alexander had forgotten.

Two years ago, when Leo was three, he was kidnapped by a rival family. During the extraction, a massive explosion and close-quarters gunfire ruptured his left eardrum. It left him with severe PTSD.

He had a physiological terror of gunshots.

And now, his biological father was forcing the source of his trauma into his arms.

I walked over, snatched the Desert Eagle, and slammed it onto the coffee table. The heavy thud echoed in the room.

"This is your gift?"

Alexander looked stunned, as if he couldn't understand my anger.

"It’s a top-tier weapon. He is my son, the future Godfather. He has to overcome his fear."

Before we could argue, the sound of high heels clicked from the doorway.

Bella walked in holding Lucas’s hand, followed by two associates carrying luggage.

Alexander’s expression softened instantly. He turned to me.

"Sophia, the neighborhood Bella was staying in isn't safe, and Lucas getting sick scared her. I told her to stay here for a while. With you here to look after things, I won't have to worry."

Seeing my dark expression, he added, "Just until the heat dies down. Then I’ll buy her a place in Beverly Hills and move her out."

I looked at Bella. She wore a white dress, looking innocent, but her eyes held a challenge.

Lucas pulled his hand free and ran a lap around the living room. He pointed a finger at Leo's bedroom.

"I want that room! It has the best sunlight and all the toys!"

That was Leo's favorite room. It was filled with the Lego sets he had built piece by piece.

Bella feigned politeness, pulling Lucas back. "Lucas, don't be rude. That is Leo's room."

Alexander waved his hand dismissively.

"It's fine. Leo is the big brother, and he's a man. He should make room for a guest."

He turned to Leo, who was still trembling in silence, and issued a command.

"Leo, give the room to Lucas. I'll have the men set up the guest room for you. It's spacious enough."

The air went dead silent.

Leo stopped shaking. He raised his head. The light in his eyes—eyes that looked so much like Alexander’s—was completely extinguished.

He slowly straightened his small body and gave Alexander a formal, standard Mafia bow.

His voice was childish, yet as cold as a stranger's.

"Yes, Don."

The smile froze on Alexander’s face. He stared at Leo in shock.

"Leo, what did you call me?"

I took Leo’s hand and spoke calmly. "Isn't this what you wanted? You're the one who never let him call you Dad."

"No..." Alexander tried to explain. "I meant in public, for your safety..."

I lowered my eyes and gave a mocking smile.

Six years of hidden marriage. Every time Leo called him Dad in front of anyone, he got scolded.

Now that Leo voluntarily called him Don, why was he so shocked?

He wanted to say more, but Lucas ran over and hugged his leg. "Uncle Alexander, come help me set up my room, okay?"

Alexander gave Leo and me a complicated look. "Leo, Lucas is only staying for a week. I'll have the room restored for you then."

Leo remained silent.

Alexander looked at me helplessly. "Sophia, he's just a kid. Talk to him."

I smiled and nodded.

Relieved, Alexander turned and picked up Lucas to go fix the room.

Just then, a text came in from Marco:

Identities scrubbed. The extraction team picks you up tonight.

I let out a breath. Finally. We were leaving.