Alessandra swiftly sliced the fabric from his tiny wrists and pulled him protectively against her chest as he struggled for each breath

The Romano estate was peaceful when Alessandra returned. The morning sun poured through the massive windows of the foyer, illuminating the pristine marble floors. She walked directly to the east wing, her exhaustion finally catching up with her, though her posture remained perfectly rigid.

She pushed through the double doors of the medical suite. Caleb was awake, sitting up on the examination table, drinking a small cup of juice. Dr. Evans was gently checking his bruised ribs, nodding approvingly.

"Mom!" Caleb cried out, his blue eyes brightening instantly.

Alessandra smiled—a genuine, warm smile that completely erased the lethal Mafia Boss who had just extorted the Chicago Commission. She rushed forward, wrapping her arms carefully around her son, pressing a kiss to his soft cheek.

"How are you feeling, baby?" she murmured, her American accent thick with maternal love.

"It hurts a little," Caleb admitted, pointing to his side. "But Dr. Evans said I'm very brave."

"You are the bravest boy in the world," Alessandra promised, her dark eyes flashing with a fierce, protective fire. "And you are safe. No one is ever going to hurt you again."

She looked over Caleb's shoulder and saw Mason standing nervously in the doorway of the medical suite. The ten-year-old boy was dressed in simple clothes, looking down at the floor, his fair, rosy cheeks pale with anxiety.

Alessandra gently pulled away from Caleb and stood up. She walked over to Mason, her presence suffocatingly intimidating, though she kept her voice low and steady.

"Did you sleep well, Mason?" she asked.