Chapter 5
The vibrant, luminous colors of the room stood in stark contrast to the dark, violent tension radiating from the center of the lounge. The golden warmth of the chandeliers illuminated the dust settling around the shattered wrapping station and the broken coat display.
Mark let out a pathetic, wet groan as he pushed a heavy mink coat off his face. Blood poured freely from his nose and split lip, staining his expensive cashmere sweater. He looked up at his father, his eyes wide with a mixture of shock and sheer panic.
"Dad..." Mark wheezed, spitting blood onto the pristine marble floor. "You're taking her side? Over your own flesh and blood?"
"She is my blood," Richard replied, his voice a low, gravelly rumble. "You are an infection I should have cut out years ago."
Richard turned his head slightly, his sharp eyes finding his second-in-command, a broad-shouldered man named Silas who stood near the grand fireplace.
"Silas," Richard commanded.
"Yes, Boss," Silas answered immediately, stepping forward.
"Call Dr. Evans. Have him brought to my private suite immediately to examine Lily for frostbite and malnutrition," Richard ordered, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "Then, lock the doors to this lounge. No one leaves. No one makes a phone call."
"Understood," Silas nodded, gesturing to the heavily armed bodyguards who immediately moved to secure the exits. The heavy oak and glass doors were bolted shut with loud, definitive clicks.
Claudia scrambled to her knees among the unraveling spools of ribbon, clutching her stinging cheek. "You can't do this, Richard! We are your family! You can't hold us hostage in front of the capos!"
"I am the Don of this family," Richard said coldly, his gaze sweeping over the silent, watching guests. "And tonight, we are going to have a very long conversation about how the granddaughter of Richard Bellacorte ended up wearing filthy rags and sleeping in the cold while you wear diamonds paid for by my syndicate."
Richard turned his attention back to Lily, who was still safely tucked inside his overcoat. He gently adjusted the fabric, ensuring she was completely warm.
"Are you okay, sweetheart?" Richard asked softly, his voice transforming entirely when addressing the child.
"I'm cold, Grandpa," Lily whispered, her teeth chattering slightly. "And my tummy hurts. I didn't get to eat dinner today."
Richard’s jaw tightened, a dangerous muscle ticking beneath his trimmed stubble. "You will never be hungry again, Lily. I promise you."
He looked at Silas. "Take her upstairs. Stay with her and the doctor. Do not leave her side for a single second. If anyone tries to enter that room who is not me, shoot them."
"With my life, Boss," Silas said gently, stepping forward to take the bundle of the overcoat and the child from Richard.
Once Lily was safely carried out of the room, Richard slowly removed his suit jacket, folding it neatly and placing it over the back of a nearby leather chair. He unbuttoned the cuffs of his dress shirt, rolling them up to reveal the thick, artistic tattoos that coiled around his forearms.
May you like
He walked over to where Mark was struggling to stand.
"Now," Richard said, cracking his knuckles with a sound like snapping dry branches. "Let's talk about the trust fund."
