Chapter 6
The transition of the boy from a prisoner in the dark to a protected ward of the syndicate happened with the ruthless, terrifying efficiency that characterized Cassian Wolfe’s entire operation. Within the hour, the child—whose name was Leo—was bathed, fed a warm meal from the estate's kitchens, and tucked securely into a plush bed in one of the mansion's opulent guest suites.
Cassian stood in the doorway of the bedroom, watching the boy sleep. The cinematic, airy lighting of the hallway cast long shadows across his handsome, angular face. The rage had receded, replaced by a cold, calculating focus. Estelle's brother had used Cassian's home as a black site. That was a declaration of war.
He quietly closed the bedroom door and walked down the grand, sweeping staircase. The engagement dinner had finally ended, the guests having departed quickly and quietly into the night. The mansion was silent, save for the efficient movements of the cleanup crew.
Cassian found Ada in the massive, gleaming kitchen. She was sitting at the central island, a cup of untouched tea resting before her. The estate’s private physician was gently applying a fresh, sterile bandage behind her ear, replacing the bloodied one.
"Is the pain manageable?" Cassian asked, stepping into the bright, clear lighting of the room.
Ada jumped slightly, startled by his sudden appearance. She quickly stood up, smoothing her white apron. "Yes, Mr. Wolfe. Thank you."
"Leave us, Doctor," Cassian ordered quietly.
The physician packed his bag swiftly and hurried out of the kitchen, leaving the mafia boss and the housemaid entirely alone.
Cassian walked slowly toward the island. He didn't wear his suit jacket, leaving him in his tailored vest and crisp white shirt, the sleeves rolled up to the forearms, exposing more of the refined artistic tattoos that marked his skin. Without the jacket, the sheer width of his powerful shoulders was even more imposing.
"Sit down, Ada," Cassian murmured, gesturing to the stool.
Ada hesitated, then slowly lowered herself back down. She kept her hands clasped tightly in her lap.
"Did you know the boy was in there?" Cassian asked, his perceptive eyes locking onto her delicate, softly heart-shaped face.
"No, sir," Ada replied honestly. "I only heard the crying. Ms. Quinn caught me trying to open the door. She... she was very aggressive. She told me if I spoke a word of it, she would ensure I disappeared."
"And yet, you spoke in front of fifty made men," Cassian mused softly, leaning against the marble counter. "Did you not fear the consequences?"
"I feared leaving a child in the dark more," Ada whispered, her expressive brows drawing together.
Cassian stared at her for a long, agonizing moment. The coldness in his eyes melted entirely, replaced by a profound, terrifying intensity. He was a man who ruled an empire built on fear and loyalty, and he had just witnessed an act of pure, unselfish courage from a woman who had absolutely nothing to gain.
"Are you aware that I am removing you from the domestic staff?" Cassian asked.
Ada’s breath hitched. She assumed her time in the house was over. Despite her actions, she had caused a massive scene. She fully expected to be handed her final paycheck and shown the door.
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"I understand, sir," Ada said, her voice shaking slightly as she looked down at her hands.
"Do you?" Cassian countered smoothly. He reached out, his tattooed fingers gently lifting her chin, forcing her to meet his dark eyes. "I am appointing you as Leo's primary guardian. You will move into the suite adjoining his. Your salary will be tripled. You will answer to no one but me. Do you accept the position?"
