“Is this enough for a hug?”

Beside Rafael’s left shoulder sat Clarissa Vale, his newly minted fiancée. She was the very picture of high-society perfection, draped in a sculpted satin evening gown that flowed flawlessly over her fair skin. Diamond earrings caught the luminous light, matching the massive engagement ring that rested heavily on her left hand. She maintained a polished, affectionate public smile, greeting the capos and politicians with practiced grace. Yet, beneath the glittering diamonds and the satin, a bitter jealousy festered in her heart. She despised the way Rafael’s cold, intimidating eyes softened whenever they landed on the beautiful housemaid.

"The evening is going beautifully, isn't it?" Clarissa asked a wealthy senator's wife seated across from them. "I made sure the floral arrangements were exactly what Rafael prefers."

"It is simply magnificent, Clarissa," the woman replied, her rosy cheeks lifting in a wide smile. "You are the perfect hostess. You must be so proud of everything you’ve put together tonight."

Rafael did not look at Clarissa. His attention was focused on the small boy sitting on his right side. Theo Ashford, Rafael’s five-year-old son, looked incredibly small in his formal dinner jacket, tiny trousers, and polished dress shoes. Theo’s fair, rosy skin was pale, his eyes downcast. The boy was still deeply grieving Clara, his late mother, and the loud, crowded banquet hall clearly overwhelmed him.

"Are you feeling overwhelmed by the noise, Theo?" Rafael asked, his deep voice dropping to a gentle, comforting register as he leaned toward his son.

Theo looked up, his small hands clutching the edge of the velvet chair. "It is very loud, Papa."

"Do you want me to have the musicians play something quieter?" Rafael inquired, his tattooed hand resting reassuringly on the back of Theo's chair.

"No, thank you, Papa," Theo murmured, his gaze drifting past his father to where Mina was standing near the service doors.

Clarissa noticed the boy's line of sight and her smile tightened imperceptibly. She leaned across the table, her diamond earrings sparkling in the bright, airy light. "Theo, darling, you must sit up straight," she scolded gently, though her tone held a sharp, icy edge. "We are hosting very important people tonight. You need to look like a proper young gentleman, don't you?"

Theo flinched slightly, pulling his shoulders inward.

Rafael’s jaw tightened. He turned his head slowly, his cold eyes fixing on his fiancée. "Is it necessary to scold a grieving child over his posture?" Rafael asked, his words dripping with a chilling, measured restraint.

"I only want what is best for him, darling," Clarissa replied smoothly, though a flicker of nervousness betrayed her confident facade. "He needs structure."

Mina, watching the exchange from the periphery, felt a profound ache in her chest. She had always comforted Theo freely, offering the boy the gentle warmth he so desperately needed in the wake of his mother's death. She saw the vulnerability in Theo's expression, a look that instantly drew Rafael’s protective attention.

"Mina," Rafael called out, his voice easily cutting through the ambient noise of the room. "Will you bring Theo a glass of water?"