The toddler's innocent words that saved the mafia boss's life.

Deep in the service corridors, far from the amber illumination of the reception, Nora Lane hurried down the hallway. The twenty-five-year-old maid was a vision of gentle, understated beauty, with delicate features, fair, rosy skin, and clear, highly expressive eyes. She wore a fitted black maid dress, crisp white collar and cuffs, and a white ruffled maid headband. However, her normally immaculate uniform was showing the toll of the chaotic evening. Her white apron was rumpled from carrying heavy trays, her headband sat slightly crooked, and loose strands of dark hair framed her face after hurrying through the massive estate.

"Nora, wait for me!" a small, sweet voice called out.

Nora stopped and turned, a warm smile breaking across her face. Three-year-old Lucy Hart trotted down the corridor. Alaric’s daughter was an absolute angel, with soft curls, round rosy cheeks, and little dimples that appeared when she smiled. She was dressed impeccably in a red velvet dress, a cream cardigan embroidered with tiny reindeer, and miniature gold bow shoes. In her small arms, she tightly hugged a plush snowman.

"You shouldn't be running in the halls, sweetie," Nora said, kneeling down to be at eye level with the toddler. "The party is very busy tonight."

"I wanted to show you my snowman," Lucy said, holding the toy forward. "He likes Christmas."

"He is a very handsome snowman," Nora replied softly, adjusting the collar of Lucy's cream cardigan. "But you need to stay close to your daddy tonight. There are a lot of strangers in the house."

"Daddy is busy talking to the scary men," Lucy pouted, her American accent punctuated with adorable toddler inflections. "Vivvy told me to go play in the kitchen."

Nora’s brow furrowed. She never liked the way Vivian treated the little girl. "Did she? Well, you can stay with me for a few minutes while I fetch the fresh champagne glasses."

Nora took Lucy’s small hand and led her toward the pantry. As they passed the master study, the heavy oak door was slightly ajar. Nora glanced inside and froze. Vivian was standing by the desk, her emerald satin gown pooling on the floor. In one hand, she held a gold evening clutch. In the other, she held an unmarked pill bottle. Nora watched in silent horror as Vivian uncapped the bottle and poured a heavy dose of white powder into a silver champagne shaker reserved for Alaric.

"What is Vivvy doing?" Lucy asked loudly.