Chapter 16
Adrian quietly pushed open the heavy oak door of the penthouse nursery. The faint scent of baby powder lingered in the warm air, and a small star-shaped nightlight cast a gentle, soothing glow across the ceiling. On the large bed, Clara was tossing and turning, her small face drenched in a cold sweat as she whimpered in the grips of a terrifying nightmare.
"Mommy... please don't go... don't leave," Clara sobbed, her tiny hands grasping blindly at the empty air.
The ruthless Mafia Boss vanished, instantly replaced by a desperate, heartbroken father. Adrian rushed to the bedside, gathering the trembling child into his broad, heavily tattooed arms. He held her securely against his chest.
"I am right here, Clara. It’s just a bad dream," Adrian murmured, his deep, raspy voice wrapping around her like a protective shield. "Open your eyes, my sweet girl. Look at me."
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Clara’s tear-filled blue eyes fluttered open. Recognizing her father’s handsome face, she buried her face in his neck and cried. "The bad men took her, Daddy."
"I know, baby," Adrian whispered, his jaw clenching with an uncontrollable, murderous rage. "But I promise you, I will make them pay. I will be your shield forever. Go to sleep. Daddy is staying right here until the sun comes up." Clara nodded, safely drifting away in his embrace.
