The notorious mafia boss brought his mute daughter to a quiet diner. She had never spoken a single word in her life-until she pointed a trembling finger at the tired waitress and whispered, “Mom.” The boss froze, his cup shattering on the floor. He slowly stood up, locked eyes with the woman, and growled…

quietly, looking out at the water. “When the dust settles. When the threats are gone.”

Damian stepped closer, his arm brushing mine. “Then, Evelyn,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble over the sound of the waves, “we figure out if a coup d’état can lead to a lasting empire. Or if we are just buying time.”

He reached out and gently tucked a stray strand continue reading …