Chapter 2 - The Desperate Secret
Dante glanced at the massive, heavy mop in Sophie’s tiny hands, then looked back at her dirt-smudged face. He was testing her resolve, searching for the crack in her brave facade.
"You’d miss half the floor," Dante said dismissively, attempting to brush her off.
Sophie’s brow furrowed deeply. The intimidation of the towering mafia boss was completely overridden by her absolute, desperate determination.
"I can learn," Sophie stated firmly.
Dante’s ruthless, cold demeanor shifted slightly. In his line of work, people begged for mercy, money, or time. Nobody begged for manual labor, especially not a six-year-old child. He was deeply intrigued by the raw desperation radiating from her.
"Why does your mother need a six-year-old employee?" Dante asked quietly, assuming the girl belonged to one of the new catering staff members working the kitchen.
A tight, extreme close-up captured Sophie’s face. She didn't look away. She looked dead into the terrifying mafia boss's eyes. A subtle, powerful emotional pause hung in the air.
"Because she owes money," Sophie whispered, a single, heavy tear finally slipping down her cheek.
Dante’s jaw tightened. "Who does she owe?"
"The man with the snake on his hand," Sophie answered, her voice trembling. "He said if we don't pay him by tomorrow, he's going to take my mommy away. I need to make money to buy her back."
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👉 Who is the man with the snake tattoo, and why is he hunting a maid?
