Chapter 4 - The New Beginning
Maya looked down at little Sophia, who had buried her small face deeper into Maya’s red shirt, holding onto her apron like a lifeline. Maya felt a profound, maternal warmth bloom in her chest. She knew what it felt like to be abandoned and lonely.
"I don't need a fortune, Mr. Russo," Maya said softly, her clear voice ringing with genuine grace. "I just want to make sure your daughter is safe and cared for. I'll come with you."
Dante’s jaw tightened slightly as a rare, genuine spark of warmth flashed across his sharp features. "You will be paid fifty thousand dollars a month, Miss...?"
"Maya. Maya Lin," she replied gently.
Dante stood up from the leather booth, carefully taking Sophia into his powerful arms. But the moment he tried to step away, Sophia whimpered, reaching her tiny hand out to grab Maya’s wrist.
Dante looked at Maya, a subtle, respectful smile tugging at his lips. "It seems she doesn't want you out of her sight. Walk with us, Maya."
As Maya gathered her small jacket from the staff closet, Victor stepped in front of her, his eyes burning with toxic jealousy and rage.
"You think you're special, Maya?!" Victor hissed in a desperate whisper. "You're breaking your employment contract! I will sue you for everything you have! I won't release your final paycheck!"
Dante paused near the front entrance, turning his cold gaze back toward the trembling manager.
"My legal team will inspect Bellanote’s financial ledgers tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM," Dante stated calmly. "I suspect they will find substantial evidence of corporate embezzlement and wage theft under your management."
Victor choked on his own breath, his eyes wide with absolute horror as he realized Dante already knew about his secret crime.
"Throw him out," Dante ordered his guards casually.
May you like
Within seconds, the two bodyguards grabbed Victor by his collar, dragging him screaming into the alleyway as Dante, Maya, and little Sophia stepped into a waiting black limousine.
👉 Click to continue reading to see what happened when Maya arrived at the Russo estate.
