The Cruel Owner Fired the Waitress on Christmas Eve — Until a Mafia Boss Heard His Daughter’s Whisper

The man standing behind Lily slowly rose from his seat.

Julian Mercer, the feared leader of the city's most powerful enterprise, towered in a tailored black suit and heavy black overcoat. Neck tattoos crept up his dark collar, contrasting with his striking handsome features and intense gaze.

When Julian moved, the three armed men stationed near the entrance straightened, sending an immediate wave of silence through the room.

Richard Vance’s arrogant smirk instantly vanished. His skin turned ghostly white as he recognized the man standing in his dining room.

"M-Mr. Mercer!" Richard stammered, rushing forward with an oily smile. "Please accept my apologies for this disturbance! This incompetent waitress was just being removed—"

Julian completely ignored Richard. He leaned down slightly, dropping to one knee to bring himself eye-level with his little daughter.

His expression, usually cold as ice, softened into something firm yet gentle as he tried to reason with her.

"Lily," Julian said in a low, authoritative tone. "We cannot invite strangers home just because you feel sorry for them."

Emily held her breath, frozen in place with her cloth still pinned to her chest. She had heard rumors about Julian Mercer—a man whose word was law in New York, a man who showed no mercy to his enemies.

Lily clutched her plush bunny tighter, looking directly into her father's eyes with unwavering determination, refusing to back down.