31 OMG A Waitress Took $10,000 to Kiss the Most Dangerous Mafia Boss at the Gala—Then He Learned She Was Saving Her Little Sister

An hour later, two black armored SUVs pulled up to the dilapidated apartment complex in the South District. Ava rushed up the dark, creaking stairs, flanked by two of Matteo’s armed bodyguards.

She unlocked the door to find nine-year-old Mila sitting on the worn couch, clutching a battered stuffed bear, tears dried on her cheeks.

"Ava!" Mila cried out, running into her sister's arms. "Where were you? A scary man knocked on the door earlier asking for you!"

Ava hugged her sister tightly, her heart stopping. Celeste’s men were already looking for her. "I'm here, baby. I'm here. We have to pack right now. We're moving."

"Moving? Where?" Mila asked, looking fearfully at the tall men in suits standing at the doorway.

"To a safe place," Ava promised, kissing her forehead. "Trust me."

Within twenty minutes, their meager possessions were packed into three small bags. They were escorted down to the waiting SUV, where Matteo sat quietly in the back seat, reviewing financial documents on a tablet.

Mila shrank back behind Ava as they entered the vehicle. "Ava... who is that?"

Matteo paused, shutting his tablet down. He looked at the terrified little girl, and his harsh expression visibly softened—a rare sight that made his driver glance back in utter shock.

"Hello, Mila," Matteo said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "My name is Matteo. I'm a friend of your sister's."

Mila peered out from behind Ava’s dress, her hand instinctively coming up to cover her mouth and teeth. "Are you a prince? You dress like one."

A faint, rare smile touched the corner of Matteo’s lips. "Something like that. And tonight, you and your sister are my guests."

The SUV smoothly glided through the city streets, finally passing through massive iron gates onto a sprawling estate guarded by armed men and high-voltage fencing. The Moretti Mansion stood like an impenetrable fortress atop a hill overlooking the city.

When the heavy wooden doors of the mansion opened, Ava stared in absolute awe. Soaring ceilings, grand crystal chandeliers, and warm marble floors greeted them. An elderly housekeeper named Mrs. Higgins bowed politely.

"Welcome home, Sir," Mrs. Higgins said. "The guest rooms have been prepared as requested."

"Take them upstairs," Matteo instructed. "Ensure the child has everything she needs. Food, fresh clothes, and a doctor if necessary."

"Wait," Ava called out as Matteo began to walk toward his study. He paused and turned back.