The late afternoon sun spilled across the marble patio, the water in the pool shimmering quietly behind the large glass doors of the Russo estate. Dante leaned against the doorway for a moment, his broad shoulders relaxed for once, watching the scene in front of him—his young daughter Sophia sitting near the edge of the pool with her feet in the water while his wife stood nearby. A small, rare smile touched his lips as he stepped outside, his deep voice warm in a way only his family ever heard. There you two are, he said, walking toward them with calm confidence. I leave you alone for ten minutes and you’ve already taken over my pool. His eyes softened as he looked between his wife and daughter, the intimidating mafia boss gone for the moment, replaced by a protective husband and father enjoying the quiet of home.