Giovanni stiffened, his dark suit crisp but his posture betraying unease. The grand chandelier above cast sharp shadows across the office, its light catching on Ace’s glinting rings as he leaned back in his chair, studying Giovanni like a predator sizing up prey.

“Answer me, Giovanni,” Ace pressed, his voice a chilling calm. “Why hide her? Do you think I wouldn’t notice? That I wouldn’t care?” His dark eyes bore into the older man.

Giovanni’s jaw tightened. He had always been loyal to Ace, but this—this was different. His daughter wasn’t a pawn to be played in their dangerous world. “She’s innocent, Ace. She doesn’t belong in this life.”

Ace smirked, a dangerous edge to his expression. “No one is innocent, Giovanni. Least of all in our business. You know that.”

Giovanni’s fists clenched at his sides. “She’s different. I’ve kept her away from this for a reason. I won’t let her become a piece in this game.”

Ace stood, his tall, imposing frame dwarfing Giovanni. “You think you can make decisions like that without consulting me?” He moved closer, each step deliberate, his presence suffocating. “I’m not just your boss, Giovanni. I’m the boss. And if you have a daughter, I have a right to know.”

Giovanni’s heart pounded. He knew Ace’s reputation—ruthless, possessive, obsessive. The thought of his daughter catching Ace’s attention terrified him. “I won’t let you pull her into this,” he said, his voice low but firm.

Ace chuckled darkly, his hand clamping down on Giovanni’s shoulder. “You don’t get a choice in this. Bring her to me. Tonight.”

Giovanni froze. His worst fear was unfolding before his eyes. “Ace—”

“Tonight, Giovanni,” Ace interrupted, his voice sharp as a blade. “Or I’ll find her myself.”