Chapter 5 - The Sanctuary

Twenty minutes later, a fleet of sleek black SUVs glided through the iron gates of a massive, heavily guarded estate nestled in the hills of Upstate New York.
Emma sat in the plush leather backseat of the lead vehicle, Mia fast asleep with her head resting in Emma’s lap. Matteo sat across from them, his eyes rarely leaving the window as radio updates filtered in from his tactical teams in the city.
When the SUV pulled up to the main entrance, guards in tailored suits opened the doors with crisp efficiency.
The estate was grand, filled with warm lighting, classic art, and high ceilings, but to Emma, it felt vast and lonely—much like Mia’s life inside it.
"Show Miss Brooks to the guest suite on the second floor," Matteo ordered his housekeeper, a kind elderly woman named Mrs. Gable. "Ensure she has everything she needs."
"Yes, Mr. Rossi," Mrs. Gable replied warmly.
Before Emma could follow the housekeeper, Mia woke up, rubbing her eyes. She grabbed Emma’s hand and signed eagerly: Stay with me? Please?
Emma looked at Matteo, who looked unusually vulnerable for a man who commanded hundreds of dangerous men.
May you like
"If it's not too much to ask..." Matteo murmured, stepping closer. "She hasn't opened up to anyone since her mother passed away three years ago. Hearing her sign so freely with you... it's the first time I've seen her smile like that in years."
Emma felt her heart melt. "Of course. I'll stay until she falls asleep."