THE LITTLE GIRL ASKED TO SIT WITH A STRANGER—BUT HER MOTHER NEVER EXPECTED THE MAFIA BOSS TO RECOGNIZE HER FACE

if she could sit at his table.

He folded the letter into thirds and placed it in a small wooden box.

One day, when she was old enough, she would read it.

Until then, it would wait.

The next morning, they had pancakes.

Damen made them.

They were better than the first batch.

After breakfast, Clara took Lily by the hand.

“Sweetheart, come outside with me and continue reading …