SERENA’S MISTAKE: The Day She Hurt The Mafia Boss’s Child

Back at the Blackwood estate, the third floor had been completely transformed.

What was once a quiet nursery wing was now under round-the-clock protection by four elite Blackwood guards stationed at every doorway.

Lily sat in a plush velvet armchair near the sunlit bay window, holding Ethan gently in her lap. The little boy wore a bright blue padded cast on his left arm, but his color had returned, and he was happily gnawing on a teething ring while grabbing at Lily’s silver necklace.

CLICK.

The heavy mahogany door swung open, and Victor stepped into the room.

Unlike his usual rigid, formal appearance, Victor had discarded his suit jacket and tie. He wore a simple dark wool sweater with his sleeves pushed up, looking relaxed in a way Lily had never seen before.

Lily reflexively adjusted her position to stand up out of respect, but Victor waved a dismissive hand.

"Sit down, Lily," he said, his deep voice filling the quiet room. "You're still recovering."

"I'm feeling much better today, Mr. Blackwood," Lily replied softly, looking down at Ethan. "The doctor said his bone is setting perfectly."

Victor walked over and stood beside her chair. He looked down at his son, reaching out one long finger. Ethan instantly grabbed Victor’s thumb with his tiny right hand, letting out a soft, babbling laugh.

A rare, faint smile touched the corner of Victor's lips before disappearing just as quickly.

"Mikhail finished the background audit on the staff this morning," Victor said quietly.

Lily looked up, her pulse spiking slightly. "Background audit?"

Victor pulled a thin manila envelope from his pocket. "When anyone enters this house, we check their history. But six months ago, my HR director bypassed deep verification because your application came through a small, private placement agency in Ohio."