VINCENZO DANTE VOLKOV;

Little Mouse's nerves were all over the place. I wasn't sure the reassurances I gave her were doing any good, so I opted for champagne. I knew leaving her all by herself wasn't the right option, but I was confident she could handle herself a bit before I got back.

A business associate of mine delayed me with news of a new project we had at hand, but I excused myself when I saw, from afar, Victoria's mother dragging her by the hand toward my family. I walked ...