His greatest love.

Chapter 5.

Lorenzo's recovery was going well—surprisingly so. The room pulsed with laughter and warmth, sunlight pooling across the floor, mixing with the scent of strong hospital coffee and that rarest of things in the De Luca family: peace.

"If Gio actually marries Cara," Maliah, Gio's little sister said between giggles, "I will literally die."

"Ha ha. Very funny," Gio muttered, rolling his eyes as the room erupted with laughter.

"Don't worry," Liam teased. "I've got a few women in mind who could knock some sense into you."

Gio chuckled, "It's really not that bad—"

A knock on the door cut him off.

"Come in!" Clarita called, her laughter softening.

The door opened to reveal Detective Santos.

Everyone's mood changed.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Liam snapped, his voice instantly cold.

"Good afternoon," Santos said coolly, stepping fully into view.

"You heard him," Gio added, rising from his chair. "You've got no business here."

"I'm here to gather additional statements about the shooting that landed Mr. Lorenzo De Luca in this bed."

"We already told you what we know," Clarita said sharply.

"Yes, but now that Mr. De Luca is awake, I figured he could speak for himself," Santos said, turning to Lorenzo. "You must've seen something. A face. A flash. Anything."

Lorenzo's voice was low but iron-clad. "I was giving a speech paying attention to my wife and then I was bleeding. So no—I didn't see a damn thing."

"You heard him. Get out," Liam snapped again.

"My father just survived a heart surgery," Maliah added, her voice rising. "And you think now is a good time to interrogate him about a trauma he hasn't even processed yet?"

Santos raised both palms, mock-innocent. "I'm trying to prevent a second attempt. That's all."

The door opened again.

"Good afternoon," came a calm voice.

Dr. Jason Malik entered with a nurse, immediately lightening the tension.

"Afternoon," the family echoed.

"How are you feeling, Mr. De Luca?" Jason asked.

"Exhausted," Lorenzo admitted. "But better than yesterday."

"Good. That's promising," Jason said with a warm smile—right before the real storm walked in.

Dr. Pierce.

Wearing navy blue maternity scrubs that hugged her baby bump lightly with elegance, her hair twisted up in a rough bun. She wasn't wearing makeup—just lip gloss and a look that could end wars.

She barely spared Santos a glance before stopping at the foot of the bed.

"What the hell are you doing in here?" she asked, voice razor-sharp.

Santos didn't flinch. "I'm gathering a statement from your patient."

"There's a medical examination underway. You have no clearance to be present."

"I'm trying to ensure the man stays alive. The person who shot him might want to finish the job."

Dr. Pierce turned to Lorenzo. "Do you consent to the Detective remaining present for this exam?"