~The lost one~

Chapter 17

**Vittorio Gabrini's POV**

I sat behind my massive oak desk, the dim light casting long shadows across the luxurious office. My mind raced as I reviewed the latest reports—shipments coming in late, a rival family making noise on our turf, and one of my own men trying to skim off the top. It had been one of those days where everything seemed to go wrong, and my patience was hanging by a thread.

Kavan Singh, my right-hand man, stood silently by the door, watching me intently. He was a hulking figure, towering over most men at nearly 6'5". His broad shoulders and muscular frame made him look like he was carved out of granite. With his dark, curly hair, which he meticulously maintained, and sharp brown eyes that could pierce through a man's soul, Kavan was as intimidating as he was intelligent. Despite his imposing presence, his mind was sharper than any blade. He had a talent for strategy, and his methods were efficient—cold, calculated, and always effective.

But today, his usual air of calm professionalism was tinged with a hint of anticipation. He loved his work, especially when it involved putting someone in their place—permanently.

"Boss, it's all set," Kavan said, his deep voice steady as a rock. "What do you want me to do with him?"

I glanced up at Kavan, my eyes narrowing. The man who betrayed us was a small-time thug, but the message had to be clear. Betrayal was the one thing I couldn't tolerate, no matter how minor. I took a deep breath, trying to reign in the anger that had been boiling all day.

"Kill him," I said coldly. My voice was steady, emotionless. "Make sure everyone knows why."

Kavan's lips curled into a slight, almost imperceptible smile. He was already thinking of how to do it—quickly, quietly, and with just enough flair to remind the others who was in charge. He nodded once, already turning to leave.

As he walked away, I could see the gears turning in his mind. Kavan was a master at his craft, not just in physical strength but in psychological warfare. He knew exactly how to instill fear, how to keep people in line, and how to make them regret crossing us. His methods were brutal, but they were necessary. And in this business, necessity was everything.

I leaned back in my chair, letting the tension ease slightly as Kavan left the room. But before I could get back to the reports, my phone buzzed. The screen lit up with an unfamiliar number. I frowned, wondering who could be calling me at this hour. I had no current business in New York—at least none that required a direct call. Curious and slightly irritated, I answered.

"Hello, who is speaking?" I demanded, my voice carrying the authority that came naturally after years of leading one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the world.

"Hello, Mr. Gabrini. This is Officer Steffan, from the NYPD," the voice on the other end replied, professional but with a slight edge of nervousness.

I stiffened slightly, wondering why an officer would be contacting me directly. The mafia had ways of dealing with law enforcement, usually through intermediaries, not direct calls. This was already unusual, and I didn't like surprises.

"What do you want?" I asked, my voice growing colder.

The officer hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I wanted to report that the mother and stepfather of Simi Johnson were involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, they both died. We've been trying to find any remaining family members who might take her in. After some digging, we found that you, her biological father, and your sons are her only living relatives. The question is, will you take Simi in?"

I froze, the words hitting me like a sledgehammer. Simi. My daughter. The daughter I hadn't seen or heard from in years, lost to me by the twisted schemes of her mother and that bastard Nyx. My mind raced, trying to process the flood of emotions crashing over me—shock, anger, and something else, something softer that I hadn't felt in years.

"Hold up," I interrupted, my voice cracking slightly, betraying the storm brewing inside me. "So, you're telling me that you found my daughter? My Simi is alive, and she's all alone? How the hell did this happen?"

"Yes, sir," Officer Steffan replied, now sounding more cautious, as if he sensed the shift in my tone. "We just located her, and she's currently safe at the station. She's been through a lot, and we wanted to make sure she goes to a safe home. We need to know if you're willing to take her in."

A lump formed in my throat, and I could feel my eyes growing damp—a sensation I hadn't experienced in years. I couldn't believe it. My little girl, who I thought was lost forever, was alive. The world had shown me nothing but misery and betrayal, yet here was a sliver of hope, something pure that I never thought I'd have again.

"Fuck, yeah, I'll take her in!" I practically shouted into the phone, my voice thick with emotion. "You tell her to hold on, and you make sure she's safe. I'll be there in eight hours, maybe less. Just... make sure she gets some rest. It's late over there, right? She needs to sleep."

"Understood, sir," Steffan replied, his tone now more respectful, as if he realized the gravity of the situation. "We'll take care of her until you arrive."

I hung up the phone, my hand trembling slightly as I set it down. I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the desk and burying my face in my hands. The tears came then, hot and fast, streaming down my face. I hadn't cried in years, not since the day I lost Simi. But now, they came freely, a release of all the pain and longing I had buried deep inside.

Kavan returned, his sharp eyes immediately noticing my state. He paused, clearly unsure of what to do. In all the years he had served me, he had never seen me like this.

"Boss?" he asked carefully, his usual confidence faltering slightly.

I wiped my face with the back of my hand and looked up at him, my eyes red but determined. "We're going to New York," I said, my voice rough but resolute. "Simi... my daughter, she's been found. She's alive, and she needs us."

Kavan nodded, his expression shifting to one of serious resolve. "I'll make the arrangements," he said, already pulling out his phone to get things in motion. There was no need for further explanation. Kavan understood the importance of this moment, and he would do everything in his power to ensure that Simi was brought back safely.

As Kavan left to make the necessary calls, I allowed myself one final moment of vulnerability, one last tear falling down my cheek. Then, I steeled myself, pushing down the emotions that threatened to overwhelm me. There was no time for weakness now. My daughter needed me, and I would stop at nothing to bring her home.

But even as I prepared for the journey ahead, I couldn't shake the feeling of disbelief. The idea that Simi was out there, alive and needing me, was almost too much to comprehend. I knew this would be a turning point, not just for me, but for the entire Gabrini family. Simi's return would change everything, and I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

For now, though, I had to focus on one thing: bringing my little girl home.