In the garden house, loud noises of someone being beaten was heard. The Smith brothers could have asked one of their men to take care of that part of the interrogation but as it was personal, they wanted to do it directly.

Gabriel was so angry that he didn't care to hurt his hands. He was betrayed by one of his own men and by taking care of the issue by himself, he was sending a message to everyone else. Salvatore had done checking the guard's phone.

Salvatore: Gabriel... (The young man stopped)... So, it seems that you are the one who gave all those photos and videos to that journalist. (He looked at him with a murder gaze.) Why? What made you think that you would stay alive after betraying us?

Guard: I... I needed money...

Salvatore: Just for a bunch of bucks, you put my daughter's life at risk?

Guard: It... it was not risky... ahhhh (Gabriel punched him again.)

Salvatore: Who else? (The guard looked at him with difficulties.)

Guard: Who...

Salvatore: Who else is working with you? Who asked you to do that? What else did you do?!

Guard: I don't know... I only... sent the photos to... that journalist... I swear... please show mercy...

Salvatore: You don't deserve it...

Guard: Please... please... my family...

The guard couldn't finish his sentence, Dante had shot him in the head.

Gianni: We can't be sure that he is the only one corrupted.

Salvatore: Yes, we have to check again everyone's files. See who received money recently, who asked for holidays, sick leaves or anything. Make sure that they take his body out during the night!

Dante: You will have to explain to your daughter what happened. What did you find in his phone?

Salvatore: Photos, videos too but for the rest, we need to check more in details. For Suki, don't say anything.

Gianni: I get that you don't want to scare her but it's maybe useful that she is aware of what is going on. Our family is not the typical American family... and trying to keep her out of our world is stupid.

Gabriel: She is just a child; she doesn't need to know.

Gianni: But keeping her in the dark is also dangerous for her and for us... we can at least teach her how to defend herself, no?

Salvatore: We will talk about that later.

Salvatore put the phone on his pocket and went back to the house. In the living room, Suki was nervously playing with her hands, sat on the couch with Enzo. Vito was on the opposite one, surfing on his phone? Suki stood up when her father entered.

Vito: So? He is d...

Salvatore: Fired, yes, he is fired. (He glared at him.) Suki, are you alright? I am sorry, that you were frightened. Tell me, did that man talk to you today or in the past?

Suki: No, never... I thought that you asked him to follow me.

Salvatore: Our men's job is to keep you safe, but they must let you some privacy. I don't want you to have the feeling to be in jail.

Vito: It's a pretty expensive jail... (Salvatore glared once again at his son who smiled.)

Enzo: Dad, I'm sure that Suki understands. (She nodded.) Unfortunately, people are less and less serious at their job...

Salvatore: The problem is fixed now. Suki, your ballad in the garden was interrupted because of that man, if you want to go out, I can take you somewhere.

Suki: It's okay, thank you.... You work a lot every days, you have to rest too.

Salvatore smiled at his daughter's words. She was thinking about his wellbeing instead of her desires. The little girl waited until Gabriel came back in the house before going to her bedroom. Her eldest brother's presence was an assurance that everything was going fine.

The rest of the day passed without issue and when the night came, the dead body of the guard was taken away under Dante's watch.

*********************************************************

The next two days passed without issues. Thanks to Enzo's contact, they had the confirmation that the son of Tanaka was in the country when Fumiko was murdered.

For Salvatore and Gabriel, it was clear that he was linked to his half-sister's assassination. They had to find out if the patriarch was also involved and make sure that they do not approach Suki.

The little girl was back to school, in what was her new normal life. She was glad to have Haru as her friend and she was able to talk with him about her grandfather's appearance.

As usual, after having a quick meal at the cafeteria, the two children went to the Arts room. They were continuing their fresco when an announcement was made via the speaker.

Secretary: Suki Tanaka-Smith, Suki Tanaka-Smith is awaited by her family at the administration.

Haru: Suki, you didn't receive a call from your father or brothers?

Suki: (She checked her phone.) No... it's weird... I hope nothing happened. Excuse me Haru, I'm leaving first.

Suki walked through the corridors under the students' stares. She was wondering what was going on. It was an embarrassing situation to be call like that.

There was another one that was surprised by that announcement, Vito. If his father or one of his brother wanted to talk or see Suki, they would have call her, and if they couldn't reach her, they would have contact him, but nothing.

So, when he heard the secretary calling for Suki, he stood up from his table at the canteen and left the place under the questioning gazes of his friends.

Friend: Eh... Vito... where is he going? Mary, you're not following your boyfriend?

Mary: You didn't hear the announcement? They called his sister...

Friend: Ah... yeah... I still can't believe that he has a sister now...

Mary: Not me... because it's thanks to her that Vito dumped that idiot of Amanda...

Friend: And you don't want to be dumped like her... (She smiled.)

Vito was quick to reach the administration corridor. He noticed Suki few meters ahead and called her, with his usual annoyed tone.

Vito: Eh... useless... (Suki recognized his voice and turned herself to face him.)... My Dad or one of my brothers called you?

Suki: No... I was about to go inside... to see who it was...

Vito: You did something bad?

Suki: (She shook her head.) No!

Vito chuckled and Suki opened the door. The siblings were welcomed by the secretary who smiled awkwardly.

Secretary: Mr Smith, we didn't ask you to come here, only Miss Tanaka-Smith.

Vito: It's not a problem that I'm here... my Dad is inside?

Secretary: No, Mr Smith is not present... (She opened the door to let Suki enter.)... only Miss Tanaka's grandfather...

Suki stopped moving at the secretary's words. Why was he here? Vito frowned too at the secretary words and when he saw the old man sitting in front of the school director, he instinctively grabbed Suki's arm to pull her back.

Vito: What the fu** are you doing here?!

School Director: Vito Smith! How can you speak like that in my office?! And why are you here? We didn't call you!

Vito: Why am I here? Why he is here?!

School Director: Mr Tanaka asked to see his granddaughter for a family matter.

Vito: That man has no rights on her! My Dad will not be happy to hear about that... prepare yourself!

Takeshiro Tanaka: Suki, I would like to talk to you for a moment.

Suki: I... I...

Vito: I warn you, if you make a step, I will let him take you away! (He tightened his catch on her arm.)

Takeshiro Tanaka: (In Japanese.) That boy is a shame for his family, don't be like that too toward your family!

The school director and the secretary were surprised by the animosity between the young boy and the old man. They were wondering if they did a mistake by responding positively at the grandfather's request.

Vito's expression darkened more when the old man talked in Japanese. He hated the fact that he couldn't understand his words. Suki looked at her brother at Mr Tanaka's words then at him.

Vito was rude, mean most of the time, he had almost killed her and repeatedly told her how much he hated her, but she felt sorry that he was seen as a shame, because, right now, she knew that he was trying to protect her, even if it was only to fulfil their father's demand.

Vito: What? What did he say?

Suki: No... nothing. I am sorry Mr Tanaka, I have to go back to class... (She stared at Vito with her shiny eyes.)

Takeshiro Tanaka: (In Japanese.) Your classes can wait. It is important. Are you not curious about your mother's family?

Suki: (In Japanese.) I am sorry Mr Tanaka, but Okasan never talked about you, and I think that it was in purpose. Please, excuse me, I don't want to create troubles.

Takeshiro Tanaka was not expecting that answer from the little girl. He stood up slowly, showing his imposing aura and Suki stepped back a little.

Vito: Get away before I call my father! (He dragged Suki with him.)

School Director: Mr Tanaka, I am sorry, but I think there is a misunderstanding between you and your granddaughter. You should meet with her father and try to fix it, but somewhere else than at school.

Takeshiro Tanaka: Thank you for your help and sorry for that unexpected situation. (He lightly bowed and left.)

School Director: Arff... I hope that Mr Smith won't be mad at us... such a complicated family...

Secretary: You should maybe call him first to explain everything.

Vito was dragging Suki in a quiet corner of the school, not caring about the stare of all the students present. They entered an empty room, and he took out his phone.

Vito: Sit, I need to call my Dad... such a pain in the ass...

Suki: Mr Tanaka probably left, it's not necessary to worry Father...

Vito: It's not your call to decide! (He glared at her.) It would have been easy for me to let him take you away from us and find back our lives before you showed up, but I can't do that because my Dad cares for you... so shut up and sit down!

Suki sat and looked down. Vito called his father and explained everything. The head of the family asked to have his daughter on the line and the little girl assured her father that she was alright and able to stay at school. Salvatore thanked Vito and informed that one of his elder brother will pick up Suki after school. Vito told that to his little sister and took her back to her classroom.

Haru stopped by Suki's classroom before the beginning of the afternoon classes to be sure that nothing serious happened. He crossed Vito's path and the young boy glared at him without a word.

Haru: Suki, everything is alright with your family? I saw your brother; he didn't seem happy.

Suki: Ah, yes, it was my mother's father that came to school... But I preferred to avoid seeing him... it was really weird and uncomfortable... and Vito... he is just Vito... (She giggled.)

Haru: Your father is aware? (She nodded.) I hope that it will not create troubles with your family... now that you just feel more at ease with them.

Suki: I don't understand why they appear now...

Teacher: Mr Campbell, I don't think that you are in my next class...

Haru: Sorry Sir... see you later Suki... bye...

At the teacher's arrival, every other students took their seats. Suki waved to Haru who also joined his own classroom. The little girl tried to focus her attention on the lessons until the end of the day.

When Salvatore received his son's call, he was out of the town with Gabriel. If he was not stuck with that deal, he would have ride back immediately but as a businessman, he had to honor his engagements.

Salvatore: How dared he show up at her school?!

Gabriel: We should take care of him while he is in the country. That family is a threat for Suki and in fine for our entire family!

Salvatore: I don't want to start a war with another family before being sure that no one is backing them up. You know how some would take advantage of us being in a conflict to attack us at the same time.

Gabriel: I respect your decision but if one of them tries to approach her ever again, I won't hold back anymore!

Salvatore: Let me call your brothers first...

Gabriel had difficulties to calm himself in the afternoon. Salvatore had called his two sons and as Dante was busy with the company's meetings, Gianni will be the one in charge of picking up Suki.

Gianni was at home when his father called, and he was not alone.

Girl: Babe, what's wrong? I thought that you didn't have to work until the end of the day?

Gianni: Family stuffs to deal with... but I still have 2 free hours.

Girl: And me who was thinking to go with you to your club and maybe ask for a private lesson on that octagon... (She had a seductive gaze and started to kiss his bare chest.)

Gianni: I don't mix work and pleasure...

Girl: Come on... it's kind of exciting, no?

Gianni: Listen, I can fu** you now or you take your cute little ass and you get out of here... I have no time to waste!

Girl: Okay... don't get mad... we are here to have fun...

The girl knew that Gianni was not someone with a high level of patience. She took the lead and continued her exploration of that perfect body. No one was present in the house and Gianni enjoyed hi moment at its fullest, excited by the moans of the young woman.

When Gianni was done with his little business, they came downstairs, and the young man went to the kitchen where Aldo and Maria were talking about the dinner preparation.

Maria: Mr Gianni, do you need something, or your guest?

Gianni: No, thanks, but please pack something for the kid, I don't know when we will come back, and I don't want the old man to yell at me if his daughter doesn't have her snack.

Chef Aldo: I already prepared pancakes for Miss Suki and a fruits salad with the ones she likes.

Maria: Great, please give me few minutes to pack everything.

Girl: You have to deliver her snack to a kid? Who is she?

Gianni: Not of your concern.

Girl: Is it why you shortened our rendezvous?

Maria and Aldo exchanged a gaze. That girl was too curious about the little Miss and Gianni was not the type to like being interrogated.

Gianni: I told you, not of your concern! (His tone was cold.)

The girl understood at Gianni's tone and look that he was done with the questions. She smiled to him, in a fake innocent way.

Girl: You can drop me in the city when you leave?

Gianni: One of our men can take you home or wherever you want. Maria, are you done? I have to go.

Maria: Yes, here. (She handed him a cute bag.)

Gianni: You could have put it in something more neutral.

Maria: It is not for you Mr Gianni... (She smiled.)... Please make sure that Miss Suki eats well.

Gianni: Yeah... yeah... bye!

The girl followed Gianni to the garage. The young man called one of his men and quickly said goodbye to the girl he spent the day with. He had not special feelings for her, she was just one of the numerous girl he had an affair with. Her, like most of the girls, expected a more serious relationship with him... not at the menu for Gianni. He quickly left for the school with his sports car.

Gianni arrived at school just before the end of the classes. He spotted the car with two of their guards. He got out of the car and waited, his back resting against the passenger door.

He was observing the area, no more journalists but one car attracted his attention. It was a black car with two men inside and they didn't look like students' parents.

His posture changed as he was now more in alert. The first students were coming out and those men's attention was on the crowd.

Gianni decided to approach the school gate, still keeping an eye on the black car. He spotted Suki's silhouette coming, and the interest of the men in the car, growing too. He was sure that they were working for the Tanaka.

Gianni: Yo..., kid, let's go! (He unexpectedly took her bag from her.)

Suki: Gianni... sorry if I made you wait... are we going home? (She was more accustomed to him and asked naturally.)

Gianni: No... I have work to do... so you know the music... be a kind kid, don't create troubles and listen to me!

Gianni surprised the little girl once again when he put his hand in her back to guide her to the car. She felt some tension coming from him and she guessed that it was because of the unexpected visitor at school earlier.

Suki got in the car and Gianni stayed outside to make a call to the guards in the car in surveillance.

Guard: Yes, Boss?

Gianni: There is a black car 30 meters ahead of your position. Find who they are and don't let them follow us.

Guard: Understood. (They cut the call and Gianni got in the car too.)

Gianni: Take this... (He gave her the bag with the food.) Aldo prepared snacks for you... but don't eat in my car!

Suki: Ah... sure, thank you.

Suki shyly smiled to him, and the young man only nodded before starting the car. If Vito was not busy with a basketball game, he could have driven the little girl home... or not... because Vito was Vito, a childish jerk.

As a ritual, Suki texted her father to tell him that her classes were done and that she was now with Gianni. He answered that they would be back late tonight and that her brother would take care of her until they reach home. She asked them to be careful and the head of the family smiled at her usual concern for them. That new relationship was warm and calming for him.

When the car stopped in front of the MMA club, Gianni checked the area before getting out. No car seemed to have follow them and he didn't have news from the guards for now. He had his own security team in place now and they bowed to the owner of the place and to the little girl when they arrived.

Gianni got straight upstairs to his office and Suki was following behind without uttering a word. He opened the door and she entered. He told her to sit, and she installed herself in the sofa, putting her school bag on the floor. She opened the food bag and ate the delicious pancakes first. She, of course, proposed some to her brother who declined.

Gianni sat at his desk and checked a pile of documents. It was not his favorite part of the job, but he had to do it anyway.

Suki quietly started to do her homework when she was done with her snacks, and time passed quickly.

Gianni was gone for a while and as every time, he ordered her to not go anywhere, what she did. She only granted herself the right to watch him interacting with the people working in the main room through the big window.

She felt sorry for one of the worker when she understood that her brother was yelling at him. But then, Gianni looked in direction of his office, as if he could sense her looking at him, so she quickly went back to sit.

One more hour passed, and the place became quieter, every employees seemed to have left. Gianni came back to his office.

Gianni: Eh, kid, let your stuffs here and follow me.

Suki, once again, didn't talk back and followed him downstairs.

Gianni: Go change... (He handed her a sportswear outfit.) I didn't find anything at your size, but it is still better than your uniform.

Suki: What...

Gianni: No discussion! Go!

Suki took the outfit and entered the ladies changing room. Effectively, the clothes, even for woman and in a small size were too big for her. She quickly changed herself and went back in the main room. Gianni stared at her few seconds and shook his head.

Gianni: How could my Dad create a thing so small... are you sure to eat as you should?! I don't think that you grew even a centimeter since you arrived in our family!

Suki: Sorry... (He bent in front of her to adjust the outfit.)

Gianni: My Dad doesn't think that it is necessary, but I think the contrary... (She was staring at him, not understanding.)... it's time for you to learn how to defend yourself... or at least, to try to stay alive if someone tries to harm you!