Salvatore: Gabriel, what do you think of displaying those drawings in the corridor of our company?

Gabriel: I think that it is an excellent idea. (Haru was astonished.)

Salvatore: Great, let's do that! (He took the booklet and noted an amount after his name.)

Suki: Otô-san, you are really going to buy Haru's drawings?

Salvatore: It's the purpose of all of this, right? I'm not doing that only because of Haru is your friend, but also because he is very talented and helping him is something we can do. See that as an investment.

Haru: An investment?

Salvatore: Yes, one day, you will be famous, and we will be the owner of expensive pieces of arts bought at a low price.

Suki: (She looked at the offer he wrote.) But it's not a low price!

Gabriel: For good Arts, it is a low price.

Haru: I... I don't know what to say... but thank you, Sir.

Salvatore: Keep going and believe in your talent!

Gabriel: Should we continue the visit?

Salvatore: Yes, I want you to show me the rest of your school Suki. Where you go after your lunch break, your class, your desk.

Suki: Is it okay if Haru comes with us?

Salvatore: Of course.

Suki showed the rest of the drawings exposed in the corridors to her father before they entered in her classroom. She pointed to her desk and Salvatore asked her if the person on the closer table was kind with her.

Suki confessed to her father that she didn't really match with her classmates but that it was not something bothering her. Salvatore was concerned, but the little girl explained that she preferred to focus on her study during classes. Then the two children took Salvatore and Gabriel to their favorite place of the school, the Arts' room.

Suki: This is the Arts' room. We spend a lot of time here. It's quiet.

Gabriel: Other children come with you too?

Haru: Not really. During lunch break, even those who like arts prefer to do something else. Lately, with Suki, we are painting a fresco, do you want to see it?

Suki: You can't show them... my part is not good enough!

Gabriel: I want to see it.

Salvatore: I want to see it too. Suki, I am sure that you did your best, don't by ashamed of you hard work. Haru, show us, please.

The young boy opened the big cupboard on the back of the room. He grabbed something before displaying it on the ground.

Haru: We hadn't finished yet, but Suki's skills are way much better than she thinks... (He looked at his friend with a smile.)... it's true!

Gabriel: (He patted Suki's head.) You're too modest little one. (She blushed.) So, Haru, you kind of teach Suki how to paint?

Haru: I only helped her with one or two things to her...

Gabriel: You two are made to be friends... (He smiled.)

Salvatore: We should buy stuffs to you, to paint or draw at home if you like it. (He looked around.) That room needs more materials too.

Gabriel: I will take care of this.

Suki: It's not necessary... really... (She shook her hands.)

Salvatore: Your father wants to buy little things for you, can't you let him do? (She smiled awkwardly.) Let's go somewhere else.

The group walked throw the corridors of the school and some people came to greet Salvatore. The businessman responded politely but without spending much time with them. He was not there to do business but as a father of one of the student of the school.

When they arrived back in the courtyard where the coffee trucks were, they were not surprised to find Dante and Gianni drinking another cup of coffee. Haru excused himself to find his mother.

Dante: You're finally back! I thought that you lost yourselves.

Salvatore: We took our time. Is that drinkable?

Gianni: It's pretty good in fact. You want a cup? (Salvatore nodded.)

Gianni went to buy two cups of coffee for his father and elder brother. He also brought a bottle of fresh juice to Suki. The little girl sat on the free chair, near Dante. He was staring at her and she was wondering why.

Suki: Did I do something wrong?

Dante: Not that I know, why did you? (She made a quick No.) So, why do you think that there is something wrong?

Suki: You are staring at me since... we came back.

Dante: (He smirked.) Yes, and? (She didn't know what to answer.) You changed a lot... that's all. And don't start to overthink, it's nothing bad... because I changed too, I guess...

Gabriel: (Gianni was back.) Thanks, Gianni. Where are the boys?

Gianni: I don't know, probably hanging somewhere with their friends.

Dante: Look who's coming... a tip... not the boys... Ex... (Gabriel frowned, but he didn't move from his position.) Bingo!

Miss Paris: Mr Smith? (Salvatore looked at her.) Nice to finally meet you. I am Lila Paris, in charge of the festival organization.

Salvatore put down the cup of coffee then he stood up, to greet her.

Salvatore: Miss Paris, nice to meet you. Were you looking for me?

Miss Paris: Yes. I meet every students' parents that participate to the school festival today. Do you have few minutes to grant me?

Salvatore: Of course. Do I have to follow you to your office? (He smiled.) Or can I finish my coffee first?

Miss Paris: Sorry, I interrupt your break. I'm heading to my office; Suki can show you the way when you are done.

Salvatore: Let's do that. (He sat back, and she left.) Is there things that I need to know about her?

Gianni: Except the fact that she is probably still after your son? No.

Gabriel: (He glared at his brother.) Nothing. It is only a kind of teacher-parents meeting.

Salvatore: (He took a sip of his coffee.) While I am talking with Miss Paris, have your brothers back and ready to head to the concert hall. It's almost time for your performance, I can't wait to see you play.

Salvatore finished his coffee then he asked Suki to show him Miss Paris' office. Gabriel received a call, so Dante accompanied them. There was a lot of people, and the Smith didn't want to let the little girl walking around alone, even if she was in her school. They hadn't had the ability to control all the visitors for the event. Safety first.

Suki: Otô-san, this is Miss Paris' office.

Salvatore: Ah, it's just near the administration offices. She could have mentioned that.

Dante: That chick thinks that you never put a feet in that school... as a bad father you are! (Suki looked at him with big eyes.)

Salvatore: What makes you think that this is what she thinks?

Dante: Her attitude was pretty clear for me... well for us, because Gabriel already warned her twice.

Suki: Otô-san, Miss Paris is kind with me you know...

Salvatore: Hum. I will have a discussion with her anyway. Dante, take care of your little sister for me until I come back.

Dante: Sure... As it seems one of my new job since few months...

Salvatore smiled to his daughter before knocking and entering directly in the counselor's office.

Suki: Dante, why you and Gabriel think that Miss Paris has misconception about Father?

Dante: Misconception? Isn't it a difficult word for a little girl like you? (He chuckled at her frown.) We know how to interpret people words and attitude, but apparently not you... as you are still a kid!

Suki: I know when people are... hostile toward me?

Dante: Really?

Suki: Yes! (He chuckled once again.) You are making fun of me!

Dante: Really?... (He laughed at her expression.) Are you trying to scare me with that gaze of yours? No, because it only makes me laugh even more...

Suki: I... I need to use the restrooms! (He nodded in direction of the end of the corridor, and they walked to the restrooms.) You are going to wait here? It's... a bit weird...

Dante: Dad's orders! You didn't hear him? I'm your bodyguard for now!

Suki didn't try to argument with her brother and entered the girls' restrooms. There was only one girl inside, doing a beauty check up. She was older than Suki, probably a last year student. Suki entered one of the cabin and few seconds later, she heard two girls entering. They were talking about a hot guy waiting outside.

Girl 2: Rebecca, that hot guy outside is with you?

Rebecca: Which hot guy?! There was no one when I entered... oh wait... there is that kid, the Asian one, that entered just before you! (Suki came out, embarrassed.)

Girl 2: Eh... (Suki looked at the girl.)... that dark hair guy outside is with you? (Suki nodded.) Who is he?

Suki: He is my brother. (She cleaned her hands, hoping to leave quickly.)

Girl 3: So, he is one of Vito Smith's brother! Does he have a girlfriend?

Suki: I don't know.

Girl 2: How could you not know. He is your brother or no!

Rebecca : Girlfriend or no, I'm not against a date with him... he is so hot! (Suki was about to leave but she was stopped.) Wait, what is his name?

Suki was in an embarrassing situation, listening to those girls talking with those words about her older brother, and questioning her about his private life that she had no idea about... and that she didn't want to know about.

Rebecca: So?! What's his name?!

Suki: Dante... (She made a step ahead, but she was stopped again.)

Rebecca: Hold on. (She smiled.) By the way, what's your name?

Suki: Suki... (She looked at the door behind the girl.) Can I go out?

Girl 3: Why are you so in a hurry?! Rebecca wants to know you better. You should give her that opportunity, right?

Rebecca : Yes, as your senior, I think it's important to get to know our juniors. (The two other girls chuckled.) Your dress is really nice by the way... are you attending the concert?

Suki: Yes... I am sorry but my brother is waiting outside, can I go?

Girl 2: I am sure that your brother will understand if you tell him that you were talking with your senior friends...

Rebecca: (She had that fake smile again.) We should go outside together, and you can introduce us to your brother. I am sure that he will be happy to meet your friends.

Suki didn't have the time to say anything more than the girl named Rebecca put her arm around her shoulders and dragged her outside.

Dante had his back resting against the wall, arms crossed against his chest with an unbothered expression. He heard several steps coming from the restrooms one of which was lighter than the others. He turned his head and saw Suki with three girls. He noticed the two that entered just after his little sister and another one that was probably inside before they arrived.

Dante: What took you so long? (He barely looked at the girls.) Are you sick? (She shook her head.)

Rebecca: (She was ogling at him.) Sorry, it was our fault. Suki was talking with us. We are her friends, same year as Vito. It took us longer that we thought. I am Rebecca, here Louise and Jane.

Dante: Her friends? (He chuckled with a dark gaze toward the girl.) Suki Smith, you never mentioned those... friends...

Girl 2: She is a shy girl, that's probably why, right... Suki?

Dante: You should let that... shy kid go, you will dirt her dress. (He made a step ahead and he was now very close to the girls.) Let's go! (He made Rebecca move by passing his arm between her and Suki, to place his hand in the little girl's back.) Stupid Bit***... (He murmured.)

Rebecca: Wait Dante, don't leave so soon!

Dante stopped with an annoyed face. He poked his inner cheek with his tongue, ready to slap one or even all of those girls. He told Suki to go sit on the bench few meters away and to wait for him. She quickly left, knowing that the Dante standing in front of her was not one, to go against to. When she was gone, he turned himself to face the three girls with a deadly gaze.

Dante: Who told you my name?

Rebecca: It's Suki, we are friends. She talks a lot about her brothers.

Dante: Listen, bit**... I know that you are not Suki's friends. Stop your bullshit and find someone else to be fu** by! I'm not a perv' and... (He looked at her from head to toe.)... you're not even hot enough to be fu** 5 minutes in a dark alley! (He made another step ahead and bent to murmur.) A good advice, don't approach my sister anymore. The last idiot that tried to hurt her didn't like the result! Girl, kid or anything, I don't care, if someone messes up with my family, I destroy them!

Dante gave the three girls a creepy smile then joined Suki that was quietly waiting on the bench. The three girls were shocked by his coldness and tough words. It was clear that he was not joking. Suki stood up with a concern gaze when Dante approached.

Suki: Dante... I am sorry, are you angry because I told her your name? She was... insistent... sorry... but, what did you say to them?

Dante: I don't care that you told them my name, but when someone is lying, tell them to shut the fu** off!

Suki: (She looked at him with her innocent gaze.) You knew...

Dante: Pretty obvious. Your only friend is... that boy and your face was clearly saying that you were very uncomfortable around them. And frankly speaking, that type of girls is not one you should have a friendship with! The nerd type if more appropriate for you! Let's go!

Suki: What did you say to them?

Dante: Nothing you have to concern yourself about!

Suki: But...

Dante: (He stopped and bent at her eyes level.) They will not bother you anymore if it's what worried you, so change that stress face for a smile one otherwise Gabriel and Dad will freak out... and turn that school upside down!

Suki: (She blushed.) Okay... sorry again... for the troubles...

Dante: (He smirked.) It's a Smith thing to bring troubles... (He got up from his position.) Now, forget about that, focus on your piano's performance and make Dad proud of you! Understood?

Suki: I will do my best. (She smiled shyly.) Thank you, Dante.

Dante: Yeah, yeah, I am such a good guy... (He shook his head and Suki smiled.) Kids are so annoying...

The siblings joined Gabriel and Gianni who were now with Vito and the twins. When they noticed Dante and Suki, they stood up, ready to join the concert hall.

Gabriel asked if everything was alright because he knew where Miss Paris' office was, and he thought that they took more time than necessary to come back. Dante answered that the little girl had to do a stop at the restroom to do the big thing, making Suki blushing of embarrassment in front of her laughing brothers. She was glad that he kept the exchange with those girls for himself, but he could have found another excuse than that.

Enzo: Don't be embarrassed, it's normal to feel uncomfortable before an event like that... and it's totally a natural thing.

Suki: It was really not... that... please..., stop laughing...

Davide: Brother, you should find a Pampers for her, we never know what can happen while she's going to be on stage...

Vito: It can give some fun to what will be for sure a long and boring moment...

Enzo: Stop making fun of her... Suki, don't listen to them, they are only ignorant brats!

One look from Gabriel was enough to stop that childish conversation. He smiled at his little sister and winked to change her mood. They walked to the auditorium where other parents were taking their designated seats.

Gianni: How long is it going to last? (Dante shrugged.) Eh, little kitten, is there a lot of students participating today?

Suki: Only ten. I am the third one to go on stage.

Gianni: Great, we can leave after your turn... no offense, but I'm not really onto classical music and I have something at the club tonight.

Suki: I understand... I know that you all came because of Father.

Enzo: No, I came because I wanted to support you.

Vito: Perfect brother, act 2... downloaded... (He laughed.)

Enzo: EH!!!

Dante: Stop! You're putting shame on us with your behavior! What is Dad doing? Is he not done yet with that woman?

Gabriel: If the concert is about to start and if she is really in charge of all of this, Miss Paris would not keep him for too long.

Suki: Onii-san, I have to join everyone behind the stage...

Gabriel: Okay, go ahead, Father will come back in a minute. Are you joining us when your turn is done? (She nodded.) Wonderful. Do your best but more importantly, have fun while doing it.

Suki left to the backstage with the other performers. They were waiting for Miss Paris, who would give them the last instructions. The young woman arrived 2 minutes later. Suki wondered if everything went well between her and her father.

A bit earlier, in her office, Miss Paris had her first talk with Salvatore.

Miss Paris: Mr Smith, please, have a seat.

Salvatore: Thank you. I heard that you were eager to meet me.

Miss Paris : Yes. I missed Suki's integration in our school because I was abroad, otherwise, I could have taken the time to welcome her and guide her during her first days.

Salvatore: It's alright. Suki is an intelligent child. She was able to adjust well at school, at her own rhythm.

Miss Paris : Suki is effectively smart and also very kind. But she is also very shy... and in our school, it is not always easy for children like her. She is way different from her brothers for example.

Salvatore: You are right. My daughter has a different character than her brothers, but I don't think that it is a problem or even something you should worry about. I am sure that she is not bullied by her classmates. She has a valuable friend, and her grades are excellent. She even overpassed her timidity to participate to that concert.

Salvatore had a calm tone, but his gaze was powerful. Miss Paris was a bit surprised by Salvatore's knowledge of his daughter's situation at school. She assumed that he was not interested in his children's school life, but she was wrong.

Miss Paris: I am glad that she decided to participate. She is very talented, and I am sure that it can help her in her student life or even in her personal life.

Salvatore: You seem very interested in her personal life. Is there a specific reason? I know that my eldest son told you that Suki was not a child especially in need of your advices, so why? Do you know something that I don't?

Miss Paris : Well, it is only concerns as a counselor. (Salvatore was staring at her with intensity.) To be honest with you, I am worried that your environment is not the best for a little girl like Suki.

Salvatore: (His tone became colder.) Which environment are you mentioning? I don't think that my daughter is lacking anything.

Miss Paris: You know what I am talking about, Mr Smith.

Salvatore: (His smirked.) You seem really confident to confront me directly like that and pretty sure about what you are stating.

Miss Paris kept a straight attitude with an assured posture. She didn't want to show Mr Smith that she was not sure of herself.

Miss Paris: I am sure that you are aware of my past relationship with your eldest son, Gabriel. I also know your three youngest sons thanks to my work in that school. It is maybe not something pleasant to hear, but a young and innocent girl like Suki is not suited for an only men family who had dangerous activities like yours. You probably think that I am too bold to confront you directly like that, but Suki's safety and happiness is my only concern!

Salvatore: I'm glad to hear that. (He stood up, slowly.) My daughter's safety and happiness is my priority too and only our family can assure her that life. I will not keep grudge against you for your... concerns toward my daughter because she appreciates you. But keep in mind that if one day, you overpass your job's perimeter or cause her discomfort, you will see very closely what my family business is capable to do to you. (He smiled.) I guess our meeting is over.

Salvatore left Miss Paris' office with an annoyed expression that he had to change quickly before joining his children. He didn't want to alert his daughter, but when he arrived at the auditorium, she had already left to the backstage.

Gianni: So? Interesting talk with Gabriel's ex?

Salvatore: We can say that. She didn't hide what she thinks about our family, and I explained to her what is going to happen to her if she crossed the line of what her job requires.

Gabriel: Do I have to explain it to her with more insistence?

Salvatore: I think that I was pretty clear. Let's wait and see. Otherwise, how was Suki? Was she stress?

Gabriel: She will do well. Don't worry.

Gianni: Why do you look more stress than her? It is only a school concert, not a representation at Carnegie Hall!

Vito: For real... you look like those stupid parents with 3 cameras, fanboying over a 3 years old end of year school show!

Salvatore: Just shut up... or I will make sure to come pick you up every days after school, looking like those idiot parents you mentioned.

Vito stared at his father with a shocking face. Even his sidekick, Davide, laughed at his desperate expression. Dante shocked his head, tired of his little brother's childish behavior.

Behind the black thick curtain on stage, the first student to present a song was ready. Miss Paris had quickly checked the last details with her students before heading to the stage. The light of the auditorium switched on and off to announce the beginning of the representation and silence took place in the room.

The curtain was pulled on the side and Miss Paris was there. She presented all the young musicians and let the stage to the first one.

The young boy was a last year student, and he seemed comfortable on stage. He did a good performance and received applauses, before letting the stage to the second perform, a violinist girl. She was also good with her instrument and received praises from the audience.

Then, it was finally Suki's moment. She entered the scene timidly and sat in front of her piano. She tried to spot her family, needed a reassuring smile and even in the dark, Salvatore's eyes caught her attention. She smiled, closed her eyes few seconds and started to play.