The next day, as planned, Gabriel went to pick up his little sister to go to the mall and find a dress for the reception organized by Zhang. Suki opted for a simple dark blue dress who was going to her knees with long sleeves. To add a touch of color, Gabriel chose cute white shoes for her that had a ribbon on the top.

Then they hung out a little at the mall after buying one of Suki's favorite drink, bubbles teas. Gabriel found one with a strong coffee taste that suited him more.

When they came back home, there was unexpected guests at the gate of the propriety. Gabriel recognized two of them, Andy and Jamy. He opened his window and asked to one of the guard.

Gabriel: Since when are they here?

Guard: They just arrived Sir, they request to talk with Mr Smith.

Gabriel: Did you call my father?

Guard: Yes, someone went to inform him. Do we let them in?

Gabriel: I guess we will have to welcome them as they deserve.

Gabriel parked his car and get out. Suki was surprised to see the young boy here with his family. She also got out of the car but didn't look in direction of the guests entering at foot.

Fortunately for her, her father came out at the same time, and he was not alone, Dante and Gianni accompany him with. Suki exchanged a gaze with Dante, and he had his dangerous aura enveloping him.

Gabriel stayed near his car while Suki stopped near her father, who put his arm around her shoulder, keeping her close to him, in a protective way. Jamy's mother was holding bags of luxurious brands, and his father was not hiding that he was uncomfortable to be here. Andy looked at Salvatore and his sons, hoping to see his friend but Vito and the twins were observing from the living room.

Jamy's father: Mr Smith, sorry to come to you unannounced, I am Jack Simmons, Jamy's father.

Salvatore: Mr Simmons, I was waiting for a call from you, not expecting to see you coming directly to my house with your family.

Salvatore's tone was cold and his gaze identical. Gianni stared at Jamy with a devilish smirk, making the young boy to look down.

Jamy's father: Yes, I thought that it was better to see each others directly to talk about that incident. I heard from the school director about my youngest's misbehavior, and I want to formally apologize on his behalf.

Salvatore: It would have been better to educate your son in way for him to not be disrespectful. You can't erase a mistake just by your will, but you can make the necessary to not repeat that same mistake... even if sometimes, the process to change can be painful!

Jamy's mother: Mr Smith... (She smiled.)... our son is still very young and unfortunately the puberty is difficult for him. I am sure that you can understand the dismay it can be, to raise boys. (She made a step ahead.) We brought some apologies gifts for your daughter.

Dante: You really think that she wants that?!

Salvatore: My daughter doesn't need to receive anything from strangers, except humble apologies.

Jamy's parents didn't expect to be received so coldly by the Smith.

Jamy's mother: I have a daughter too; girls always like to receive those kind of things.

Salvatore: My daughter is different, and your attitude is starting to annoy me a lot.

Jamy's father: It's not the purpose of our visit. (He tried to keep his composure.) I scolded my son and punish him for the coming weeks. I hope that it will be enough for you to forgive him. I will make sure to teach him correctly in the future.

Dante: You seem scared of the consequence of your idiot of son's behavior on your business... but only scolded him and punished him of what? Using his phone? Do you think that it is enough?

Gianni: He maybe also punish him, to watch TV! So tough! (He chuckled and looked at Suki.) Kitten, do you want me to break one of his arm on your behalf? As apparently, it's trendy to do things on behalf of someone else...

Jamy'smother: Are you not going too far?!Threatening a child!!

Gianni's amused face changed for a serious and killing one. Suki didn't want him to fight, so she instinctively grabbed his wrist when he made a step ahead. He stopped and looked at her; she made a No with a head's movement.

Jamy's father: Honey, keep quiet! (He was stressed.) Mr Smith, our intentions were only to ease things between our two families. My oldest son and your youngest one are friends after all. Jamy, apologize correctly to Mr Smith and his daughter.

Jamy: I already apologized! (His tone was disrespectful.)

Andy: Jamy! That's enough now!

Salvatore: I guess you came here for nothing. Suki, let's go. Gabriel, please escort back our guests to the exit.

Salvatore guided Suki to the house and when the little girl tried to look back to her brothers and the Simmons, her father made her look in the other direction. When Gabriel saw his little sister passing the entry door, he nodded, and the bodyguards approached.

The Simmons were surprised when the guards grabbed them unceremoniously to drag them out of the propriety. The woman tried to protest but the guards didn't care and pushed them strongly to the ground. Mr Simmons couldn't do anything, nor Andy, knowing how dangerous the Smith were.

Gianni: So... (He was standing in front of Andy.)... You're the little shit that was mean with our little kitten... (Jamy glared at him without answering.)... you think of yourself as a tough guy... right?

Jamy: I am not afr...

Jamy couldn't finish his sentence, Gianni had slapped him so hard that he fell down. The guards forced his parents and Andy to kneel down. Mrs Simmons yelled her son's name, but the young man ignored her. Kid or not, Gianni didn't care and kicked Jamy.

Gianni: Know when to shut that stupid mouth of yours if you want to stay alive! (He crushed Jamy's hand with his foot.) Understood?

Jamy: Yes... please... I'm sorry... I'm sorry...

Gianni lifted his foot, and the young boy had the feeling that it was broken. Gabriel stood in front of Mr Simmons.

Gabriel: You shouldn't have come here if you were not ready to face the consequences. I warn you to teach your sons to behave in presence of my siblings. It is our last warning for your lives. As for the rest, you should be prepared to face difficult times. Life is not easy nowadays when you are broke!

Gianni: Bye, little piece of shit! (He left first.)

Jamy's father: Please, have mercy... (Gabriel left without a look for him.)... Mr Smith...

Dante: (He kneeled near Jamy.) If I hear your name once again... (He said with a devilish smile.)... I will kill them... (He nodded toward his parents.)... and you will know what it is to be an orphan...

Dante stood up and nodded to the guards who freed the Simmons. The mother immediately came to check on her youngest son's state. Andy was staring at Dante with fear while his father helped his wife and son to stand up. They left under Dante's heavy stare.

After entering the house, Salvatore's mood completely changed. For him the Simmons were nothing important, the process to destroy their social life was ongoing, he didn't need to lose time with them.

Salvatore: So,... (He smiled to Suki.)... How was school today? And your shopping with your brother? Did you find a nice dress for this weekend?

Suki: Ah... yes, everything went well. I found a dress; do you want me to show it to you?

Salvatore: I would love to. Go get change, I'm joining you upstairs in few minutes. (She nodded and headed to her bedroom.)

Enzo: Those idiots tried to bribe Suki with fu** gifts???

Salvatore: Yes, but as you said, they are stupid. It seems that their youngest son is not the only one with a bad way of thinking. Anyway, that matter is closed now. Vito, it's up to you, if you want to stay friend with the first son, but I don't want to see anyone of that family near Suki. Well, I don't think they will be able to stay in that school anyway...

Vito: Hum... things ended naturally, I guess...

Davide: Andy should have understood the situation with his brother before everything escalated to that point... they looked for it!

Enzo: You don't need friend like that! How would he have felt, if you were the one asking his little sister on a date?! Friends' sister, it's a No go! Even more when that sister is still a kid... such a perv'!

Enzo: AsDavide said, they looked for it... It's not my business.

When his elder brothers returned home, Enzo asked how they dealt with that family and Gianni told him that the little jerk would not be a problem for Suki anymore.

Upstairs, Salvatore had complimented his daughter for the choice of her dress, and he took that opportunity to answer the few questions the little girl had about the reception. He reassured her, saying that she didn't have to stress, that it was a small event and that she didn't need to be specifically prepared, but at the contrary to enjoy the moment to meet people and why not make friends with Mr Zhang's nephews.

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

The next few days passed quickly and quietly. At school, both Jamy and Andy didn't show up after their visit to the Smith's mansion. That incident created an uncomfortable feeling in Vito's group of friends for several days.

The young man was seeing them a bit differently lately, or it was maybe a sign that he was changing, growing. He preferred to spend more time with Mary, she was not the type to annoy him.

Then, it was the day of Zhang's private party. The event started at 5.00pm so Suki had time to get prepared. The venue was at one hour from their house. When it was time to leave, they gathered in the living room and the little girl was amazed by her brothers' look. They were stunning with perfectly well tailored suits. She was used to see her two elder brothers and her father wearing suits for work but today, they seemed to wear more expensive ones.

Dante: Why are you staring at us like that?!

Suki: You all look like... celebrities... (She confessed, embarrassed.)

Davide: You are still not used to our handsomeness... stupid and blind...

Salvatore: Davide, for once, shut up. Sweetheart, you are beautiful. So, you like your father's suit? I asked the tailor, to prepare one of the same color as your dress... I'm pretty cool for an old man, right?

Suki: Otô-san is not an old man!

Salvatore: I guess, having a younger child makes me feel and look younger... (He laughed and his youngest sons shook their head.)

Davide: He knows that he is in age to be call grandpa...

Enzo: I think he forgets sometimes... (Suki looked at him with a frown.)... ahahah... don't look at me like that...

Salvatore: Ahh... it feels so good to have my daughter taking my side... Don't be mean with me or my princess will come after you!

Gianni: When you're done playing with the kids, we can maybe leave... and concerning your little bodyguard... well... except being cute, she can't do anything for your safety!

Salvatore: (He ignored him.) Suki, let's go and don't listen to those idiots! They are only a bunch of muscles on feet!

Suki couldn't ignore Gianni's words and blushed. He found her cute. Gabriel noticed his little sister's pink cheeks and smiled. He knew that she was touched by Gianni's comment, and he was not sure that his younger brother had paid attention of the impact of that simple compliment on their sister. Dante also noticed Suki's expression and even if he agreed with his brother, he found funnier to tease her, than to tell her that she was cute, because for him, it was obvious, and also a source of future troubles.

They left the propriety in 2 black vans with 2 cars full of bodyguards. Most of the Smith were on their phones during the ride, the older ones talking between them. Suki preferred to watch the landscape, she never travelled by car out of the city and found it interesting. When they arrived, the little girl was amazed by the site. It was literally a replica of a French castle.

Salvatore: I knew that Zhang liked European Culture, but this is another level...

Suki: Is it a real castle? Like in the past??

Salvatore: It's not one like you can visit in Europe, he made it built few years ago.

Suki: (She was looking at him with her big shinning eyes.) That's crazy... I never saw a real castle.

Gabriel: I am sure that Zhang will let you visit the entire place.

Salvatore: For summer break, I should take you to visit true castles in Europe, and also visit our Italian family.

The little girl was not believing her father's words. He wanted to take her on a trip in Europe and to meet his family. But the little girl was not the only one surprised by that proposition.

Davide: You really want to take her there? Are you not afraid of how people will react? Even Grandma never heard about her!

Salvatore: First, your grandmother knows about Suki. She never met her in person, but she knows everything about her. She is travelling right now, that's why she couldn't visit us. And concerning the family, I don't think that anyone has something to say. They will welcome my daughter with the respect she deserves.

Davide: (He mumbled.) I'm not sure about that...

Zhang: (He came to welcome them.) Smith, I'm glad to see you.

Salvatore: (He greeted him.) Me too. It's my second time coming here but that place is still stunning.

Zhang: Thank you... we only come here for occasion like today or holidays, but I like the familial spirit of that type of house. Let's go inside... I see that you took your daughter. (He smiled.)

Salvatore: Yes, but she is pretty shy.

Salvatore put his hand in Suki's back, and they followed Zhang. The Chinese businessman called this place a house, but it was not a house, but a huge castle! The little girl found that man eccentric and different from what she remembered him at that club. He seemed less scary today.

Inside, there was more people that Suki was expecting. Mr Zhang's wife and his children, 2 men and a woman and their partners. They were around Gabriel and Dante's age. They had children but way younger than Suki. Mr Zhang's brother was there too, and his family was large. The presentations were done, and drinks were served to everyone.

Few minutes after their arrival, more people arrived. It was Mr Zhang's wife brothers and their wives, but also 2 American families, business partners with Zhang's brother.

Quickly, Zhang's nephews and nieces came to talk with Suki. Despite her shyness, the little girl was glad to exchange with them. They were around her age, and Asian too, so she didn't feel judge like at school. Salvatore, while talking with the guests, kept an eye on his daughter, just like Gabriel and the other brothers too, in fact.

Vito: That idiot is more sociable than I would have thought...

Enzo: Vito, it's time for you to change your way of talking about her. Suki is our little sister; you still refuse to admit that fact?!

Vito: I only said that she was an idiot... What's wrong with that?

Enzo: You're doing zero effort!

Vito: I think quiet the contrary... and no matter what, she will always be an idiot for me! (He smirked and left.)

Enzo: You're the biggest idiot here!

Davide: And you must be the second one... dear Brother...

Davide laughed at his twin's annoyed expression and left to talk with the daughter of one of the American's family. Enzo sat at one of the table and was joined by the oldest nephew of Zhang. They had a common interest in everything related to computer.

Suki had a tour of the propriety with the other teenagers and for the first time since she met Haru, she had fun with children of her age. She felt naturally close to them.

The ambiance was really warm in the castle, and everyone was having a good time. There was a lot of food display as appetizers and around 8.00pm, a dinner was served at table.

Zhang's brother took few minutes before, to thank everyone for their presence and a traditional Chinese dinner was proposed.

Salvatore: My daughter seems to have fun tonight.

Suki: Yes... everyone is very kind with me... and they are so smart, they all speak many languages and have also a lot of activities after school. I don't know how they manage to do everything.

Vito: Is it a nerds' convention? (His father badly glared at him.)

Enzo: I talked with Zhang's nephew, he was cool, and I agree very smart... not like you, little bro'!

Salvatore: It's not the right time for your childish bickering, so shut up, both of you. (He said that with a neutral face but smiled to talk to his daughter.) I'm glad to hear that you were able to make friends tonight. Zhang is someone I trust, very close to his family.

Suki: Lili proposed to go to an Arts exposition next time, if you agree of course.

Salvatore: You are free to meet your friends whenever you want. You only have to let us know, for safety measures. (She nodded.)

Suki: I think that Lili and her brother will get along with Haru. If we go to that exposition, I should invite him too.

Salvatore: I am sure he will appreciate your invitation.

Dinner was served and everything was excellent. To accompany the excellent dishes, there was musicians playing traditional music as a background sound. Suki was amazed by their talent. That interest wasn't unnoticed by the host of the day.

Zhang: Do you enjoy the dinner? Our Chef made his best dishes for that special occasion.

Salvatore: It was excellent.

Zhang: Perfect. Your daughter seems to appreciate the music.

Salvatore: Suki is a musician too; she plays piano like an angel.

Zhang: Really? We have a piano in the tearoom. Suki, would you grant us of a performance?

Suki: Me? (She blushed, shy.) I don't know... (She looked at her elder brother, as to find some help.)

Gabriel: Do it. Everyone will love it.

Zhang: Yes, please. My wife loves classical music, I am sure that she will appreciate to hear you play.

Suki:Okay... (She shyly smiled.)

Salvatore was proud of his daughter. Tonight, she was going out of her comfort zone. When their dinner ended and before than the dessert was served, the guests headed to the small living room and Suki sat behind the piano. She exchanged a last look with her father and started to play.

When Suki played the first notes, the magic operated immediately with the small audience. Mr Zhang's wife had a bright smile, just like her sister-in-law. They were both fans of classical music and Suki had chosen a beautiful piece to play. Her new friends were also curious, and they were surprised at the assurance Suki was showing while playing.

In her elder brothers' eyes, you could see proudness. The twins and Vito listened to her performance too but Davide et Vito quickly left the room when she was done. They didn't want to admit that listening her playing piano was pleasant.

At the end of her performance, everyone applauded, and Mr Zhang's wife personally came to praise her.

Zhang: Smith, your daughter is an excellent pianist, you must be proud!

Salvatore: Yes, she is wonderful... (He was still looking at her, smiling.)

Zhang's brother: Brother, Smith, let's share a drink outside.

Salvatore: Sure, Gabriel. (He nodded and followed his father.)

Gianni: The little kitten is really good behind a piano...

Dante: Hum... and she seems happy tonight... Dad was not wrong to take her with us in fine... she even made friends...

Gianni: At least, we know that they are not harmful for her... (He exchanged a gaze with his brother.)... is it it a bit weird for you too?

Dante: What?

Gianni: To constantly be cautious when she is around? I mean... there is not particular danger tonight, but I don't know why, I had to keep an eye on her since we left home... and... nevermind.

Dante: I understand... you feel that you have to protect her, it's different than with the boys, because you knew that they were capable to protect themselves since a young age... but her... she is an easy target... a way to reach our family... someone that can make you smile without you notice it but also can make you angry without knowing why...

Gianni: Exactly! I swear, I thought sometimes I was becoming crazy!

Dante: In that case, I'm crazy too! (He smirked.) I guess, it is what it costs to be the older brother of a little girl... and trust me, I hate it!