The head of each family and Gabriel were having a drink on the garden of Zhang's propriety. They talked essentially about business' related subjects then the two American came back inside.

Zhang: I'm glad that we found a new common interest in Los Angeles and Miami. Working with this two companies will extend our business here.

Salvatore: Those 2 majors are really well implemented with strong connections with the local authorities, and a solid reputation.

Zhang's brother: As we are only coming in America several months a year, it was important for us to have a trust partner like you here.

Salvatore: You can count on us, it's beneficial for all of us.

Zhang: Trust is essential for being successful in partnership.

Salvatore: And you know that I trust you. (He smiled.)

Zhang: Yes, and it's an honor for my family. And to repay that trust, I have good news for you, regarding your daughter.

Zhang's brother: We succeed to implement a spy in Tanaka's clan.

The attention of Salvatore and his eldest son was fully on Zhang.

Zhang: As you told me that the men you sent to keep an eye on the Tanaka was discovered again, we found a man working for them at a pretty high level that is linked to our group in China.

Zhang's brother: His wife is Chinese, and her brother works for us.

Gabriel: How can you be so sure that he will work for you, for us?

Zhang's brother: He knew Fumiko Tanaka; they were at school together. He had no news since years but when he heard that she was murdered and that the responsible was Tanaka's heir, he agreed to help us.

Salvatore: Thank you for your help.

Zhang: Raising children is not easy, and I can't imagine how you felt when her mother's family tried to harm her. I wished to have been of help sooner... who would have guessed that you had another child that you were not aware of... Fumiko Tanaka should have come to you sooner and request your help!

Salvatore: I would have wish too... anyway, thank you, both of you.

Zhang: Your daughter really found her place in your family... And she seems more lively today, but it's true that the day I met her, she had just lost her mother.

Salvatore: It was not easy at the beginning, my sons were not really welcoming with her and to be honest, some of them still need to work on their behavior, but she is now fully part of that family.

Zhang's brother: She is beautiful and talented; I am sure that you will receive a lot of marriage proposition when she will come of age... Good luck! (He smiled.)

Salvatore: Don't mention that; it's already giving me headaches!

Zhang: It's a step that every father of a daughter has to go through!

Zhang's brother: I am sure that you will find the good partner for her.

Salvatore: The later, the better!

Gabriel stayed silent during that conversation. He didn't like the idea of his little sister becoming the object of desire of men wishing to have a connection with his family by using her. He would kill anyone with vile attention toward her.

Inside, the desserts were brought, and once again, it was not what the guests could expect. There was an assortment of cakes and fruits. Everyone could easily find something that suits their tastes. After talking with Mrs Zhang, Suki looked for her father, but she couldn't spot him anywhere.

Dante: Who are you looking for?

Suki: Otô-san... I don't see him anywhere.

Dante: He is talking outside with Zhang, why? You need something? He is busy right now, so tell me!

Suki: Ah, no, I was just wondering where he was.

Dante: What? You thought that he had left without you. (He chuckled when she frowned.) You're becoming bold... Princess...

Gianni: (He came from behind and put his hand on top of her head.) The little kitten will attack you one day, Brother.

Suki: What... (She looked at him Gianni, with pinky cheeks.)... I will never do that! (The boys laughed.) You...

Gianni:You're really funny sometimes...

Dante: Ohhh... I'm so scared... I'm going to have nightmares tonight!

Suki: I will never do that!

Gianni: But if he annoys you, you should teach him a lesson! I can help you if you need help.

Suki: I... I said that I will never do that! (She quickly left, embarrassed.)

Dante: She's too naive...

Gianni: Yes,and it's so easy to tease her and reallyfun!

Suki was mumbling and didn't look ahead. She bumped into someone while passing to the other room. She almost fell but a firm hand grabbed her forearm.

Suki: Ouchh... sorry! (She looked up.) Onii-san...

Gabriel: Suki, where are you running like that? Did something happen?

Suki: No... (He looked in direction of where she was coming from and saw Gianni and Dante laughing while staring at the little girl.)

Gabriel: Did your brothers tease you in any way? (She nodded.) I see. You know they are grown men but also very childish sometimes.

Suki: I don't understand them...

Gabriel: Come with me. (He took her hand, and they walked to the big room where music was played by the musicians.) You dance with me?

Suki: (She blushed.) Me? I don't know how to dance...

Gabriel: It's a good occasion to learn. Just follow me. (She looked around and saw the two American couples dancing together and also Davide with one of their daughter.) Don't be shy... trust me.

Suki: Okay...

Suki listened with attention to the deep voice of her brother guiding her feet on the floor. Salvatore was back with the two Zhang brothers and observing his children with proud in his eyes.

Gabriel: You're doing pretty well, as expected. (She smiled to him, not sure that his opinion was not biased.)

Suki: Are you teasing me too?

Gabriel: Are you asking because Dante and Gianni teased you earlier? (She nodded.) You know, I think that's their way to express their feelings for you. It's a childish way, but they really do care about you.

Suki: It's weird...

Gabriel: Big guys like them don't know how to show affection openly.

Suki: But... you... (She was staring at him with her beautiful eyes.)... you don't seem to have shame to do it... (She said with a little voice.)

Gabriel: I don't think that they are ashamed, they just don't know how to do it except like that. We were only boys; our interactions are a bit different as you saw. As for me, I am an adult, your eldest brother and so thankful to have a cute baby sister like you, that it is my pride to show my affection for you to everyone. (She blushed a lot, embarrassed.) Fortunately, your six brothers are all different and being your favorite one is not troublesome for me! (He smiled and she chuckled.)

Suki: Thank you... Onii-san... (The music stopped.)

Gabriel: Thanks to you for granted me of your first dance.

Suki politely bowed to her brother as a sign of deep respect. Then, she spotted her father and went to his encounter. He asked her if she was having fun or if she was tired and she said that she was fine.

The private party continued in that good ambiance for few hours and after 2.00 in the morning, the Smith thanked the Zhang for their hospitality and took the ride back home. Even if Suki had a lot of fun and made new friends, she was not used to stay awake that late at night and she fell asleep as soon as she entered the luxurious van. She had laid down; her head resting on Salvatore's laps and he had covered her with his jacket.

Salvatore: She is exhausted... (He delicately caressed her hair.)

Gabriel: Yes, it's pretty late for her... but at least, she enjoyed it.

Salvatore: Yes, I'm glad that she accompanied us tonight.

Dante: Just to be sure, you don't plan on taking her to every event in the future? No, because keeping an eye on her is tiresome!

Salvatore: It was a small event Dante, that's why I wanted to have your little sister with us. I will not expose her to our world.

Dante: Good. She doesn't need to be part of this!

Gabriel: Dante, we all agree with that, don't worry that much, Brother!

The rest of the ride was silent in the first car, while in the second car, the three youngest and Gianni were talking about Davide's flirt, with that girl for the entire night.

The next day, the house woke up quietly. Everyone stayed at home and rested. After her little performance at the Zhang castle, Suki decided to practice more her piano.

She hesitated at first but decided to ask her father to follow lessons. She showed him the internet site of a musical institute that she found online but her father preferred to find her a personal tutor at home. He would do the necessary to choose a good one for her in the coming days.

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

A new week started. For the two youngest, it was a usual week at school. For Salvatore and Gabriel, a week of meetings to put in place the organization of their new joint company with Zhang.

They had to go to business dinners almost every evening and because of that he barely saw his children that week. It was already the end of the week, and he had to introduce the piano teacher to Suki.

So, as he wanted to keep his promise to find a good tutor in the week, he asked Dante to make the necessary.

The young man didn't know anything about music but with the help of his father secretary, he was able to select a woman in her forties. He asked her to come to their house to meet Suki. He went to pick up his little sister after her classes and told her that she will see her possible music tutor at home.

Suki: Thank you for finding someone... I know that Father is really busy lately.

Dante: You do a lesson with her and if you like her way to teach you, that good, but if you don't feel comfortable, you tell me, immediately. Understood? (She nodded.) She works for us, remember that.

Suki: Yes. (She smiled, innocently.)

After reaching home, Suki took a light snack and went to shower and change for a comfortable outfit. Even if she was the one whom had requested a music teacher, she was stressed to meet her. Suki was waiting in the library when Dante entered with the music tutor. He introduced his little sister, and she introduced herself.

Mrs Lawrens: Nice to meet you Suki, my name is Natalia Lawrens. I am a music teacher for 15 years, with a preference for the piano.

Suki: Nice to meet you to Mrs Lawrens. Thank you for your time.

Dante: You should start your lesson. (He sat on the armchair.)

Suki: You are staying here?

Dante: Yes. Don't mind me... Teacher, do your thing...

Mrs Lawrens: Yes, sure. Suki, please show me how you play first.

Suki sat behind her piano and looked at her brother. He faked a smile and made a hand sign to tell her to play. She didn't know why he was staying here, not being a big fan of music.

She started to play, and the teacher listened with attention. She didn't only listen but also observed the way Suki was playing. When the little girl was done, Mrs Lawrens smiled and was ready to give her feedback to her new student.

Mrs Lawrens: Suki, you are indeed very talented. Even more for someone who learned to play by herself.

Suki: Thank you, Mrs Lawrens. (She blushed a little.)

Mrs Lawrens: I am sure that I can help you improve your technics and natural skills. We can begin with some exercises. (Suki nodded.) Great, let me show you.

Mrs Lawrens sat next to Suki, and they did some exercises to acquire technical abilities. Dante continued to observe in silence. The lesson continued for 30 minutes before the teacher stopped the practice to talk about music. Then, she proposed a schedule of 2 lessons per week to Suki and Dante. The young man saw his little sister nodding with vehemence.

Dante: We will contact you to organize everything, starting next week. (He stood up.) The guard is going to take you back to your car.

Suki: Thank you, Mrs Lawrens, see you next week.

Mrs Lawrens: Don't forget to massage your hands after practicing.

Mrs Lawrens left with the guard. She was used to teach music to children of rich family, but it was the first time that she had to face such high level of security.

Dante: So? Is that woman good enough to teach you?

Suki: Mrs Lawrens is a great tutor! It seems easy to learn with her and she knows so much about music, thank you for choosing her...

Dante: Hum... that's good that you like her, but don't forget what I said earlier. If something feels off, you don't keep it for yourself.

Vito: (He just entered.) Who was that woman who was leaving?

Dante: The kid's music teacher. She will come here twice a week.

Vito: You don't have enough classes to have additional at home?!

Suki: It's different...

Vito: For me, it's the same... you're really a nerd... (He looked at her brother.) You're going to Gianni's fight tonight?

Suki: Gianni is going to fight??? (She asked, surprised.)

Vito: Nothim, idiot! He works in a fight club, you remember??!!!

Vito had answered with annoyance, showing with his expression that he thought that she was stupid.

Dante: Yes, I plan to leave in an hour.

Vito: And that thing? (He nodded toward Suki.)

Dante: She is not going to watch people fighting. Kid, Dad is coming late tonight again. You can stay here alone? Well, you are not really alone, the guards are present, and I don't know, maybe Enzo will be there too...

Vito: Nope, he goes there directly to the club with Davide.

Suki: I'm fine to stay alone...

Dante: You're sure? (She nodded.) Okay... for dinner, Aldo is going to prepare something for you before leaving. Go ask him what you want! (She quickly left to the kitchen.)

Vito: Why are you concerning yourself so much for that kid?

Dante: Don't know... maybe because we share the same blood. And even if you like to play the bad boy, I know that you are not so insensitive as you said... except if you are a fu** jerk, of course!

Vito didn't say anything and went upstairs. Dante smirked. He knew his youngest brother and he noticed that he also changed. They all changed since Suki integrated their family and he was starting to think that it was definitively not a bad thing, even if new challenges will occur for them.

In the kitchen, Suki asked the Chef if she could prepare dinner with him. She wanted to prepare Japanese food and especially onigiri as a late-night snack for her father and Gabriel.

Maria told her that when her father was coming back home late, he usually skipped dinner. The little girl thought that maybe, he will eat the snacks she prepared for him.

Dante passed by the kitchen before leaving with Vito. He gave his instructions to the guards and asked to be updated every hour. Aldo left around 8.00pm, after Suki had her dinner. The little girl didn't want to stay alone in that big living room, so she went to her bedroom and watched videos on her phone. She felt asleep just before 10.00pm.

Salvatore and Gabriel came back just after midnight. They visited a factory out of the city, and it took them more time that they thought to come back.

Salvatore: Am I becoming too old for that job? My back is painful because of walking all day long.

Gabriel: Are you planning on retire? (He chuckled.) Scotch or beer?

Salvatore: Beer is maybe the best option on an empty stomach.

Gabriel: Relax your old back, I'm bringing that for you!

Salvatore: My eldest is very thoughtful with his father...

Gabriel took off his jacket and tie then went to the kitchen. He opened the fridge, grabbed 4 cans of beer and was about to go back to the living room when he noticed a plate covered on the counter, with a pink sticky note. He smiled at the read of the kind words of his little sister. He took the plate to the living room.

Salvatore: What's this?

Gabriel: A little fairy prepared this for us... I should buy her a gift.

Salvatore discovered the rice balls prepared by his daughter and like by magic; he felt hungry.

Salvatore: My daughter is really the sweetest daughter in the world. (He took a bite.) It's delicious...

Gabriel: I agree. Fumiko did an amazing job to raise her... if only she had found the courage to tell you the truth...

Salvatore: I know... Suki should have had the life of a princess instead of living hidden, without never daring to ask for anything because she knew how difficult it was for her mother to gain money.

Gabriel: You still have plenty of time to pamper her!

Salvatore: And I plan to do it with all I have!

Gabriel and his father ate some of the onigiris with their beers before heading to their respective rooms for a good night of rest.

Later that night, when the boys came back, they found the rest of the rice balls prepared by Suki. It was the middle of the night, but they were all volunteer to eat its, even Vito and Davide.

Enzo: Eh, there isn't enough for everyone and it's clear that Suki prepared its. As you always claim to not like her, why the two of you want to have one!

Davide: Because she is good a cooking... so even, if I don't like her... I'm not stupid to reject good food!

Vito: (He grabbed one piece and stepped back.) Exactly as he said! Good night!! (He quickly left.)

Gianni: Kids, you are really arguing over food at this hour... Dante... (He saw him eating a rice ball too.)... okay..., I'm done, bye!

Dante: What... I'm hungry and it's good...

Davide: Bro'... (He put his hand on his twin's shoulder.)... you can ask to your little protegee to cook for you... it was delicious... good night!

Enzo grumbled at his brothers. He grabbed a bottle of water and went upstairs too. Dante followed after eating a cheese sandwich. In few hours, he will have to wake up for the morning jog with his brothers, so time to go to sleep. The next morning, when Suki stood up, she was glad to see that no rice balls were left.

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

The weekend passed and Salvatore was able to spend more time at home with his children. Well, with his daughter because his sons thought to be too old to hang out with their father at home.

The next days were similar as the previous week, except that Suki was now seeing her music tutor twice a week. Salvatore organized his week to be able to meet Mrs Lawrens. After one of Suki's lesson, he asked to have a quick talk with her. He found her professional, and Suki told him that she appreciated to have her as her tutor.

On the second week of the piano lessons, Mrs Lawrens proposed to Suki to see a musical representation at a prestigious hotel.

Mrs Lawrens: One of my friend is part of the orchestra.

Suki: Really... but I don't know if I can go... and it's your tickets.

Mrs Lawrens: Are you afraid to go there alone? I have two extra tickets, you can ask your father or one of your brothers to go with you... or one of your friends, if you prefer.

Suki: I can maybe ask Father if he is not too busy.

Mrs Lawrens: I'm going with my husband, but if you really have no one to go with, you can accompany us.

Suki: Thank you Mrs Lawrens... (She smiled.) I will confirm you if I can go or not... but anyway, thank you for the tickets.

Later that day, after dinner, Suki talked about Mrs Lawrens' gift, and she asked Salvatore if he wanted to go with her.

Suki: I know that it is at the last minute, and that you are very busy lately... but if you are not too tired... and not busy... can you go with me at that concert... it's tomorrow night...

Salvatore: Suki, why are you spending so much energy to ask me something so evident. Of course, I will go with you. Should we buy a nice outfit for the occasion?

Suki: No!... (She smiled, embarrassed.)... I mean, I don't need a new dress... thank you, Otô-san...

Salvatore: I have to thank Mrs Lawrens tomorrow.

Suki: I'm going to sleep, have a good night.

Salvatore: Have a good night too, Sweetheart.

Gabriel: (He entered the living room after Suki's departure.) Are you sure to not be tired? I can go to see that concert with her.

Salvatore: Thank you, Gabriel, but your little sister wants to go with me, not you. But you can ask our men to check that hotel security. I only went there twice, I'm not sure if it's correct or not.

Gabriel: Sure, it will be done.

The next day, Suki went to her school, driven by Gabriel. From time to time, having one of her older brothers accompany her to school was a good reminder to every students, to not forget that Suki was a Smith.

At the end of the day, she quickly go home to prepare herself. She opted for a black dress, stopping at her knees and a white cardigan. The representation was at 8.00pm. Salvatore wore a black suit.

Salvatore: Ready? (She nodded.) You are beautiful... let's go.