The luxurious car parked in front of the 5 stars hotel entry. A valet opened the door and Salvatore came out. He offered his hand to his daughter and the little girl took it with a bright smile. Her tiny hand was totally engulfed in her father's one.

There was a lot of people outside and of course, Salvatore and Suki's arrival attracted people attention. Some recognized the businessman, and they were intrigued of who was that little girl with him. But with one look, they understood that she was his daughter.

Suki: It's my first time going at a concert, there is a lot of people.

Salvatore: That hotel has a big concert venue. I went to some classical concerts by the past but it's the first time in that hotel.

Suki: Otô-san... did you... (She hesitated to ask him a question.)...

Salvatore: Tell me, why are you so shy?

Suki: ... Did your wife like classical music too? Did you go with her to those concerts?

Salvatore: You were afraid to ask questions about my wife?

Suki: I... I don't know... I don't want you to feel sad or to ask you questions that I shouldn't...

Salvatore: You are free to ask me anything, Suki. I miss my wife everyday, it's a fact that will never change, but I want to keep in mind every little things that we did together... so, to answer to your question, yes, my wife liked a lot music but not only classical music... it can be difficult to believe it, but my lovely wife dragged me to a lot of music festivals when we were young... even a reggae one... and trust me, it's far from the type of music I listen...

Suki: Really? She must have been an amazing woman...

Salvatore: Yes... she was amazing and will always be in my heart...

Suki: You still love her, even if she is not with you anymore?

Salvatore: (He had a sad smile.) Yes, she was my soulmate.

Suki: But Mrs Valentina... she was your fiancée...

Salvatore: (He was a bit embarrassed.) You are right, we were in a relationship... but a different one... you maybe don't understand because you are still young, but it was kind of for business...

Salvatore was not really comfortable to explain to his 11 years old daughter that, until recently, he was seeing a woman that he didn't really like just for business. It was not the kind of things that he wanted to teach her.

Salvatore: But that relationship doesn't exist anymore and it's for the best. Your father made wrong choices but now... thanks to you, my life changed, and I have the chance to live a better life!

Suki: (She blushed and shook her head.) Me... no... I... (She didn't know what to say.)

Salvatore: You're kind, smart and the cutest...

Suki: Otô-san... please stop teasing me...

Salvatore: I am only honest, but you seem still too shy to accept it. (He laughed.) Let's go and enjoy that concert.

Suki was still shy to receive such compliments, but a little smile showed up at her father's words. She wanted him to be proud of her and seeing his smile while talking about her was the best proof. They followed the indication of the hotel's staffs and easily found the concert hall. People were entering and Suki recognized her music tutor. She went to greet her with her father.

Suki: Mrs Lawrens...

Mrs Lawrens: Suki, you came... with your father. Mr Smith, it's good that you were free to accompany Suki. This is my husband. (The middle-aged man shook hand with Salvatore.)

Salvatore: Nice to meet you. Mrs Lawrens, thank you for the tickets. Thanks to you, I can have a privileged moment with my daughter.

Mrs Lawrens: I hope that you will both enjoy the concert. There will be a little reception after where we can meet the musicians. We should head inside; it's going to start soon.

The tickets gave by Mrs Lawrens offered very good seats placement to enjoy the concert. When everyone was installed, they changed the lightings, and the musicians entered the scene. Then, the show started. Suki knew most of the songs played and she smiled the entire time.

Salvatore also appreciated a lot the concert, and maybe even more because he saw his daughter's eyes sparkling. He already had in mind to bring her to the best concert halls all around the world, and hoped that one day, he will be able to see her perform on one of those stage.

The musicians played the first part of the concert before an interlude of 10 minutes. During that break, Salvatore took some photos with his daughter as souvenirs.

Then the second part of the concert started with a solo performance of Mrs Lawrens' friend. Suki had stars in her eyes while watching it. The second part was as much appreciable as the first one for the little girl and everyone in the room.

The concert ended with loud applauses and a standing ovation. The audience gathered to the reception hall for a cocktail. Salvatore gave a soft drink to Suki and Mrs Lawrens and her husband joined them to exchange about the performance.

Few minutes later, the musicians entered under a new round of applauses. Mrs Lawrens' friend came to her encounter and the teacher introduce her student and Salvatore.

Suki was pretty shy to talk with a musician of that level, but fortunately Mrs Lawrens' friend was also a music tutor by the past and used to talk with children.

Everything was going well until the voice of a well-known woman called Salvatore's name. Suki was surprised to see that woman here. Salvatore tried to keep a straight face and turned himself to face Valentina. She was wearing a bustier long red dress with black high heels and a matching handbag.

Salvatore: Valentina? What are you doing here? I don't remember you enjoying listening to classical music.

Valentina Rossi: I know how to appreciate music... (She smiled to him.)... I miss you a lot, did you miss me too?

Salvatore: ... Valentina...

Valentina Rossi: (She ignored his serious gaze.) Your daughter is here too! (She came closer with the same smile.) Suki... long time not see.

Suki: Good evening, Mrs Valentina. (She politely greeted her.)

Valentina Rossi: Your father took you out tonight, lucky girl...

Salvatore looked around to see if Valentina was with an acquaintance, but he didn't recognize anyone. The young woman's behavior tonight was way different from the last time they saw each others.

Salvatore: Suki, why don't you go try some of those appetizers. (He smiled and nodded toward a counter.)

Mrs Lawrens: I'm going with you... those little things seem delicious. (Salvatore was grateful to Mrs Lawrens.)

Salvatore: So? Why are you here? I don't believe in coincidence!

Valentina Rossi: I received invitations with our foundation. We sponsor that event... I was not even sure until few hours to come but seeing you there, I guess I made the right choice.

Salvatore: Don't expect anything from me other than politeness.

Valentina Rossi: I know... (She did her best to keep her smile.)... but I was not going to completely ignore you! We can share a drink, it's not too much to ask to the great Salvatore Smith!

Salvatore: Don't forget that my daughter is here!

Salvatore was not happy to see Valentina at that event, but he didn't want to create troubles after such a good evening.

Suki was with Mrs Lawrens, but she was watching her father and Valentina's interaction from afar. She didn't know if she could join him now or if she had to give them more time to talk. Valentina went to take two drinks at the bar while Salvatore was texting with Gabriel. She came back to their standing table and offered him a glass of wine.

Valentina Rossi: Wine is not too strong, so you will be able to enjoy the rest of your night!

Salvatore:Thank you.

Valentina was pretty talkative, but Salvatore was barely listening. He preferred to keep an eye on his daughter and when she looked at him, he made a hand sign to ask her to join him. Valentina finished her glass of wine then let her ex-boyfriend with his daughter. She went to talk with a couple few meters away.

Suki: Mrs Valentina seemed happy to see you...

Salvatore: We are adults, we should be able to greet each others politely. Did you have an interesting talk with Mrs Lawrens and the musicians?

Suki: Yes. She told me that they will perform all around the country. They even planned to go to Europe later in the year!

Salvatore: Who knows, one day you could be the one travelling all around the world to do fabulous performance!

Suki: (She looked at him with her eyes wide opened.) It's not possible.

Salvatore: (He laughed.) Why not? I can make that possible! (He made a hand sign to call one of the servers.) Another one like this please.

The server put another glass of wine on the table for Salvatore who almost drunk it in one go. He ate some appetizers just after, feeling hungry all of a sudden, and a new will, to drink something cold. He called once again the server and asked for sparkling water this time. Salvatore, who was used to wear a tie every days, felt uncomfortable right now, so he loosen it a bit.

Suki: Otô-san, are you feeling alright? Your face is a bit red...

Salvatore: Yes... I'm a bit hot, that's nothing, don't worry.

Suki: Do you want to go home?

Salvatore: It's alright, we can enjoy a little bit more the after party.

Some people came to talk with Salvatore before leaving the after party and the head of the Smith family, even if he hadn't drunk another glass of alcohol, had the feelings to be more than tipsy. He had to excuse himself to make a stop by the restrooms to refresh himself. He asked Suki to stay with Mrs Lawrens few minutes, not wanting to let her wait in the corridor near the men restrooms.

After putting cold water on his face, Salvatore didn't feel better. He decided that it was time to go home. He came out of the restrooms, but his vision became troubled, and he almost lost his balance.

Valentina Rossi: Salvatore! (She grabbed his arm.) Are you okay?

Salvatore: (He frowned, annoyed by the lights.) Valentina...

Valentina Rossi: Yes, it's me, what's going on? Are you sick?

Salvatore: I... I don't know... I need to find Suki...

Valentina Rossi: (She smiled.) Let me help you to find a place where you can rest few minutes.

Salvatore: No, Suki, she...

Salvatore had difficulties to stay awake and felt his legs shaking and his heartbeat accelerating. His mouth was dried too. Valentina helped him to walk toward the elevator. She entered inside when the door opened and just before it closed, a tiny silhouette entered too, at her surprise, and she was pretty annoyed.

Valentina Rossi: You... what are you doing here?!

Suki: (She took her father's hand.) Otô-san... (She looked at Valentina.) What happened to Father?

Valentina Rossi: He doesn't feel good, he needs to rest a little. I have a room booked; he's going to rest here...

One minute earlier, Suki disobeyed her father order to stay with Mrs Lawrens because she was worried to not see him coming back. And when she joined the corridor heading to the restrooms, she saw Valentina and her father walking together toward the elevator. She ran and had quickly entered inside before the door got closed.

Suki: Otô-san... (She moved his hand to have a reaction.) We should take him to the hospital and call Gabriel.

Valentina Rossi: It's nothing serious, I know your father pretty well! He drunk too much; he just needs to rest. Don't put Salvatore in an embarrassing situation by overreacting!

Suki didn't want to put shame on her father, so she stayed silent. The elevator doors opened at the 20th floor. Valentina struggled to help Salvatore to walk to the hotel room. He was way taller and heavier than her.

The young woman unlocked the door with the card and in a last effort, she laid down Salvatore on the king size bed. Suki jumped on it, and she continued to call her father's name. Valentina sat on the other side of the bed and took off Salvatore's tie before unbuttoning the first buttons of his shirt.

Suki: What are you doing?

Valentina Rossi: Can't you see that I'm helping him to be more comfortable?! (She sighed.) There must be Alaric waiting in the car, right? Why don't you just join him and go home?! I will keep an eye on Salvatore and when he will feel better, I will bring him back home.

Suki: I prefer to stay here with Father.

Suki was focused on her father, and she hadn't noticed the way Valentina was glaring at her. The young woman needed to get the little girl out of the room. She didn't have a lot of time before the drugs in Salvatore's body loses his effect, he was moving a little, trying to take off his jacket.

And if she was running out of time, it was because his state was only the result of Valentina's scheme to make him have an intimate relation with him and try to get pregnant with his child. She asked Suki to bring water from the fridge and discreetly stole Salvatore's phone. She quickly turned if off and hid it in her bag.

Suki: Mrs Valentina, here the water. (She handed a bottle.) I think I should call Gabriel... (She took her phone from her bag.)... He... ah!

Valentina Rossi: (She snatched the phone.) I told you to not do anything! Are you that stupid?! (She touched her forehead, annoyed.) You're such a pain in the ass! (Suki frowned.) I will call one of my personal guard and he will take you home!

Suki: No! (She stood up from the bed.)

Valentina Rossi: Who do you think you're talking to! (She stood up too, angry.) Come here!

The little girl stepped back. She was a bit afraid, at Valentina's angry face, but she couldn't abandon her father here, in that state. Suki needed to take back her phone and call her brother.

Suki: Please, let me call Gabriel... (Valentina's attention was attracted by Salvatore mumbling.)... Give me my phone!

Suki tried to grab back her phone, but Valentina resisted easily and in a fit of anger, she slapped the little girl with the back of her hand.

Valentina Rossi: Damn it! (Suki was on the floor, feeling dizzy.) I hate you so much, I should just get rid of you! (She took her phone and called someone.) Come here quickly and take care of that brat!

In less than one minute, someone knocked at the door of the hotel room. Valentina went to open and a guy wearing a black suit was standing in the corridor, the bodyguard type. Valentina had her bag, and she took out a credit card.

Man: How do you want me to handle things with her?

Valentina Rossi: Book another room at another floor. Find something to make sure that she forgets everything that happened tonight... I'm sure that the guy who sold you that drugs can provide you the necessary. Be discreet to not attr... ahhh...

Valentina was pushed from the back, and she bumped into the man in the corridor. Then, the door of the bedroom was slammed. It was Suki. She found the courage and strength to push that woman out.

After closing the door, Suki locked it with the handle lock and the chain lock. She startled when loud knocked resonated. Valentina tried to open the door, but she couldn't. She yelled Suki's name twice but stopped, not wanted to attract people's attention.

The little girl heard her scolding the bodyguard and asked to call for one of the hotel staffs. Suki needed to wake up her father. So, despite her tears, she went back near him and shook him.

Suki: Otô-san... Otô-san... please, wake up... (She continued to shake him while crying, worried and scared.)... Otô-san!

Salvatore: (He barely opened his eyes and held his shirt, at his torso' level.) Suki... Gabriel... call....

She looked around but her phone had been taken away by Valentina. She tried to find her father's phone in one of his pockets but there was nothing. She startled again when there was new heavy knocks on the door. She spotted the phone of the room on the desk near the window.

Fortunately, she knew by heart Gabriel's number. She dialed it and prayed for her oldest brother to pick up quickly. The deep voice of the young man resonated through the handset.

Gabriel: Hello. (His tone was cold.)

Suki: Onii-san...

Gabriel: (He stiffened at his little sister's crying voice.) Suki, what's going on? Where are you? Where is Father?

Suki: We... we are at the hotel... of the concert...

Gabriel: Please, try to calm down and tell me. (His tone was softer.)

Suki: Father seems sick... Mrs Valentina took him in a room... on the 20th floor but I don't know the room number... I... I locked the door... because... because she wanted to send me away... please, come...

Gabriel: I'm coming, in few minutes, I will be there. Suki, I need you to do something for me. Look on the door, there is a map of the floor, and you will have the room number.

Suki: (She sniffed.) You stay online...

Gabriel: Yes, I'm with you. (He ran downstairs and saw Dante texting on the couch.) Dante!

Dante understood that something was going on and he jumped off the couch. He followed his brother to the garage and sat behind the wheel.

In the meantime, Suki was back on the phone, and she indicated that they were in the room 2020. Gabriel covered the mic of his phone and told Dante where to go, then he put the speaker on.

Gabriel: Suki, try to keep talking with Father, it will help him to gain back conscious. Dante and I will be there very quickly. Do you know where Alaric is?

Suki: ... I think... in the car, but I don't have my phone... nor Father's one, I couldn't call him. I only remembered your number...

Gabriel: Suki, you are on speaker now, Dante is driving, I'm going to call Alaric, and he will join you, okay? We are still with you.

Suki: Mrs Valentina called someone... please be careful...

Dante: I will kill that bit**!! (Gabriel glared at him, it was not the good time for that.) Kid, listen, if someone tries to enter the room, lock yourself in the bathroom.

Suki: But Father...

Dante: Just listen to me! (He sighed to calm down.) If Valentina is behind what is happening, Dad is not in danger, but you, you are, so, do as I say, and lock yourself in that damn bathroom! (She didn't say anything.) Suki!

Gabriel: Suki, Alaric is coming. (He heard her yell.) What's going on?!

The door opened a little but was still locked with the chain lock. The hotel staff questioned Valentina who yelled at him to mind his own business and to unlock the door so that she can enter. Suki stood few steps away from the door and Gabriel could barely hear what was happening in the room.

Suki: I... I called Gabriel and he is coming! Please leave!

Valentina Rossi: Little bit**... (She pushed the hotel staff.) Move!

Suki stepped back when she saw Valentina passing her hand between the door and the wall to try to unlock the chain lock. Fortunately, Alaric came out of the elevator at the same time.

Alaric: What the fu** are you doing?! (He run toward them but had to face the bodyguard.) If you want to stay alive, you should leave!

Valentina: (She stepped back.) Damn it! Deal with him!

Her bodyguard attacked Alaric, and she took that opportunity to ran away. She knew that it was too late now that Gabriel was aware. She needed to leave before he arrives.

The hotel staff didn't understand the situation and he quickly ran away too, not wanting to be in the middle of a fight. He took the emergency stairs and called for security and his manager too.

Alaric didn't lose time to handle Valentina's bodyguard. That man was not skilled enough for him. He knocked at the half-opened door.

Alaric: Miss Suki, it's Alaric... can you unlock the door for me.

Suki approached with cautious, and Alaric reaffirmed to her that everything was alright now. She unlocked the door and ran back near her father. The bodyguard followed and checked on his boss' state. He put his phone on the bed and called Dante's phone. Gabriel picked up.

Gabriel: Alaric, are you with Suki? What is the situation?

Alaric: Yes Sir, I'm in the room with Miss Suki. Mr Smith should be driven to the hospital. (He checked Salvatore's eyes.) It seems that he was drugged... What do you want me to do?

Gabriel: Call an ambulance, we will be there in less that 5 minutes. Stay with them until then.

Alaric: Sure. (He looked at Suki.) Miss, are you alright? (She nodded but he frowned, noticing a redness on her face.) Did someone hurt you? Was it that man or Mrs Rossi?

Gabriel: Suki?! (His voice showed worriedness.)

Suki: It's... nothing... please help Father...

Alaric: Mr Smith... (He pinched his arm to have a reaction.) Great, open your eyes, stay with us... your daughter is here. (He took his phone when Salvatore opened his eyes a bit more.) Sir, I'm cutting the call.

Salvatore: Suki...

Alaric stepped away to call for an ambulance. Suki was holding her father's hand. A manager of the hotel entered the room with security guards.