“Do you know anyone who wants a little girl?” Donovan Ree heard the question and stopped three steps from the elevator.

By six o'clock in the morning, the storm had begun to recede, leaving behind a cold, gray dawn over the city skyline.

Donovan returned to the Callaway Grand, his tactical gear replaced by a sharp charcoal suit. The night had been a complete victory: Miller’s syndicate was shattered, his financial assets seized, and the Callaway estate was legally protected.

As he stepped out of the private elevator into his penthouse, he found Greer sitting in the living room, holding a cold cup of coffee. Her face was pale.

Donovan’s heart instanly sank. "What happened?"

"It’s not Miller," Greer said quickly, standing up. "It’s the state."

"What are you talking about?"

"An hour ago, while you were on the water, two social workers arrived at the main desk accompanied by three city police officers," Greer explained, her voice tight with anger. "Someone tipped off Child Protective Services. They had an emergency custody order signed by Judge Vance—one of Miller’s corrupt political allies."

Donovan’s jaw tightened until it hurt. "Where is she?"

"They’re in the secondary office on the twentieth floor," Greer said. "I refused to let them take her until you returned, but they’re threatening to arrest the entire building staff for felony obstruction."

Donovan turned on his heel and strode back into the elevator.

On the twentieth floor, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Two uniformed police officers stood outside the conference room door, looking uncomfortable. Inside, a sharp-featured woman in a gray suit sat across from Mave, who was sitting rigid in a chair, clutching her elephant so tightly her small knuckles were white.

The door flew open. Donovan stepped into the room like a thunderclap.

The social worker, Ms. Gable, stood up immediately, holding her clipboard like a shield. "Mr. Ree! I am executing a lawful state order for the emergency removal of Mave Callaway."

Donovan didn't look at Ms. Gable. He looked at Mave.

The little girl’s brown eyes were wide with fear, tears brimming at the corners. When she saw Donovan, she let out a small, broken gasp.

"Donovan?" she whispered. "You said nobody was going to take me."

The pain in her voice hit Donovan harder than any bullet ever could. He took three long strides across the room, ignoring Ms. Gable’s protests, and crouched down in front of Mave’s chair.

"I know what I said, kiddo," Donovan said gently, taking her trembling hand in his large, scarred palm. "And I don't break my promises."

"Mr. Ree, step back!" Ms. Gable demanded, stepping forward. "You have no legal relation to this child! She is a ward of the state now, pending placement in a temporary facility!"

Donovan stood up slowly, turning to face Ms. Gable. The sheer authority radiating from his posture forced the woman to take a step back.

"This child was abandoned by her aunt on my private property," Donovan said, his voice quiet, terrifying, and absolute. "Judge Vance signed that order at four AM without a formal hearing, which violates state administrative procedure code Section 4. I know who paid for his last election campaign, Ms. Gable. And by noon today, my attorneys will have him disbarred."

"That may be," Ms. Gable stammered, trying to regain control. "But right now, the warrant is valid! If you interfere, the officers outside will arrest you."

"Let them try," Donovan said simply.

He turned back to Mave, scooped her up effortlessly in his arms, and held her against his chest. Mave immediately buried her face in the crook of his neck, her tiny arms wrapping tightly around his collar.

Donovan walked straight out of the room, past the social worker, and into the hallway.

The two police officers outside stepped into his path, their hands resting nervously on their belts.

"Mr. Ree," one officer said, his voice shaking slightly. "Please... don't make us do this."

"You know who I am, officer," Donovan said smoothly, stepping right up to them. "And you know that if you put your hands on me or this child, your careers in this city end today. Stand down."

The officers exchanged a frantic look. They knew Donovan Ree controlled half the precinct’s pension fund investments and held leverage over every high-ranking commander in the city.