Chapter 2 — The Necklace Around Her Neck
# The Girl Who Ran Into the Mafia
## Chapter 2 — The Necklace Around Her Neck
Damian remained kneeling before the frightened child.
His voice stayed calm.
"What's your name?"
The little girl wiped her eyes with trembling hands.
"Grace."
"Grace Whitmore."
Damian nodded.
"I'm Damian."
"You don't have to be afraid here."
Grace looked around the luxurious dining hall.
Four enormous bodyguards.
Expensive suits.
Marble floors.
Crystal chandeliers.
Everything about the place should have frightened her.
Yet...
For the first time in days...
She felt safe.
Owen quietly approached Damian.
"Boss..."
"We should call the police."
Grace immediately panicked.
"No!"
She grabbed Damian's sleeve with surprising strength.
"Please don't."
"He'll find me."
Damian frowned.
"Who?"
Grace lowered her head.
"My dad."
"He said if I ever ran away..."
"...he'd make sure nobody ever found Mommy."
Those words caught Damian's attention.
He gently asked,
"Where is your mother?"
Grace shook her head.
"I don't know."
"Daddy says she abandoned me."
"But..."
She reached beneath her torn dress.
Slowly, she pulled out a small silver necklace hanging around her neck.
"I don't believe him."
Damian noticed the tiny oval locket attached to the chain.
It looked old.
Worn from years of use.
"My mommy told me..."
"...never lose this."
"...no matter what."
She carefully held it against her chest.
"It'll help someone find me."
Damian stared at the necklace.
Something about it felt strangely familiar.
