As someone who could foresee the fates of certain characters, Luca disliked the butterfly effect the most. Yet with so many people entering this world, it was impossible not to create ripples. Bill's life had already changed because of him. The supermarket that once faced constant harassment and was on the verge of closing down was now thriving. Business had miraculously turned around, and no one dared cause trouble anymore.
On the surface, it was a good thing.
But… had work delayed his marriage?
Luca felt both amused and exasperated.
Fortunately, it was still early in the year. As long as Bill managed to get married within it, things wouldn't drift too far off track. If not, perhaps he could think of another way to trick that nephew from Hong Kong into coming over.
"Uncle Bill," Luca joked, "I've already prepared the gifts. You'd better hurry up. I'm waiting to attend the wedding. Or should I find someone to calculate an auspicious date for you two?"
Bill laughed loudly. "You even know about auspicious date? What's next—are you going to read my fortune too?"
"Cultural exchange," Luca replied calmly.
"It'll be ready soon, don't rush me," Bill said, waving his hand. "When I was your age, I was still enjoying life."
"…"
With Matilda's mouth stuffed full of snacks, Luca strolled leisurely along Arthur Avenue. The shop owners nearby clearly knew him; whenever they saw him, they greeted him warmly. Even the petty thugs lingering on the street respectfully called out, "Luca the Dove!" or "The Dove of Peace!"
Doves symbolized peace.
"Luca the Dove?" Matilda laughed like a silver bell. "You're in the Mafia, and they call you a peace dove?"
"When you're in the underworld, nicknames are inevitable," Luca shrugged.
At that moment, Matilda had no idea how well-known that nickname truly was. Not until Luca brought her into a restaurant owned by the family.
A large truck was parked at the back entrance. Workers were unloading crates of fresh lobsters at high speed. Matilda didn't think much of it until Luca explained casually, "These drivers always 'accidentally' bring extra goods and give them to us. In return, we help lighten their wallets with some cash. It's not business—just mutual assistance."
The driver received money, the restaurant got premium goods at a very low price, and everyone was satisfied.
What Luca didn't mention was that the family controlled the truck drivers' union and even owned a truck rental company. From the source, they controlled a portion of the transportation lifeline. In America, if trucks stopped running, warehouses would overflow and businesses would collapse.
Just then, a police car pulled over.
Matilda stiffened and grabbed Luca's shirt. "Luca, the police! Are they here to arrest you?"
"Arrest us? We're all friends."
Under her puzzled gaze, Luca took two bags of fresh produce and slipped a wad of banknotes inside. He walked to the car window.
"Hey, Dove of Peace Luca," the officer grinned. "What good stuff did you get today?"
"Fresh lobsters," Luca replied, handing over the bags. "Let your wives cook something nice tonight."
The officer peeked inside, saw the cash, and smiled even wider. Then he passed Luca a file.
"There are dozens of people with this name in New York alone," the officer complained. "Next time, bring a photo."
"Next time," Luca promised lightly.
"Who is he?" the officer asked. "Got a grudge?"
"He owes me money and ran," Luca said casually.
The officer laughed. "Then I feel sorry for him. Who dares default on your money?"
"Isn't that what federal officers are for?" Luca smiled. "Helping citizens recover debts and maintaining justice."
"Dove of Peace, you really know how to talk."
After the police car drove away, Matilda muttered, "There are no police in America who aren't bribed."
"It's just neighbors helping each other," Luca replied solemnly. "Harmony builds a harmonious society."
Matilda stared at him, unsure whether he misunderstood the meaning of harmony—or if she did.
Later, Luca took her to the opera house. They bypassed the line and entered through a private passage. People greeted Luca enthusiastically, as though he were a celebrity.
After that, they attended a court hearing. A peripheral member had been caught illegally reselling cigarettes and alcohol. Caught red-handed.
Yet with the lawyer's calm smile and a few quiet exchanges, the judge granted immediate release with minimal bail.
Matilda was stunned.
Outside the courthouse, several family members gathered to welcome the man back.
"He didn't say a word," someone praised. "Kept his mouth shut."
"Matilda," Luca said casually, "in this family, the law of silence is sacred. You must know what you can say—and what you cannot."
He continued lightly, "Betraying your brothers is a major taboo. People may waver under pressure, but on the surface, everyone must uphold unity. That's how a family survives."
Matilda nodded thoughtfully.
"Luca! You never told us you had such a cute little sister!"
"If anyone bullies you, just tell us—we'll handle it!"
"Heard schools are full of troublemakers. If you don't like someone, just beat them up!"
Matilda stood frozen.
She knew these men weren't good people. She knew their kindness existed because of Luca. Yet for the first time, she felt a strange warmth—something she had never felt in her original family.
Love or death?
She smiled softly.
Perhaps she would choose love.
"Luca?" She slipped her small hand into his and looked up. "You'll always treat me this well, right?"
Luca crouched down and met her gaze. "You can always trust me. I'll protect you. You'll be the happiest child in the world."
"I'm not a child," she protested. "I'm eighteen."
"…"
Luca glanced at her—shorts, boots, a white knit sweater layered over a black vest. Her neatly combed short hair framed her delicate, playful face.
"Alright," he said seriously, raising his palm to indicate height. "If you're eighteen, still in middle school, and only this tall, then your future is tragic. You need more calcium. Drink milk."
"Don't laugh at me!"
Before he could react, she jumped onto his back and locked her arms around his neck.
"From now on, you carry me."
"Fine," Luca said helplessly. "But let go of my eyes first. I'd like to see where I'm walking."
"No. Just listen to me."
She leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on his cheek.
"Let's go, Luca the Dove!"
[Bond: Close Friend]
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