The morning light filtered through the rain-streaked windows of The Daily Grind, casting a warm glow over the wooden tables. The espresso machine hummed softly, filling the room with the rich scent of dark roast. ​In the corner booth, seven-year-old Leo sat with his blonde hair messily sticking out in all directions. His bright blue eyes were locked onto his sketchbook, a green crayon gripped tightly in his hand as he put the finishing touches on a massive T-Rex wearing a suit. ​Beside him, Victor Vance—head of the city's most formidable syndicate—sat dressed in his usual dark, tailored coat. But instead of reading tactical reports, he was holding a box of 64-count crayons, carefully handing Leo the exact shades of yellow and brown requested. ​"Is this one wide enough for the dinosaur's tie, Leo?" Victor asked, his deep voice unusually gentle. ​"No, Victor, it needs to be dark blue like yours," Leo explained, barely looking up as he swung his legs under the table. "Because you two are a team." ​Guest leaned against the counter, setting down two warm mugs—a cappuccino for Victor and a hot chocolate with extra marshmallows for Leo. ​"A team, huh?" Guest smiled, sliding the mugs onto the table and running a hand through Leo's blonde hair. "I think you're just trying to get an extra chocolate croissant out of him before school." ​Victor reached out, his hand briefly resting over Guest's with a subtle, rare warmth in his gray eyes. "If he finishes the drawing, he's earned it."