My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 241

Sienna

Breaking through the loud music buzzing in my headphones and the vivid scenery

I was halfway through painting, Mom's voice cut sharply into my bubble.

"Sienna, Jacob forgot this file! Why don't you take it to him?"

It never fails-Mom's voice, I mean. No matter how loud my music is or how absorbed I am in my work, her voice always finds its way through. Honestly, I've started to suspect she isn't human.

Or maybe she's just perfected the art of shouting at the exact pitch that penetrates even the most deafening musical choices.

Reluctantly, I pulled off my headphones, my paint-streaked hands leaving smudges on the cord. My dress was an abstract masterpiece of colors, and my hair, tied up in a messy bun, looked like it had been styled by chaos itself.

"Seriously, Mom? I'm working here," I said, exasperated.

Mom lay sprawled on her stomach on my bed, book in hand, looking entirely too comfortable.

She flashed me a sheepish grin. "The exhibition is two months away, and you've almost finished most of your paintings. Meanwhile, I'm only halfway through this book. Please, baby?" She added the infamous puppy eyes, and I sighed again.

She always knew how to get her way. I couldn't blame her, though it was Dad's fault. He'd spoiled her, indulging even her silliest whims. After all, this was the same man who still chased her around the house, flinging flour, cake batter, or coffee beans like a teenager in love.

"And what's in it for me?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"A new easel and brush set?"

"I already have them."

"A vacation to America?"

"To watch Grandma and Grandpa's lovey-dovey antics? Hard pass."

Her eyes lit up as though she'd struck gold. "Then, a family movie night!"

I couldn't help but laugh at her childlike excitement. "Fine, but you and Dad are

cooking." Smiling despite myself, I set my palette aside and wiped my hands on the already-ruined white dress.

"Deal!" she declared, clapping her hands like she'd just won the lottery.

***

I stepped out of the car in front of Dad's office building. The massive Adriano Estates sign loomed above. Typical Dad-everything about him screamed opulence.

and me. On slow days, we'd come here just to pester him, our antics turning

Dad's ever-loyal

greet me with cheek kisses. "It's been too long!

still up in the air, but it'll be in about two months. Maybe sooner if you're lucky." I pinched his cheek, making him laugh. "Speaking of luck, how's

crimson,

tell me

the blush deepening. "I am not talking

in mock surrender.

study, pushing open the

on my tongue as my gaze locked onto a pair

What the-

someone I never expected to see here:

A shrewd businessman gracing the covers of financial magazines for his success—and the tabloids for his infamous escapades. He wasn't just known for

exterior? A ruthless, twisted monster. A man who wore his wealth like armor, using it to

man I'd hated since high school. Loathed from

in my dad's office, studying my face with

fuck was going

expression was a mask of pure disgust

flickered across his face, and he

hands into his pockets. "It's nice to

tone cold. "Now answer the question: what are

gestured toward the file in my hands. "Still

file the entire time. The logo

was the new partner Dad had been

I muttered under

Dad have found

about Mr. Adriano's new partner, are we?" he teased, one

his tongue pressed to the inside of his

us, I could still smell his cologne-a rich, intoxicating scent that made my stomach churn. It wasn't the smell itself, but what it did

single reason to be happy," I finally replied, my

your dad's company is about

"What?"

him. "He's with me now, Sienna. The

don't doubt my dad for a second, Grayson," I said sharply. "But what I do

years, and you still haven't learned how

between us closed, and his cologne invaded my senses again. It made breathing harder, my pulse

it's been years,"

hate me," I stiffened as he leaned in slightly hi eyes searching mine, Flower When he said it-flower-the nickname he used to taunt me with in high school and

devil. That much

him. I just hated him.