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.

for Mom and me. On slow

handsome," I greeted Harry, Dad's ever-loyal secretary, with

replied, standing to greet me with cheek kisses. "It's been too long! So, when's the next exhibition? I can't

about two months. Maybe sooner if you're lucky." I pinched his cheek, making him laugh. "Speaking of luck, how's your boyfriend?

flushed crimson,

tell me you

the blush deepening. "I am not talking about this.

hands up in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. You're off

headed to Dad's study, pushing open the heavy door. "Dad, apparently you forgot

as my gaze locked onto a pair of piercing blue

What the-

but someone I never expected to see

of Grayson Industries and the most notorious spoiled heir of Italy. The man whose mornings began with one woman in his bed and nights ended with another. 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 his corporate

twisted monster. A man who wore his wealth like armor, using it to dodge the consequences of

hated since high school. Loathed from the moment

the man I never imagined I'd see in my dad's office, studying my face with an intensity

the fuck

pure disgust as I asked, "What are

across his face, and he stepped closer. Instinctively,

see, Sienna," he drawled, tucking his hands into his

say the feeling's mutual, Grayson," I shot back, my tone cold. "Now answer the question: what are you doing

toward the file in my hands. "Still

realizing I'd been holding the file the entire time. The logo at the top-Grayson Industries-made my

partner Dad had

muttered

have found anyone else for

happy about Mr. Adriano's new partner, are

tongue pressed to

solid foot of space between us, I could still smell his cologne-a rich, intoxicating scent that made my stomach churn. It wasn't the smell itself,

reason to be happy," I finally replied, my

is about to win this

"What?"

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

a second, Grayson," I said sharply. "But what I do

you still haven't learned how

us closed, and

it's been years,"

I still haven't figured out why you hate me," I stiffened as he leaned in slightly hi eyes searching mine, Flower When he

the devil. That

I just