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.

smiles and nods from familiar faces. Dad's office had always been a second home for Mom and me. On slow days, we'd come here just to

Dad's ever-loyal secretary, with

kisses. "It's been too long! So, when's the next exhibition? I

sooner if you're lucky." I pinched his cheek, making him laugh. "Speaking of luck,

crimson,

Don't tell me

Sienna!" he interrupted, the blush deepening. "I am not talking about this.

laughed, throwing my hands up in mock

Dad's study, pushing open the heavy door. "Dad,

gaze

What the-

front of Dad's bookshelf wasn't him but someone I

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

who wore his wealth like armor, using it to dodge the consequences of the

high school. Loathed from the moment

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

fuck was going

expression was a mask of pure disgust as

flickered across his face, and he

hands into his

I shot back, my tone

on my nerves, then gestured toward the file in my hands. "Still as unobservant as ever, I

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

the new partner Dad

hell," I muttered under my

found anyone

Adriano's new partner, are

and his tongue pressed to

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

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

dad's company is about to win

"What?"

kind of smile that made me want to punch him. "He's with me now, Sienna. The new project. He's going

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

still

between us closed, and his cologne

it's been

haven't figured out why you 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

was the devil. That

hated him. I just hated him. That