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 days, we'd come here just to pester him, our antics turning his workday

Dad's ever-loyal secretary,

beautiful," Harry replied, standing to greet me with cheek kisses. "It's

in the air, but it'll be in about two months. Maybe sooner if you're lucky."

cheeks flushed crimson, and he

tell me you

blush deepening. "I am not talking about this. Go see your

up in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. You're off the hook-for

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

tongue as my gaze

What the-

but someone I never expected to

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

wore his wealth like armor, using it to dodge the consequences of the countless charges against him. The asshole

man I'd hated since high school. Loathed from the moment I first

in my dad's office, studying my

fuck was

pure disgust as

flickered across his face, and he stepped closer. Instinctively, I

time no see, Sienna," he drawled, tucking his hands into his pockets.

say the feeling's mutual, Grayson," I shot back, my tone cold. "Now answer

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

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

new partner Dad had been

I muttered under

Dad have found

Adriano's new partner, are we?"

tongue pressed to the inside of his

between 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 to me. A mix of repulsion

to be happy," I finally replied, my

is about to win this year's Best

"What?"

me want to punch him. "He's with me now, Sienna. The new project. He's going to

doubt my dad for a second, Grayson," I said sharply. "But what I

years, and you still haven't learned how

The distance between us closed, and his cologne invaded

been years,"

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 later in college, I

the devil. That much was

just hated him. That