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.

was greeted with 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

greeted Harry, Dad's ever-loyal secretary, with a playful

standing to greet me with cheek kisses. "It's been too long! So,

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

flushed crimson, and

tell me

the blush deepening. "I am not talking

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

to Dad's study, pushing open

as my gaze locked onto a pair of

What the-

bookshelf wasn't him but someone I never expected

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 brilliance but for bedding

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

hated since high school. Loathed from the moment

never imagined I'd see in my dad's office, studying my

the fuck was

of pure disgust as I asked, "What are

he stepped closer.

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

my tone cold.

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

I'd been holding the file the entire

He was the new partner Dad had been talking about

hell," I muttered under my

have found anyone else for

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

his tongue pressed to the inside

space 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 and something didn't want

be happy," I finally replied,

is about to win this year's Best Estates

"What?"

smiled, the kind of smile that made me want to punch him. "He's with

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

you still haven't learned how to swallow your

back. The distance between us closed, and his cologne invaded my senses

it's been

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

was the devil. That much was

just hated him.