Chapter 3 Three

Daisy's POV

The sound of my phone vibrating against the nightstand jolted me awake. I reached for it, squinting my eyes at the screen. My stomach dropped when I saw the name flashing across it. Dad. I rejected the call, my heart pounding in my chest. The phone buzzed again almost immediately, and then again. He kept calling, over and over, relentless as always. I let it go to voicemail this time, squeezing my eyes shut as if that would block out the mess my life had become.

But then, reality struck.

"Oh, no." I sat upright in bed. It was my first day at work, and I was going to be late if I didn't get my ass out of bed.

I rushed into the bathroom. The cold water on my face helped, a little, washing away the remnants of last night's tears. I stared at my reflection, my pale face staring back at me.

"Get it together, Daisy. You've got this," I whispered to myself. "You've survived worse. You can survive this as well."

Fifteen minutes later, I stood in front of the mirror, checking my outfit. I was wearing a white blouse tucked into high-waisted black trousers, paired with nude heels. My outfit was simple and professional enough. I tied my hair into a low ponytail and grabbed my bag.

As I stepped into the elevator, my phone buzzed again. This time, it was a text. I didn't want to open it, but my curiosity got the best of me.

Dad: Come back home this minute or I swear I won't spare you for embarrassing me a second time.

I laughed under my breath. Embarrass you? What did he expect? That I'd sit still while he sold me off to God knows who?

I scoffed, a bitter smile gracing my lips. "Good luck with that," I muttered, deleting the message without replying. I had other things to worry about.

---

I stood in awe, in front of Vincenzo's company. The glass skyscraper in front of me screamed money, power and intimidation. It was everything Vincenzo was rumoured to embody.

I took a deep breath, clutching the strap of my bag for courage, and pushed the doors open. The lobby was a work of art.

I approached the reception desk, where a woman with perfectly manicured nails was busy tapping away on her phone.

"Hi," I began, trying to sound confident. "I'm Daisy Fontana, the new assistant. Could you direct me to Mr Marino's office?"

She glanced up, eyeing me like an insect. "Do you have an appointment?"

"I'm his assistant," I repeated, forcing a polite smile.

"Assistants don't look like that." Her eyes scanned my outfit. "You look like you're here to seduce him, not work for him. I'm sorry but Mr Marino doesn't do bitches."

I clenched my jaw. The nerve of this woman. Look here lady, I'm sure your boss already told you I'd be coming in today. I just need to know where his office is. Can you...

"Miss Fontana?"

The deep voice startled me. I turned to see a tall man approaching. He's handsome.

"Yes," I said cautiously.

"The boss asked me to come get you." He gestured toward the elevators.

Before I could thank him, the receptionist stood, her chair screeching against the floor. "Wait! She doesn't have an appointment..."

It's obvious she has feelings for Vincenzo. But that's not my problem. She wouldn't be a receptionist if he was interested in her.

The man cut her off with a cool glance. "You're relieved of your duties. Effective immediately."

Her mouth fell open. "You can't be serious..."

"The boss doesn't tolerate incompetence, and delaying his assistant on her first day? That's unforgivable," he said, his tone ice-cold. "Pack your things."

The receptionist's face turned beet red, but she sat down without another word.

"Shall we?" He said, turning to me.

I nodded, following him into the elevator. My heart was pounding, not just from the interaction but from the ruthlessness I'd just witnessed. Vincenzo's reputation wasn't exaggerated. If anything, it was understated.

For a brief moment, doubt crept in. Could I work for a man like him? I shook the thought away. There was no turning back now. This was my only way to get close to Antonio again and make him see me in a new light.

---

The elevator opened to reveal a stunning office space with black furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the city skyline. Original artwork adorned the walls, a massive desk, and behind it stood the man himself.

"Are you here to admire my office or to work?"

The voice sent a shiver down my spine. I turned and there he was, Vincenzo Marino. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in his tailored charcoal suit that made my simple outfit feel like rags. But it wasn't just his appearance. It's the way he carried himself like he owned not just the room but the very air we breathed.

"I... I'm sorry," I stammered, lowering my gaze.

"Sit," he ordered, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk.

I obeyed, my palms sweating.

"This is Marco," he said, nodding toward the man who had escorted me. "He'll show you around and brief you on your responsibilities."

"Nice to meet you," Marco said, offering me a kind smile.

I offered a small smile in return and extended my hand for a handshake.

Vincenzo cleared his throat, the sound cutting through the room like a knife. "This isn't a social gathering. You'll have plenty of time for introductions later."

I nodded quickly. "Understood, sir." I pulled my hand back, swallowing hard.

"Good. Marco, take her around. I expect her to be up to speed by the time I call for her." Vincenzo said, dismissing us with a curt nod.

"Yes, sir," Marco replied, leading me out of the office.

---

Marco led me through the maze of hallways, explaining everything as we went.

"Your main job is to manage his schedule, handle correspondence, and make sure everything runs smoothly." He said, showing me to a desk outside Vincenzo's office. "He's particular about punctuality, so don't ever be late. The computer system is customized, I'll help you set up your passwords later."

"I won't be late," I assured him, taking in the dual monitors and elaborate phone system.

"He starts his day at 7 AM sharp with a review of international markets. You'll need to have reports ready by 6:45. Coffee... black, no sugar. It should be on his desk by 6:50. He takes lunch at exactly 1 PM unless otherwise specified, and all afternoon meetings must end by 6 PM."

I nodded, mentally cataloguing each detail. "What about his business interests? What should I focus on learning first?"

Marco smiled slightly. "Smart question. He's heavily involved in real estate development, particularly luxury properties. The travel sector is his newest venture, high-end hotels and resorts. You'll need to familiarize yourself with both industries, their key players, and current market trends."

"What's he like as a boss?" I asked hesitantly.

Marco hesitated, then chuckled. "Let's just say he doesn't tolerate mistakes. But if you work hard and prove yourself, he can be... fair."

That's reassuring, I muttered, though I wasn't entirely convinced. How was I supposed to get him to notice me if I had to do so much work?

After a while, we stopped outside the restroom. "Take five if you need it. We'll continue the tour after."

"Thanks," I said, slipping inside.

I barely had time to breathe before voices reached me.

"Did you see her? The girl whose engagement got called off last night?"

"Yeah, and now she's working here? Talk about desperate,"

"Desperate and manipulative. She already got Sarah fired on her first day,"

"Classic gold-digger move."

My hands curled into fists. I pushed open the stall door and stepped out.

The three girls froze, their eyes wide.

"What are you still doing here?" I asked, my voice cold. "Run along before I decide to get you fired too."

One of them stepped forward. "Who do you think you are..."

"Don't," I interrupted. I rinsed my hands and turned to face them fully. "There are people in this world I can't stand up to. But you? You're nothing. So, unless you want me to personally scratch those smug expressions off your faces, stay out of my way."

Then, just for good measure, I flicked the water from my hands onto their faces and walked out.

"Bunch of idiots," I muttered under my breath, my chin held high.

---

I had barely settled at my desk when Vincenzo's voice came through the intercom.

"Miss Fontana. My office. Now."

Taking a deep breath, I smoothed my blouse and walked in, notebook ready. He stood by the window.

"There's a real estate conference next week in Bergamo," he said without turning around. "I need you to arrange everything."

"Everything, sir?"

Now he did turn, his dark eyes assessing me. "Hotel booking, car service, dinner reservations for each night. I'm meeting with five different developers. Research them. I want detailed profiles on my desk by tomorrow morning."

Five developers to research, logistics to arrange, all by tomorrow? "Of course, sir. Will there be anything else?"

His lips curved into what might have been amusement. "Let's see how you handle your first task. Your performance determines if you get to keep working here or not."

Oh my God, did I just get challenged by my boss?

---

By two o'clock, my eyes were burning from staring at the screen. I'd managed to book everything for Milan and was halfway through the developer profiles.

"Hey, new girl." A voice interrupted my concentration. A young girl with black hair stood by my desk. "I'm Isabella. Want to grab lunch?"

I hesitated, surprised by the sudden friendliness.

"Come on," she insisted. "You look like you could use a break."

"Sure." I finally gave in.

---

The small café across the street was packed with office workers. Isabella ordered for both of us, waving away my protest.

"So," she said once we were seated. "You're either very brave or very stupid."

I paused with my fork halfway to my mouth. "Excuse me?"

"Taking this job. Nobody lasts as Vincenzo's assistant. The last one had a nervous breakdown after two weeks."

"Thanks for boosting my confidence," I said dryly.

Isabella leaned forward. "Look, I'm trying to help. Vincenzo Marino isn't just your average CEO. He's... different. Dangerous. And the way he looked at you when he passed by your desk earlier..."

"The way he looked at me, what?"

"Never mind, just be careful, and don't overwork yourself."

---

I was heading back from the copy room when I heard his voice. My heart stopped.

"Dad, do you have a moment?"

Antonio. Here. Of course he's here, Vincenzo is his father. I just didn't expect to see him today.

I froze,clutching the papers to my chest. Should I turn around? Hide? But before I could decide, he rounded the corner and saw me.

The colour drained from his face. "Daisy?"

I forced myself to stay calm, though my heart was racing. "Antonio."

"What are you doing here?"

"Working," I said coldly. "Or is that too difficult for you to comprehend?"

"You're working for my father?" His voice rose slightly. "After what you did?"

"After what I did? That's rich, coming from you. How's Sofia? Enjoying my ring?"

"You lied to everyone," he hissed, stepping closer. "You're not even a real Fontana."

"No," I agreed, meeting his gaze. "I'm better. Because unlike you, I don't need a family name to prove my worth. And let's not forget who the biggest liar is here. All those fake promises, telling me you loved me when you were only using me to get more power."

"Is there a problem here?"

We both were startled by Vincenzo's voice. He stood in his doorway, his expression unreadable.

"No, dad." Antonio said. "I was just leaving."

"Good." Vincenzo's eyes turned to me. "Daisy, those reports won't copy themselves."

I nodded, slipping past them both. But not before I caught the look of fury on Antonio's face.

One point for me.

---

That night, I sat in my hotel room surrounded by research papers and takeout containers, my phone buzzing with a text from an unknown number.

"Impressive first day. Keep it up. V"

I stared at the message, a smile slowly spreading across my face. I guess I have to work harder to get his attention.

My phone buzzed again. This time it was my father.

"You can't hide forever, Daisy. Come home now, or there will be consequences if I find you myself."

I deleted his message without responding and turned back to my work. Let him threaten. Let Antonio seethe. Let them all underestimate me.

I promise I'll make everyone regret all they've done to me.