Daddy's Secret Obsession: Falling For The Father

The ballroom of the Marino mansion glowed under the glass chandeliers that reflected light like stars. The air was filled with the scent of fresh roses from the family's private gardens and expensive cologne, mixed with the aroma of traditional Italian appetisers being served by staff who moved with precision.

Armed guards dressed in tailored suits stood at strategic points, their earpieces occasionally catching the light. They maintained their positions with military precision, a small reminder that this wasn't just a celebration, it was a display of power.

Standing on the raised platform at the head of the room was Antonio Marino. His sharp Armani suit and perfectly styled hair framed a face that could intimidate and charm in equal measure. At twenty-six, he was already a name whispered in respect and fear throughout the underworld. By his side stood Daisy Fontana, her soft blonde hair flowing freely over her shoulders, her blue gown clinging to her delicate body. She radiated beauty and elegance.

In the far corner of the room, Vincenzo stood apart, his presence commanding despite his silence. He was a man of few words. Tonight, however, his sharp gaze seemed fixed on Daisy. He barely acknowledged the greetings of the many guests who approached him, his piercing eyes studying her every move with unnerving intensity.

Antonio raised his glass, breaking the sound of conversations, and commanding attention with ease. "Thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate with us. Some of you have known me since I was a boy, you watched me grow into the man who will one day lead our family." His eyes swept the room, acknowledging the powerful families present. "Tonight isn't just about celebrating love, it's about the future of our organization."

The crowd gave a brief applause, and Daisy's heart fluttered.

He turned to Daisy and continued. "It's my pleasure to finally introduce my fiancée to our world. As expected of the next Don, I'm supposed to marry someone worthy of our name, someone who can stand beside me when I become the next Don of the Italian mafia. So allow me to introduce Daisy..."

"No!" The sharp cry disrupted the moment. "You can't possibly be serious about this farce."

The voice cut through the applause, silencing the room and drawing every gaze to its source.

Near the centre of the crowd, Sofia Fontana stepped forward. Her fiery red gown hugged her figure like a second skin, the bold colour reflecting her brash personality. Her dark eyes gleamed with something between triumph and hatred.

"You can't get engaged to her," Sofia declared, her voice filled with confidence.

"Sofia, what's the meaning of this?" Daisy asked, her voice low.

Antonio's grip tightened around the microphone, his knuckles turning white. "What exactly are you implying, Sofia?"

"Oh, I'm not implying anything." Sofia's dark eyes gleamed with malice as she moved closer to the platform. "I'm just stating facts. You're the heir to the most powerful family in Milan. You're supposed to marry someone with value, someone whose blood is worth something." Her lips curved into a cruel smile. "Not some bastard who doesn't even know who her real father is."

"How dare you..." Daisy started, but Sofia cut her off.

"How dare I? How dare you!" Sofia's voice rose with rage. "You've been parading around like you belong in our world, like you're worthy of the Marino name. Tell them, dear sister. Or should I even call you that?"

"I don't know what you think you're doing Sofia, but you're getting on my nerves," Antonio muttered.

"My father only has one daughter, and that's me, not her. I didn't say anything while you two dated because I thought you'd realise that eventually. But it seems this bitch has been making a fool of you this entire time." Sofia glared at Daisy. "So before you make any decisions you might regret, I thought you should know the truth."

Whispers spread through the crowd like wildfire. Donna Russo, wife of a rival family's capo, leaned toward her husband. "I always said the Fontanas were hiding something," she murmured, loud enough for those nearby to hear. Other mafia wives who had fawned over Daisy moments ago now turned their backs, gravitating toward Sofia like moths to a flame.

In the corner of the room, Vincenzo tilted his head, his gaze hardening. His eyes hadn't left Daisy even once, watching her reaction as if her every move was a puzzle he intended to solve.

Antonio turned to Daisy, who stood frozen, her face pale. "Is this true?"

"Antonio, please," Daisy reached for his hand, but he pulled away. "This isn't how I wanted you to find out."

But Sofia wasn't done. She took a step forward, her voice laced with mock concern. "Of course it's true. Go on, tell him how your mother couldn't keep her legs closed. Tell everyone how your mom had an affair with some random guy while she was married. Tell them how Dad didn't know you were a bastard until three months after your mother died."

Daisy's composure cracked, her voice rising. "Shut up, Sofia! Don't you dare talk about my mother!" Daisy's composure finally shattered. "At least my mother wasn't the one who broke up a marriage! Or did you forget how your mother, the maid, was screwing my father while he was still married to mine?"

The crowd's murmurs grew louder. Vincenzo's eyebrow raised slightly at this new piece of information.

Sofia smirked, unbothered. "Careful, Daisy. You're letting secrets slip that might not work in your favour. Dad's not going to be happy about this."

"Enough!" Antonio's voice cracked like a whip. He turned to Daisy, his eyes cold. "How long were you planning to keep this from me?"

"Believe me, it was never my intention, I wanted to tell you so many times, but I couldn't." Daisy pleaded, tears threatening to fall down her eyes.

"Because you're a liar," Sofia interjected smoothly. "Just like your mother."

"Please, she's always been jealous and always tried to ruin things for me. This is what she wants." Daisy's voice cracked.

"Oh, am I?" Sofia's eyes glittered dangerously. "Should we talk about the men you've been seeing behind Antonio's back? Like mother, like daughter, right?"

"That's not true!" Daisy shouted. "Antonio, you know me. You know I would never..."

Antonio raised his hand, silencing her. He stared coldly at her, as though he was seeing her for the first time. "Do I know you, Daisy? Do I?"

"Yes," she whispered, reaching for him again. "Are you gonna throw everything away just because of her?"

He caught her wrist before she could touch him, his grip tight enough to make her wince. "How many more lies have you fed me?"

"I'm not lying," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Why don't you trust me?"

His laugh was hollow. "Trust? Do you want to talk about trust? When were you planning to tell me about your real father? Or should I have waited until after the wedding to discover I'd married someone with no valuable connections?"

From his corner, Vincenzo's gaze hardened. He set his champagne glass down, his fingers tapping against the table. His stare was unwavering as if he could read every unspoken word passing between Daisy and Antonio.

Antonio's lips curled into a sneer. "I can't marry you, Daisy."

The words hit her like a physical blow.

"What?"

"There's nothing to gain from our marriage," he said, his tone detached.

The truth finally dawned on Daisy. "This... this isn't about trust at all, is it? It's about power. About connections."

"What else would it be about?" His voice was clinical, detached. "Love? Don't be naive, Daisy. How many mafia dons do you know who married for love? It's just a weakness."

As Antonio spoke, Daisy's mind flashed back to when they first started dating a year ago. He would show up in front of her with roses, promising her the world. "You're different," he had said then, his charm seemingly genuine. "You see past all this." Now, watching his mask crack, she realized she'd been seeing what she wanted to see all along.

She took a step back, her heart shattering with every word. "Y... you don't love me?"

Antonio's smirk deepened. "I never loved you. I only wanted our families to merge. You were just a means to an end."

Daisy's vision blurred as tears spilt down her cheeks. The crowd's murmurs felt like daggers piercing her skin. Antonio turned back to the room, his voice steady and commanding once more.

"I apologize for the interruption. Allow me to introduce my fiancée, Ms Sofia Fontana."

The room erupted into cheers and murmurs as Sofia ascended the platform, her radiant smile piercing Daisy's chest like a blade. She took Antonio's hand, and together they faced the crowd like a royal couple.

In the corner, Vincenzo's lips thinned. He watched Sofia with a flicker of distaste before his gaze returned to Daisy, now trembling at the edge of the platform.

"I'll make you regret this, Antonio. Even if it's the last thing I do." Daisy thought, her nails digging into her palms.

As she turned to leave, her eyes locked with Vincenzo's. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. His piercing gaze was unreadable, but it held an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. Was it pity? Curiosity? Or something more? Daisy broke the gaze and marched toward the exit, her heart pounding. Just as she stepped out into the cool night air, a plan began to form in her mind.

"I think it's high time I take that job offer," she muttered, remembering Vincenzo's proposal from last week: 'I heard you require a job. Why don't you come to work for me? I need a new assistant.' At the time, she had thought it would be inappropriate if she accepted. But now... her lips curved into a grim smile. "I just hope his offer still stands."

Vincenzo's sharp eyes caught what others missed... the slight straightening of Daisy's spine even as tears fell, the calculated pause before each step toward the exit. Unlike the trembling victim others saw, he recognized a predator awakening. In his eyes, she looked like a lioness retreating to plan her hunt.

His son had just made a grave mistake, but Vincenzo wasn't sure whether to be concerned or intrigued.

From the ballroom, Vincenzo watched her retreating form through the glass doors. For the first time that evening, his lips curved into a faint smile.

Daisy's POV

I sank into the plush armchair in my father's living room, the fabric still carried a faint scent of expensive cigars. I let out a sob as fragments of the party replayed in my mind, the shocked gasps, the pointing fingers, Sofia's triumphant smirk. My mascara streaked down my cheeks as I cried. Through my blurred vision, I caught my reflection in the antique mirror across the room. I hardly recognized the broken girl staring back at me.

"I can't believe Antonio threw everything away," I whispered, my voice cracking. "All because of her lies. What does it matter if I'm a Fontana or not?" I tried to stop the tears from flowing but I couldn't. "I've been such a fool. I thought he loved me. I thought I could finally escape this nightmare. What am I going to do now?"

I reached for my phone, ready to call my brother, Dante, but the familiar sound of my father's voice reached my ears. They were home. Panic set in as I scrambled to my feet, desperate to get to my room before they saw me.

"Stop right there, young lady!" My stepmother's annoying voice cut through the air, freezing me in place.

I ignored her, attempting to retreat upstairs, but my father's iron grip on my arm stopped me.

"Didn't you hear her?" His voice was low. "What the hell was that stunt you pulled at the party?"

I winced as his fingers dug into my arm. "Ouch, dad please! You're hurting me!"

His face twisted into a frown, and with a sudden shove, I stumbled to the ground.

"How dare you call me that?" He spat, crouching down to grab my chin roughly. He stared coldly at me. "Haven't I told you not to call me that in this house? You're lucky I'm in a good mood tonight, but that doesn't mean you won't be punished for humiliating me today."

My throat tightened, fear rising in my chest. "I'm sorry... I..."

"Enough!" His voice boomed. "You're just like your mother, useless and pathetic. But don't worry, I'll find a use for you soon."

He released me with a force that made my head snap back, and I bit my lip to stop myself from crying out. He straightened and strode up the stairs without another word, leaving me trembling on the floor.

As I gathered myself, I noticed Sofia didn't return with them. My stepmother's smug laughter rang out behind me.

"Oh, poor thing. You're probably wondering why Sofia isn't home," she said, her tone icy. "She's with her fiancé, where she belongs."

I shot her a glare, my throat burning with unshed tears.

"Fiancé?" My voice cracked.

"Oh? Don't tell me you've gone deaf now. Didn't you hear him introduce her to everyone present as his fiancée?" She said, her lips curling into a sinister smile. "Did you really think someone like you could ever hold on to him? Sofia deserves to be the Don's wife, not you."

Her words hit me like a blow. "You and Sofia planned this, didn't you?" My voice cracked as anger replaced my despair.

She chuckled. "Of course, we did. What did you expect? I wasn't about to let you walk out of here and live the life your mother never could. My Sofia deserves everything, and you deserve nothing."

Tears streamed down my face as I rose to my feet. "What did my mother ever do to you? What did I ever do to you?"

"She existed," my stepmother said coldly. "And you're just a constant reminder of her. Every time I look at you, I see her smug face. But don't worry, it won't be for much longer. Soon, you'll be gone for good."

Her words sent a chill down my spine. What did she mean? Before I could question her further, she sauntered off to her room, leaving me standing there in shock.

---

I had just finished showering and putting on my pj's when Carlotta came into my room. She's the elderly chief maid. Her face was filled with worry.

"Daisy," she said, her voice sounding urgent.

"Ms. Carlotta?" I put down my hair dryer. The elderly maid had been more of a mother to me than anyone since I was a little girl, sneaking me cookies when I was sad and tending to my scrapes and bruises, both visible and hidden after my father's rages.

She glanced around nervously before shutting the door and speaking in hushed tones. "You must leave tonight, child. I overheard your father. He plans to sell you to some men at dawn."

My blood turned cold. "What? Sell me? But... how..."

There's no time for questions, she interrupted, gripping my hand. Your brother isn't here to protect you, so you must go. "I'll pack a small bag for you, I've prepared the back exit." She went to my wardrobe and started putting some clothes into a small tote bag.

"But the guards..."

"I took care of them," she whispered. "They've been... distracted for now. But you must hurry."

"What about you? If they find out you helped me..."

"Don't worry about me," she said firmly. "Just promise me you'll stay out of sight until Dante returns."

I hesitated, tears brimming in my eyes. "Thank you, Carlotta. I don't know how to repay you."

"Live, Daisy. That's all the thanks I need. You deserve to be happy."

She handed me the bag and ushered me out into the night.

---

The hotel lobby was quiet when I arrived. As I approached the desk, I nearly collided with someone stepping out of the elevator.

"Mr Marino?" I gasped, my eyes widening in surprise.

Don Vincenzo Marino stood before me, his commanding presence making the air feel heavier. Unlike Antonio's boyish good looks, there was something dangerous about Mr Marino's refined features; his gaze reminded me of the lions I'd seen at the zoo, beautiful but lethal. His eyes bore into mine, and for a moment, it felt like he could see every crack in my armor, every secret I was trying to hide.

"Daisy," he said, his voice low.

Hearing my name from his lips sent an unexpected shiver down my spine. He had never addressed me that way before... It was always Ms. Fontana.

"I... I'm sorry," I stammered. "I didn't mean to bump into you. But I'm glad I did."

His gaze never wavered. "What are you doing here at this hour?"

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I... I was looking for a place to stay for a while. Things at home are... complicated."

His brow arched. "Complicated, you say?"

I swallowed hard. "Actually, I was hoping to talk to you about something. If you have time, that is."

"Speak," he said simply, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.

I took a deep breath. "You once offered me a job as your assistant. I was wondering if... if the offer still stands."

For a moment, he said nothing, his eyes locked on mine. The silence was suffocating.

"I promise to take the job seriously," I added quickly. "I... I need this, Mr Marino. I won't let you down."

Something flickered across his face. Amusement. Perhaps but it was gone as quickly as it came.

"Don't be late tomorrow," he said finally. "I despise tardiness."

My heart leaped in my chest. "Does that mean I got the job?"

"Wasn't that clear?" He said.

"Thank you," I said, relief washing over me. "Thank you so much, sir. I won't let you down."

"We'll see about that."

Was it me, or did I see him smile? I think I imagined that.

With that, he turned and walked out of the lobby, leaving me standing there.

As his car pulled away, I clenched my fists. "Just wait, Antonio," I muttered under my breath. "You'll regret humiliating me."

The naive, trusting girl who'd walked into that party was gone. In her place stood someone else, someone who understood that in this world of wealth and power, love was just a myth.

For the first time that night, I felt a spark of hope igniting in my chest. I finally got my chance, and I wasn't going to waste it.

---

I reached for my phone, my lock screen still showing that photo of Antonio and me at a restaurant last month. We had been so happy then, or at least I'd thought we were.

My trembling fingers dialed Dante's number for the tenth time. "Please, please pick up," I whispered as it went to voicemail again. Where was he? My brother had never been unreachable when I needed him before. I'm sure this was all that witches' idea. She must have planned this. I'm sure she made dad send him on some business just to get him away.

"Dante, it's me again. Everything's falling apart. I need you. Please call me back as soon as you can."

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.