VI

I left the restaurant fuming.

I was just from meeting with a private investigator I'd commissioned, hours after I'd received the news of my life falling apart. According to him, my father had a horrible gambling addiction that led to his downfall. Argh. All he needed was enough proof.

A week's time, that's what he said. In a week he'd have all the details. Pictures, documents and anything else he could get his hands on. But of what use would those be to me? At the end of the day, even if everyone else lost trust in him, he'd still have majority shares.

Or maybe I could somehow blackmail him to just quietly hand over his shares to me. I let out a sarcastic laugh. As if that would ever happen. I rolled my eyes mentally. Reluctantly, I had to admit my father was very quick witted. He'd be able to tell something was amiss. And for the investigator to even get anything on him,. Highly unlikely.

I got back into my car (technically Luka's, but what's his is mine now that we were married, right?) and drove back to the house, slammed the door.

"Miss-Mrs. Giovanni, the boss's orders were that I accompany you everywhere." George, the driver, received me, blocking my way, as I got off the car.

"I'm not in the mood. Move." I shoved him aside and stormed into the house. I would have to figure out a way to uproot my beloved father from our family business. That would be the only way I'd move forward. For now, with no valid information, I had to wait. Finesse my plan. Fix any possible holes.

I went up to my room, ignoring the maids glaring at me. We wouldn't have any problems unless any of them crossed my path.

I turned on my laptop to notify my trusted sources to contact me discreetly on any matter concerning Adia.

1600h.

I was done with all my work. I had done my research on matters concerning Giovanni's, now all I'd need was the hardcopy details. Which would be much easier to get physically. Alternatively, I could just pay him a visit as his wife, but, I wouldn't be able to properly dig. Just as I thought, I'd need to get a job with him.

I groaned out loud and went off to Luka's office. pristine as ever, there was a certain presence hovering near his office, so I couldn't dig and snoop around at my pleasure, instead, I grabbed a premium bottle of whiskey from his liquor cabinet.

"The boss doesn't allow anyone in his office." The presence hovering seemingly had managed to gather the confidence to approach me.

"Oh really," I asked cynically, turning to face the redhead with a full blossom who'd stopped me. Her eyes darted to the floor.

"Bring me a glass." I told her and went back to my room. There was a knock on my door seconds later. She stood there, a tray in hand with a glass on it.

"I'm glad you obliged. What's your name?"

"Judy."

"Do you drink?"

She hesitated and looked down, playing with her fingers.

"Just a little." she finally let out in a small voice.

"Good. Grab a glass, come join me."

"My shift doesn't end till 6, ma'am." she told me apologetically.

"Last I checked, I was the boss lady. Go grab a glass and come join me. Unless, of course, you don't want to?"

An hour later we were both laughing heartily at something Judy had said.

"I can normally hold my liquor very well!" Judy mumbled, pouting. Her words were beginning to slur a little. "You rich people really have all the good stuff," she grumbled.

"Money is power honey." I told her simply. She was amusing me.

"You're so pretty, and I can tell you're smart too. Why did you choose this.... 'career'?" I asked her, changing the topic.

"Aargh, student loans, mostly. Also, I more or less stumbled onto this job, the pay is really good, and the work isn't so strenuous." she put her head on the table.

"You want to dance?" she suddenly asked, sitting upright.

A broad smile formed on my face. Ash would love this free spirit.

"Yea, sure."

"Mind if we use your phone?" I shrugged and handed her my phone after unlocking it.

"I-I love you like a love song bebe," she sang, pulling me to my feet. I laughed and danced along with her.

That is how we lost track of time. At some point, we both collapsed on the bed and blacked out.

****

My eyes snapped open. I had a deep dreamless slumber. It was dawn already. I need to have a chat with Luka sooner or later.

I plugged my phone into the charger and got in for a nice refreshing shower.

I picked my favorite pinstriped suit and set it aside. I'd start with my hair and makeup first. I went to my dresser and did my makeup, just a simple look for today. A natural one. I took my time fixing my lashes and perfecting my brows.

I quickly slipped on my suit and adorned my jewelry. I'd rock silver today. Statement necklace, simple earrings, rings on my fingers and a watch. 5.30am.

What time did Luka leave? I might as well have a chat with him. It had been days since we'd talked or crossed paths.

I wore my nude six inch heels and grabbed my faithful Michael Kors. I checked myself out in the mirror, the nude heels just weren't doing it for me. I replaced them with my white heels and checked myself. White blouse, white snakeskin bag, white heels. Blue pinstripes. I did look hot, but was I too bland?

"You look great, ma'am." Judy said in a groggy voice.

"Thanks. I think we're past the stage of calling me ma'am, Judy." I met her eyes through the reflection. She blushed. "Just call me Larissa."

"Sorry for crashing here." she started playing with her fingers. She did that a lot.

I chuckled.

"It's alright. I'll see you later." I told her as I left. I headed downstairs confidently.

I went straight to the dining area. I was relieved to see him, eyes fixated on the business-daily as he sipped on what I assumed was coffee.

"Good morning." I greeted him jovially.

He looked up at me from the paper he was reading.

"You going somewhere?" he asked, feigning interest as he put his attention back on the paper.

"I want a job." I sat next to him, putting my bag behind me and poured myself a cup of tea. He stilled.

"Why?"

"There's nothing I'm doing here."

"You don't need a job." His full attention was now on me. His gaze pierced right through me.

"I do." I shot back. "Please," I told him sweetly, giving him my best doe eyes. "I promise I'll be an asset."