Chapter 9
I led Adrian through the grand mahogany doors into the foyer. The chandelier cast a warm glow across the marble floors, illuminating my father’s figure hunched over his laptop at his favorite spot, the antique desk by the window.
He looked up as we entered, his reading glasses perched on the bridge of his nose.
“Asteria? I thought you were with Primo tonight.”
“He got caught up in business.” I gestured to Adrian. “This is my friend from the club. He needed a place to stay tonight, and I offered to help.”
My father’s eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Adrian. “And you are?”
“Adrian Constantine.” He stepped forward, extending his hand with a polite smile. “I’m an art dealer, mainly focused on historical. pieces and private collections.”
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Chapter 9
My father paused, his fingers hovering over his keyboard. He looked between us, taking in Adrian’s expensive but understated suit, his confident posture, the way he carried himself.
A slow smile spread across my father’s face. “Perfect.”
The word hung in the air, loaded with meaning I couldn’t quite decipher. My father closed his laptop with a soft click.
“The guest room in the east wing should be suitable,” he said, rising from his chair.
My father’s quick acceptance left me unsettled, he was never this
accommodating to strangers.
“Speaking of art,” my father leaned back in his chair, “there’s an exhibition tomorrow at the Bellamy Gallery. You should take Adrian as your plus one, represent the family.”
“I wasn’t planning to-”
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Chapter 9
“We need to expand our collection.” My father’s eyes flickered to Adrian. “Having an expert’s opinion would be invaluable. I’m sure Mr. Constantine could help identify the best pieces worth investing in.”
Adrian’s lips curved into a subtle smile. “I’d be honored to assist. The Bellamy tends to showcase exceptional pieces.”
“Perfect then.” My father waved his hand. “Make yourself at home, Mr. Constantine. But first, Asteria, would you show our guest to his room? I need a word with you afterward.”
I led Adrian up the curved staircase, our footsteps echoing against the marble. The east wing stretched before us, lined with original paintings and artifacts my father had collected over the years.
“This is you.” I pushed open the heavy wooden door to reveal the guest suite.
Adrian stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room with appreciation. “Thank you for
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your hospitality.”
“I should get back to my father.” I lingered in the doorway. “Will you be alright finding your way around?”
“I’ll manage.” He set his jacket over the back of a chair. “Goodnight, Asteria.”
I closed the door behind me, my father’s summons weighing on my mind as I made my way back downstairs.
I made my way back downstairs, finding my father still at his desk. He’d moved to pour two glasses of scotch, sliding one across to me as I approached.
“So.” He settled back in his chair. “Who is he really?”
My fingers tightened around the crystal glass. “I told you, he’s-”
“A friend from the club?” My father’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “Come now, Asteria. I wasn’t born yesterday.”
I took a slow sip, buying time. The scotch
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Chapter 9
burned down my throat.
“That’s what I know him as.” I kept my voice steady, meeting his gaze.
My father studied me for a long moment, then nodded. “Alright. Tell me what really happened when you’re ready.”
The simple acceptance in his voice caught me off guard. I’d expected an interrogation, demands for answers. Instead, he just watched me with those knowing eyes that had seen through countless lies and deceptions over the years.
“I…” I hesitated, then nodded. “Thank you.”
He smiled, raising his glass slightly. “You’re my daughter. I trust your judgment.” His expression softened. “But I also know there’s more to this story than you’re telling me. When you feel it’s time, I’ll listen.”
I nodded again, understanding the weight behind his words. My father hadn’t become one of the most powerful men in the city by being naïve. He’d built his empire on
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reading people, on knowing when to push and when to wait. The fact that he was choosing to wait now spoke volumes.
“Get some rest,” he said, turning back to his laptop. “Tomorrow will be an interesting day.”
“Interesting?” I raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
My father’s fingers drummed against his desk. “The Bellamy opening isn’t just another art show. One of the Big Five families will be attending.”
The scotch caught in my throat. The Big Five, the most powerful criminal dynasties in the country. They operated in shadows. so deep even other crime families rarely glimpsed them. Their public appearances were as rare as solar eclipses.
“Which one?” I managed to keep my voice. steady.
“Does it matter?” He leaned forward. “What matters is that I want you there,
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Chapter 9
representing us. Make connections. Show them what the Mitchell family has to offer.”
My mind raced with possibilities. The Big Five’s influence dwarfed Primo’s power. If I could forge an alliance I could secure our protection.
“I’ll do it.” The words came out faster than I intended.
My father’s eyebrows rose at my enthusiasm. “I thought you might resist.”
“No.” I set down my glass. “You’re right. It’s time we expanded our connections.”
I could see him studying my face. But he didn’t press, just nodded slowly.
“Good. Then get some rest. Tomorrow will require all your… diplomatic skills.”
“Goodnight, Father.” I turned toward the door, hiding the smile that threatened to break across my face.
“Asteria.” His voice stopped me.
“Remember, they didn’t reach their
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position by being easily impressed.”
“I know.” I glanced back at him. “But neither did we.”
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