My Dad's Bestfriend (Evelyn and Jacob) novel 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.

Walking through the front doors, I 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 here just to pester him, our antics turning his workday into our entertainment. Twenty-four years later, nothing had changed.

"Hello, handsome," I greeted Harry, Dad's ever-loyal secretary, with a playful smile.

"Hello, beautiful," Harry replied, standing to greet me with cheek kisses. "It's been too long! So, when's the next exhibition? I can't wait!"

I chuckled. "The exact date's still up in the air, but it'll be in about two months. Maybe sooner if you're lucky." I pinched his cheek, making him laugh. "Speaking of luck, how's your boyfriend? Lots of fun? Lots of sex?"

Harry's cheeks flushed crimson, and he gasped. "Sienna!"

"What? Don't tell me you haven't—"

"Jesus Christ, Sienna!" he interrupted, the blush deepening. "I am not talking about this. Go see your dad."

I laughed, throwing my hands up in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. You're off the hook—for now."

With that, I headed to Dad's study, pushing open the heavy door. "Dad, apparently you forgot your—"

The words froze on my tongue as my gaze locked onto a pair of piercing blue eyes.

What the—

Standing in front of Dad's bookshelf wasn't him but someone I never expected to see here: Alexander fucking Grayson.

Alexander Grayson. CEO of Grayson Industries and the most notorious spoiled heir of 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 celebrities and making headlines with scandals.

And beneath that polished exterior? A ruthless, twisted monster. A man who wore his wealth like armor, using it to dodge the consequences of the countless charges against him. The asshole who always managed to walk away unscathed.

A man I'd hated since high school. Loathed from the moment I first knew him.

And now, the man I never imagined I'd see in my dad's office, studying my face with an intensity that made my skin crawl.

What the fuck was going on?

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify