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 . " 80 % 19:02 1/8 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- " 80 % 19:02 2/8 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 80 % 19.02 3/9 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 80 % 19:02 4/8 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 80 % 19:02 5/8 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 , 80 % 19:02 6/8 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 80 % 19:02 7/8 position by being easily impressed ." " I know . " I glanced back at him . " But neither did we . " You might also like