"Hmm Matteo, you keep getting better and better! This food is delicious. You should teach me how to cook too."
Beatrix said as she took another bite of the luxurious breakfast prepared for her by her brother.
For some reason it was more luxurious than ever. She was surprised when she came to see how much he had cooked. Eggs, bacon,waffles, pancakes, toasted bread, avocados, oatmeal, a cup of coffee, fruit juice and fruits were all available on the table. She knew the servants had helped him but he had mainly done all the cooking.
"No, you will get hurt." Matteo replied, flashing her a soft smile.
Beatrix rolled her eyes at him, "It's just cooking Matteo. I'm not going to die if I go near the fire. What if a time comes and I have to cook to survive?"
Beatrix reasoned. The way they always have this argument everyday at the breakfast table was interesting. It was like their morning ritual.
"A time like that would never come. We are all working hard so that you can live comfortably forever. Don't waste your time thinking about situations that would never happen. You can always hire the best chef to cook for you."
Her father chimed in this time ruffling her hair.
Beatrix's shoulders sagged and she played with her food, losing her appetite. She was a hopeless romantic at heart and she wanted to learn how to cook for her husband someday.
"What if I get married someday and my husband wants me to cook for him?"
The atmosphere at the table suddenly changed and she saw her father and Matteo stiffened. She was eating with only the two of them since Ares had not come back since he left earlier and Remo was busily talking to someone in the study when she was heading downstairs.
"Why would you even ask that? Of course you're not going to be cooking for any an. If he can't cook for himself then he doesn't deserve to marry you. You're going to be his wife not his fucking maid! If that bastard forces you to do any labor or hurts even a hair on your hair I will-"
"Remo!" Their father interrupted him before he could continue any further.
Beatrix didn't even hear when Remo had appeared in the dining hall.
Remo picked an apple from the basket before he sat in front of her.
"Stop staring at me and eat. You look so skinny. We don't want people to think we are starving you or something."
Remo said his cold brown eyes taking her figure in.
Beatrix knew it was fruitless to argue with any of her brothers and she knew better to argue with Remo in particular.
She nodded and forced herself to eat. From the way they were behaving, she knew they were hiding something from her and whatever that it was, it was not good seeing how riled up everyone was right now.
"Papa, can I visit Stella after breakfast?" Beatrix suddenly asked, breaking the silence.
After she finished college she was feeling more lonely and bored than ever. Her family wouldn't allow her to work and have been making her attend some stupid etiquette classes.
Beatrix knew they were looking out for, women in the mafia were highly competitive and seeing how awkward she was during the balls they wanted her to be the best.
It was fun at first learning how to walk in heels, dress for her body type and gain confidence when talking to people but now she was fed up. She wanted to go out and have fun. Not sit through some boring lecture about how to make a conversation interesting.
Her teacher, Mrs. Gonzalo was a lovely woman and Beatrix enjoyed her stories about her and her husband.
One day Beatrix hopes a man will love her too and stay with her always and forever.
"I'm afraid not, Beatrix. I want to discuss something with you after breakfast."
Beatrix stiffened and her heart thudded in her chest. She didn't miss the sadness in her father's eyes even though he was trying his best to smile at her.
"About what Papa? Can't it wait after I'm back from Stella's place? I promised her I will help her with her job resume."
Her father shook his head, "It's important. I'm sure Stella would understand. You can invite her over."
Beatrix chewed on her lips and nodded, "Okay papa."
"How is Stella? It's been a long time since I saw her." Matteo spoke, trying to distract her from her sinking mood.
"She is good. She is applying for a job. You know after school it's what everyone seems to be doing."
Beatrix said, her tone laced with bitterness and sadness.
"Hmm, weren't you looking for an assistant Matteo? I think Stella will be perfect for the job!"
Her father suggested. Beatrix's eyes widened.
"Really Matteo?" Beatrix asked, excited that her friend was about to get a job.
"Yeah yeah. I need an assistant but that spitfire doesn't look like someone who likes taking instruction from someone."
Matteo chuckled, referring to Stella.
"Oh come on, Matteo. Give her a chance. You can tame anybody. Don't you like challenges? Please, she has been searching for months now. I kinda feel bad that I can't help her."
Beatrix pouted and blinked cutely at her brother. She knew there was no way he would say no to her. They spoiled her that much.
"Okay okay fine. But just because she is your friend doesn't mean I will be lenient with her. I like my employees to be hardworking and have high expectations of them."
Beatrix nodded and clapped her hands excitedly, "Thank you Matteo! I will tell her. I'm sure she will be so happy."
Beatrix was happy that she could help friend. Stella had always been there for her and she was glad for once she could also help her!
Matteo managed the family's business which was the leading real estate company in the country. It was their cover from all their family mafia dealings while Remo managed the underground with their father.
Ares well Ares was just Ares.Being the youngest young master of the Quinn's family he lived his life to the fullest. He was your typical playboy and his face was plastered on every magazine everyday. He was an icon to the ladies.
And then there is her, the hidden daughter whom many believe is adopted because her father wanted to protect her. Many people believe the real young princess of the Quinn family was dead and she was just a replacement. Her father made sure of it by spreading all kinds of fake rumors everywhere.
Beatrix Quinn the unloved daughter the Quinn's adopted out of pity.
Beatrix shook her head and focused on finishing her food. Whatever that her father was going to discuss with her she knew she needed the energy for it.