I told myself I won't drink again, but... I really need to hold on to that promise this time.
I'm alone in bed in an unfamiliar hotel room. Again. My phone, hangover pills and a glass of water are on the lamp table. But there's also a note. A note!
Excitement runs through my veins, and I snatch it, pushing myself into a sitting position as I stare at Lorenzo's beautiful writing. It says, 'You really have to stop drinking. We're back in New York. Take care of yourself, Tesoro Mio.'
"Tesoro Mio," I swallow a strained lump in my throat, clutching the note tightly. "It's been a while since I heard him call me that."
I shove the note into my pocket, take the hangover pills, and leave the hotel, texting my driver to let him know I'm in New York. To my surprise, he responds immediately, revealing he's already in the city and en route to pick me up.
I let out a deep breath, scrolling to find missed calls from Zion, Cora, and one from my Grandpapa.
"Yeah... I'm not calling him back," I mutter to myself, shoving my phone into my pocket. But then it vibrates, and I just have to read the message.
I pull out my phone, and my heart leaps to my throat as I'm met with a photo of Enzo and me at the club last night. I'm hugging his arm, and he's pointing a gun at the pervert.
The message is from my Grandfather!
"I'm doomed," I whisper, the words escaping my throat like a death sentence.
~
As I take a small sip of my Americano, I eye my grandfather, who's staring at me sternly while completely ignoring the herbal tea I've prepared for him.
"Are you going to drink that?" I lower my eyes, taking another sip, and hope he's not looking at me again.
I inherited my sharp siren onyx eyes from him, and if he looks intimidating when he's mad, I wonder how I look when I'm angry. I don't take pictures or videos of myself when I'm mad, so I can only imagine.
"Angel," Grandpapa finally speaks, and I gently place my cup down.
"Enjoy the view, Grandpapa," I tell him, gesturing to the city view from the balcony of my office.
"Angel, you're stalling. I'm very much used to your strategies by now," Grandpapa says, drawing my attention back to him, and I frown.
"So, you know I had Zion hack into Enzo's phone to change his dinner location to my dinner location?" I ask, but Grandpapa's expression turns grave.
"I didn't even know he was going to have dinner. I just found out..." I trail off, clamping my lips shut as Grandpapa's frown deepens.
"There's a war between the Salvatores and the Rassais, and you made them clash in the same restaurant," he says, his words making me feel stupid.
Did Zion sell me out? No, he would never. Grandpapa is just good at planting spies on my tail.
"I didn't know about the war until Zion told me," I say, meeting Grandpapa's gaze. "And I really don't regret what I did. I told you I don't want to marry Darius."
"And I told you it's either that or you lose everything I've given you," Grandpapa snaps, his voice low and menacing.
I'm taken aback, my eyes widening in shock. "What?" I rise to my feet, staring at him in complete disbelief. "I thought the reward was a promotion, not an ultimatum that would strip everything away if I refused."
Grandpapa's expression turns cold. "It's my empire, and I can take it from you."
I scoff, baffled. "Your empire?" I challenge, my heart pounding with rage. "I've not only expanded it, Grandpapa but I've also propelled it to unprecedented success. It's as much mine as it is yours."
I really can't believe him! I thought this was all about me taking Grandfather's place, building on the legacy he created. After all, he's the one who started it all, laying the foundation for our family's strength. But I've taken it to the next level, infusing it with my own innovative ideas, strategic thinking, and bold actions!
"But it's mine," my grandfather says, his voice harsh as he rises to his feet. "Nothing can change that."
"Nothing?" I repeat, completely caught off guard. "You told me you were banished from your homeland for being the greedy brother who wanted it all. You stole Grandmama from your own brother, along with his diamond mines. You relocated, changed your surname, and built your empire from scratch. Your strength comes from taking what you want, no matter the cost. You taught me to be selfish, to do whatever it takes to succeed in this ruthless world. And I've been following your lead... until Enzo. I let my guard down, and that's my only regret. I should have kept him under control. I should have sedated him, and chained him to the fucking bed."
My Grandfather's eyes widen slightly, but then his lips curls into an impressed smile. "A king always gets what he wants. And Zuri King..."
"I am a queen, and I always get what I want," I interrupt, my voice solid. "I don't care about anything you say that contradicts my desire to get Enzo back."
I stride past him into my office space, drop into my chair, and power on my computer. "Please leave, I have work to do."
"Of course," Grandpapa sighs and sits on the cushion in the main room.
I narrow my eyes at him, my annoyance growing. "Grandpapa, I..."
"How many times have you landed in prison, and how many times have I quietly bailed you out to avoid a scandal?" he asks suddenly.
"Mm?" My lips press together, controlling my anger.
For years, my grandfather and I have been engaged in a silent tug of war, each vying for power and control in the industry. Our mindsets are eerily similar. More so than his own sons.
Unfortunately, this means we're equally matched, each capable of taking the other down. We both crave the same power, and only one of us can claim it.
"I've... I've lost count," I mutter, biting my lip.
"Exactly," Grandpapa says, his smile sending a shiver down my spine. I've always been intimidated by him, and this moment is no exception.
"If you defy me," he continues, "all the... questionable actions you've taken will be made public."
"What?!" My body turns cold as ice. "You're threatening me with that? You've done worse!"
"Not worse than you, Angel," my Grandpapa says, smirking deviously. Of course, he's right...
I clench my teeth, trying to maintain my anger. "You're really going to play dirty?"
"Get married to Darius Rassais, stay away from Lorenzo Salvatore, and you'll have everything you want," he says, his eyes glinting with vivid manipulation.
I scoff, crossing my arms over my chest. "Are you still going to drink your tea?" I ask, keeping my voice calm.
His smile widens. "Yes, thank you, my Angel."
I suppress the smile that threatens to appear on my lips, reminding myself that I'm supposed to be mad at him. But I eventually burst out giggling, shaking my head at the toxic dynamics of our relationship.
"My pleasure, Grandpapa,"