Page 41 of Ruthless Mafia Daddy

“Look, Max,” I start, placing my hands on the table. “If you let me buy your company, I would take over as CEO, but would allow you to stay on as a director. You’d receive a hefty bonus, better work-life balance, and less stress. It’s a win-win for both of us. Use this money to set your kids up for the future. To give them the freedom to pursue their own dreams, rather than the one that’s pushed on them.”

Max is quiet for a moment, his eyes fixed on the picture of his children.

I know I’m in just from the way his eyes soften. It’s a predictable move, playing right into his weakness, but it’s how I’ve gotten to where I am today.

“Think about it, and get back to me by the end of the day.” I get to my feet, re-buttoning my suit jacket.

“It’s a big decision.” There’s a slightly panicked look in his eye.

“Perhaps.” I offer him a smile, glancing at the picture once more. “But they should make it an easy one.”

I walk out of the office.

I keep my head down, wanting to avoid running into Lila. I can’t risk seeing her yet, not until I’ve sealed the deal. That way she has no choice but to work for me, and I can keep a closer eye on her.

A smile tugs at my lips as I take the elevator back down to the foyer and head out into the bright New York morning.

I have a few meetings scheduled for later over the phone, but until then, I decide to take a walk down fifth avenue to stop by Mille-Fuille bakery to pick up some macarons for Rosa. It’s her last week of school, and she’s cramming for finals so I know a sweet treat will cheer her up.

I feel bad at times like this when she doesn’t have a female role model to look up to or to help with the emotional side of things. Rosa is extremely smart, but she’s hard on herself and wants to be the best. I should be grateful she’s such a focused teenager, but it does mean a lot of meltdowns over grades and papers, and Marco and I aren’t exactly the best at handling things.

Valentina on the other hand was like the big sister Rosa never had, and I curse the universe for not only taking her from me, but from Rosa too.

I wonder how Lila would get along with Rosa.

Fuck. Where did that come from?

To distract me, I shoot Rosa a text.

Thinking of you today. Good luck with the final!

Rosa: Thx A <3 only two more after this!!

Me: I’m proud of you no matter what. Mom and Dad are too x

She sends me through a string of emojis that has me smiling down at my phone. I’m such a softie when it comes to my little sister.

“Next!” the server calls—a young girl who doesn’t look much older than Rosa.

“What’s the largest size box of macarons you sell?” I reach into my jacket pocket for my wallet.

“Our largest has twenty-five assorted flavors.”

“Great, I’ll take four of those,” I reply, pulling out a few hundred-dollar bills and placing them on the counter, as well as tucking one into the sad looking tip jar. The girl’s eyes widen but she nods, quickly getting to work boxing up the treats.

A few hours later, I sit in my office back in my Westchester house, drinking a double espresso and trying to organize our shipments for the next quarter. It’s a ball ache of a job, but I don’t trust anyone else to do it, especially after the situation with Tommy Munro. Serves me right being too trusting, even with employees who have worked for my family for decades.

Turns out anyone can be a snake if you look close enough.

A knock at my door has me lifting my head. “Come in.”

“Hey, bro.” Marco steps inside, closing the door behind him.

“What’s up?” I run my hands through my hair, leaning back in my plush leather seat.

Marco leans against the door, folding his arms across his chest. He’s dressed as if he’s just come from the gym, in a white T-shirt and black shorts, his dark hair hidden beneath a backwards baseball cap.

Marco pulls his phone out of his pocket and waves it, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Heard something interesting through the grapevine.”

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