Page 111 of Divine Obsession

She walked away, her heels clicking sharply against the stone – leaving me alone in the cold, with nothing but the ghost of her.

Chapter 29

Present

Rays of morning sunshine crept through the blinds, casting a soft glow across my apartment. I’d moved out of my dad’s penthouse when I graduated from Columbia last year and got a penthouse on the fifty-second floor in SoHo.

The city was coming alive again, like it always did at the start of a new season. The first day of March, the first day of spring. A time for change.

I grabbed a black leather jacket from my walk-in closet and slipped it on, the cool fabric settling against my skin. I was meeting Maria in Little Italy today – the same way I did on the first of every month.

I needed the break. After Trevor showed back into my life again on my birthday, my mind had been running non-stop for the past few weeks.

Today, I was going to enjoy a few hours of peace. Or at least, that was the plan.

My phone buzzed in my hand as I headed towards the kitchen.

“Hi, dad.”

“Cara,” My father's voice came through, steady and warm as always. “How are you?”

I smiled. “I’m good, Dad. Just heading out.”

“Good, good.” There was a slight pause. When he spoke again there was a shift in his tone. “Listen, I wanted to check in. You’ve got your head on straight, yes?”

“I’m fine. You know I can handle things.”

His chuckle was low and comforting. “I know,cara. I know. But just remember, no matter what happens, I’ve got your back. Always.”

I felt a warmth spread through me with a sense of reassurance I didn’t realize I needed. My father’s confidence in me had become my rock.

“I know, Dad. I’ll be careful.”

“I trust you, Natalia. You’ll make sure this family stays strong.” There was a finality to the tone of his words, leaving no room for doubt.

“I will,” I said quietly, the weight of his trust grounding me.

He let out a sigh, long and deliberate. “I trust you know what you’re doing, but be careful with Trevor.”

The mention of his name hit like a train. The last person I wanted to hear about today, and yet, there it was. I bit the inside of my cheek, fighting the surge of irritation that crept up. “I can handle him.”

“I know you can,” He said softly. “I’m not worried,cara. I just need you to stay sharp. Stay safe. That’s all that matters.” His voice held a weight that I couldn’t ignore.

“I will make sure your empire survives.”

“I know you will.”

“Thanks, Dad. I’ll see you Sunday afternoon for lunch.” I hung up, the words lingering in the air.

Trevor might be complicated, but today wasn’t about him. Today was about business. And nothing – not even him – was going to get in my way.

I slipped my phone into my pocket and headed out the door, determined to keep my focus on what mattered.

The first day of March. The first day of spring. A time for new beginnings. A time for change.

But for me, nothing ever changed.

Different city, same game.

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