Chapter 5

Marco led me through the maze of hallways, explaining everything as we went. 

"Your main job is to manage his schedule, handle correspondence, and make sure everything runs smoothly." He said, showing me to a desk outside Vincenzo's office. "He's particular about punctuality, so don’t ever be late. The computer system is customized, I'll help you set up your passwords later." 

"I won't be late," I assured him, taking in the dual monitors and elaborate phone system. 

"He starts his day at 7 AM sharp with a review of international markets. You'll need to have reports ready by 6:45. Coffee... black, no sugar. It should be on his desk by 6:50. He takes lunch at exactly 1 PM unless otherwise specified, and all afternoon meetings must end by 6 PM."

I nodded, mentally cataloguing each detail. "What about his business interests? What should I focus on learning first?"

Marco smiled slightly. "Smart question. He's heavily involved in real estate development, particularly luxury properties. The travel sector is his newest venture, high-end hotels and resorts. You'll need to familiarize yourself with both industries, their key players, and current market trends."

"What's he like as a boss?" I asked hesitantly. 

Marco hesitated, then chuckled. "Let's just say he doesn’t tolerate mistakes. But if you work hard and prove yourself, he can be... fair."

That's reassuring, I muttered, though I wasn’t entirely convinced. How was I supposed to get him to notice me if I had to do so much work?

After a while, we stopped outside the restroom. "Take five if you need it. We’ll continue the tour after."

"Thanks," I said, slipping inside. 

I barely had time to breathe before voices reached me. 

"Did you see her? The girl whose engagement got called off last night?"

"Yeah, and now she’s working here? Talk about desperate,"

"Desperate and manipulative. She already got Sarah fired on her first day,"

"Classic gold-digger move."

My hands curled into fists. I pushed open the stall door and stepped out. 

The three girls froze, their eyes wide. 

"What are you still doing here?" I asked, my voice cold. "Run along before I decide to get you fired too."

One of them stepped forward. "Who do you think you are..."

"Don't," I interrupted. I rinsed my hands and turned to face them fully. "There are people in this world I can’t stand up to. But you? You’re nothing. So, unless you want me to personally scratch those smug expressions off your faces, stay out of my way."

Then, just for good measure, I flicked the water from my hands onto their faces and walked out. 

"Bunch of idiots," I muttered under my breath, my chin held high. 

---

I had barely settled at my desk when Vincenzo's voice came through the intercom. 

"Miss Fontana. My office. Now."

Taking a deep breath, I smoothed my blouse and walked in, notebook ready. He stood by the window.

"There's a real estate conference next week in Bergamo," he said without turning around. "I need you to arrange everything."

"Everything, sir?"

Now he did turn, his dark eyes assessing me. "Hotel booking, car service, dinner reservations for each night. I'm meeting with five different developers. Research them. I want detailed profiles on my desk by tomorrow morning." 

Five developers to research, logistics to arrange, all by tomorrow? "Of course, sir. Will there be anything else?"

His lips curved into what might have been amusement. "Let's see how you handle your first task. Your performance determines if you get to keep working here or not."

Oh my God, did I just get challenged by my boss?

---

By two o'clock, my eyes were burning from staring at the screen. I'd managed to book everything for Milan and was halfway through the developer profiles. 

"Hey, new girl." A voice interrupted my concentration. A young girl with black hair stood by my desk. "I'm Isabella. Want to grab lunch?"

I hesitated, surprised by the sudden friendliness. 

"Come on," she insisted. "You look like you could use a break."

"Sure." I finally gave in.

---

The small café across the street was packed with office workers. Isabella ordered for both of us, waving away my protest. 

"So," she said once we were seated. "You're either very brave or very stupid."

I paused with my fork halfway to my mouth. "Excuse me?"

"Taking this job. Nobody lasts as Vincenzo's assistant. The last one had a nervous breakdown after two weeks."

"Thanks for boosting my confidence," I said dryly. 

Isabella leaned forward. "Look, I'm trying to help. Vincenzo Marino isn't just your average CEO. He's... different. Dangerous. And the way he looked at you when he passed by your desk earlier..."

"The way he looked at me, what?"

"Never mind, just be careful, and don't overwork yourself."

---

I was heading back from the copy room when I heard his voice. My heart stopped. 

"Dad, do you have a moment?"

Antonio. Here. Of course he's here, Vincenzo is his father. I just didn't expect to see him today.

I froze,clutching the papers to my chest. Should I turn around? Hide? But before I could decide, he rounded the corner and saw me. 

The colour drained from his face. "Daisy?"

I forced myself to stay calm, though my heart was racing. "Antonio."

"What are you doing here?"

"Working," I said coldly. "Or is that too difficult for you to comprehend?"

"You're working for my father?" His voice rose slightly. "After what you did?"

"After what I did? That's rich, coming from you. How's Sofia? Enjoying my ring?"

"You lied to everyone," he hissed, stepping closer. "You're not even a real Fontana."

"No," I agreed, meeting his gaze. "I'm better. Because unlike you, I don't need a family name to prove my worth. And let's not forget who the biggest liar is here. All those fake promises, telling me you loved me when you were only using me to get more power."

"Is there a problem here?"

We both were startled by Vincenzo's voice. He stood in his doorway, his expression unreadable. 

"No, dad." Antonio said. "I was just leaving."

"Good." Vincenzo's eyes turned to me. "Daisy, those reports won't copy themselves."

I nodded, slipping past them both. But not before I caught the look of fury on Antonio's face. 

One point for me.

---

That night, I sat in my hotel room surrounded by research papers and takeout containers, my phone buzzing with a text from an unknown number.

"Impressive first day. Keep it up. V"

I stared at the message, a smile slowly spreading across my face. I guess I have to work harder to get his attention. 

My phone buzzed again. This time it was my father. 

"You can't hide forever, Daisy. Come home now, or there will be consequences if I find you myself."

I deleted his message without responding and turned back to my work. Let him threaten. Let Antonio seethe. Let them all underestimate me. 

I promise I'll make everyone regret all they've done to me.