Chapter 4

Ivan

“How could you ruin everything for your sister, Ivan?” My father barked with anger, swinging his fist across my face.

I staggered backward, hanging my head low. Fuck, his fist was strong. My head spin around, trying to find my balance.

“Uncle...” Carlos called, pulling him back before he could throw the second punch.

“I’m sure he didn’t mean it.” He was pleading on my behalf as always. My father glanced at me, before recoiling to the chair reluctantly.

I could see the glint on Mia’s and her mother’s eyes. They hated me, though the feeling was mutual. They hated my existence in the Hernandez family cause I was born from my father’s mistress, and became the heir to the empire.

“You should apologize to your sister!” My father barked, pointing at me with suppressed anger.

“What?” I snapped my head up with a sly smile, “You want me to apologize to her?” I chuckled in disbelief, pointing to the bitch.

“Aren’t you supposed to?” Mia challenged, crossing her arms.

“Why should I do that, Mia? I didn’t intentionally get drunk.” I stated with a mocking smile. It was an intentional mistake, but I wasn’t one to pass out from drinking.

“Maybe if you stopped using, you wouldn’t be passing out.” She taunted with a smug smile. I narrowed my eyes in suspicion till it finally clicked.

Drugs.

It wasn’t the alcohol, but the drugs in it. That fucking bitch. But how did she slip it into my drink? She wasn’t there, and that means the job was done by someone in the club. The bartender? No, It can’t be him.

It didn’t matter who did it, but her motive.

“Why did you drug me, Mia?” I snarled through clenched teeth. She laughed blankly, like she heard the best joke of the year. Her pretense was why I hated her more.

“I drugged you? Are you high again, little brother?” She taunted with a twinkle in her eyes, “You are always exploring new drugs that’s probably why you are losing your mind.”

She was right about me using drugs, but there was always an occasion. I wasn’t a fucking addict.

“Shut up, Mia.” Carlos snapped, glancing at me with concern.

“No, you shut up.” She shot back, shooting to her feet, “You know I’m right so stop covering for him.”

My father massaged his forehead, and my stepmother couldn’t wipe off that disgusting smile off her face. They were intentionally creating drama again with hopes of making me more irresponsible than I already was.

“Mr Hernandez.” The room fell silent as an unfamiliar voice echoed across the room. Heavy footsteps approaching me, and an chill breeze hit my spine the second it stopped.

“Boss.” Mia’s high pitched voice broke the silence. Boss? Who the—

“Ivan.” I gasped as a muscular arm spun me round. I wanted to curse, but the look on the man’s face shut me up.

“Mr Vito.” I muttered with forced politeness, glancing at the man behind him.

Cristiano had admirable features that made me jealous. Until now, I had always believed in my good looks, but standing next to him—I was more like a peasant. He was half foot taller than I was, grey eyes, perfect nose, sharp jawline, and muscular. He was intimidating. I’ve heard stories about him, but it’s my first time meeting him—second actually, but last night didn’t count. I was high.

“Your eyes…” He trailed off, his lips twitching up, “are pretty.” He complimented, licking the corner of his lips.

My eyes rounded in confusion. What?

“What’s fucking pretty about having two different colored eyeballs?” I snapped, gnashing my teeth as I recovered from my shock.

“You have a temper like me.” He teased with a chuckle. I couldn’t tell if he was being sarcastic, but I hated him. I don’t like people picking on my eyes, and he just did that.

I staggered to the side when I felt a shove. I snapped my head up, and Mia was standing there with a wide smile, and her cleavage were on full display. Such a slut.

I straightened my back, balling my fist, and headed up my room.

“Ivan?” He called, halting my steps. I breathe out, before turning to look at him. He was staring like he was trying to figure out something.

“You owe me.” He announced with a piercing gaze. I scrunched my face in confusion, raising a brow.

“I want my reward tomorrow.” He demanded in a stoic voice, before turning back his attention to my family.

I don’t owe anyone, most definitely not him. What does he fucking mean by reward?