The Don’s "Discarded Daughter" Plays To Win

It’s been eight years since Scarlett came to live with us.

She was ten. Her family was wiped out in a turf war. She was the only one left. For complicated reasons, my mother, Isadora, took her in. Sent her to my school.

Mom wanted her to study business at Columbia with me.

But Scarlett whined it was boring. Said all she needed was Parsons.

And now, she didn’t even get into Parsons.

So, of course, she’s crying.

“Dad... Mom... Am I a complete failure?”

Tears stream down her perfectly made-up face. Good thing she used waterproof mascara, or it’d be a real mess.

“Scarlett, sweetheart, no. Bellini women don’t need a school to prove their worth. If they won't let you in, we'll just buy the damn school.” My mother, Isadora, pulls her into a hug.

Scarlett sobs into her shoulder, but I see the tiny smirk. “I know. Art is my real calling. With a face like this, it would be a crime not to be a star!”

I almost laugh out loud. Who told her a face is all it takes?

My mother doesn’t even blink at the narcissism. She just turns to me. “What do you think, Aurora?”

I don’t hesitate. “Whatever you decide, Mother.”

It’s my standard answer. She and I think alike. Anything more is a waste of breath.

She tells me what to do. I do it. That’s enough. The woman is the Don’s wife for a reason.

“Good. Your father and I have decided. We’re taking your sister to Milan. Let her blow off some steam. You’re not interested in that stuff anyway. So, I signed you up for the ‘Zero-Sum Gauntlet.’ You should prepare.”

I nod.

I know what this is. My father’s final test.

Scarlett’s lips curve into a smug smile, but she fakes a pout for my sake.

“Oh, what a shame you can’t come, Aurora. But Mom and Dad only want to take me. You’re so understanding, I’m sure you get it, right?”

I don’t look at her. Just a flat tone. “Have fun. Don’t cause trouble for them.”

My parents nod. “We’ll take care of Scarlett. Don’t worry.”

I feel nothing. This isn't about favoritism. It’s about survival.

One is a financial prodigy, secretly groomed for years to be the heir. The other is a pretty doll who couldn't even get into design school.

It’s obvious who matters more.