I don't know how much he owed to the Massaretti Bancorp, but I'm hoping it's not a lot and I could slowly pay it. I don't care if dad lost his business, his favorite collection of classic cars and his penthouse. The house is the only memory of my mom I have left. She picked this house and designed it herself including decorating it. She was so proud of herself and always talked about it. My mom was known to be an interior decorator and she was damned good at it, until one unfortunate day, her life was taken away by a heartless shit-head cocksucker who had nothing better to do with his life, but roaming around spreading misery to other people's lives. My mom was robbed, but she fought back which made the robber angry causing him to stab her numerous times in her chest and stomach. She died due to blood loss. My dad couldn't accept it. I was nineteen back then. Our sudden loss was a tremendous shock to myself and my dad. He took it the hardest. He started drinking, then soon became a gambler and started whoring around too. I thought it would only last him a few months and he'd recover, but I was so wrong. Alcohol and cards became his addiction. There wasn't a single day that he was sober. He spent most of his days and nights at the casino, with bimbos on each side clinging like a leech. After five years of pain, he gave up his life. He suffered from Cirrhosis. His liver was so heavily scarred that it became unable to function anymore. It was hard to see him dying, but he was happy. He's with mom now . They both left me, alone in this world, but I know they are both happy now. After the funeral, my dad's lawyer came to read me his last will. Yes, I said his last will. I wanted to laugh, but I felt bitterness. I wanted to cry, but my tears were all dried up. I felt numb. Dad left me nothing, but the house I grew up in. And the house was even in collateral. The house that held so much fun memories with my loving mom. I would do anything to keep the house, even if I had to wipe out my savings that were supposed to be for my and Anthony's wedding if he proposes this year. Anthony, the guy I fell in love with four years ago. He became my backbone during the time I was struggling to keep up with my life after losing my mother. He was my inspiration to keep me going and he was there to support me when I needed someone. He was my best friend and my partner. I met him when I started teaching at Montessori, four years ago. He's teaching grade five. He's very sweet and compassionate man. "Are you ok, G?" Daniella asked sounding worried, looking at me with her puckered eyebrows dragging me out of my train of sad thoughts. "Ye-ah," I replied. "I'm sorry, I'm just tired," I said apologetically. "I hope you're ok. You were zoned out for a while," she uttered audibly, with her eyes glued to me. Her brown eyes held worry. Those brown orbs that I envied all the time. I wish I had that color. I know, I'm a fool. People say, as have Daniella, that I have the most sparkling cobalt eyes she had ever seen. I always just laugh it off. She's a good friend indeed. "Yes, I'm fine, Daniella. Thank you." I force a smile to reassure her. She gave me a lingering look, sizing me up before nodding, but still looking unconvinced. "I said, you can go home and I'll wait for Francis' mom. She should be here anytime soon," she smiled urging me to leave. "Are you sure?" I asked. Suddenly, I felt exuberant. I can't wait to see Anthony. I'm hoping he'll propose tonight. "Yes," she replied smiling broadly. "Well, thank you. Now I'll have enough time to get ready for my dinner date with Anthony." I giggled like a school girl, and started stuffing my things into my purse while fishing out my car keys. After giving her a hug, and saying goodbye to Francis, I headed out to my car with a spring in my step. **************************************************************************************** Marco Angelo Massareti's POV Massaretti Bancorp Office "Dammit, Rio! How could you not know that he's already drowned with other financial companies?" I said gritting my teeth gruffly under my controlled menacing tone as I shot my bank manager, Rio Castello Fiorenza a cold sinister gaze. I stood firmly on my feet, towering over the 45-year-old manager who was shaking with anxiety as he faced me, the " Devil Massaretti " as they called me. Honestly , I give no fucks. I was staring at him ferociously, with my hands shoved deep down into my pants pocket. With my predatory eyes, I was staring at him vehemently, obviously scaring the hell out of him. I saw the fear and the cowering in eyes all the time and it made me feel more pleased. "We had his house in collateral and maybe his daughter could also pay some of his debt if his house is not enough. But, I'm quite sure the house cost more than what he owed ..." Castello trailed off in his stiff tone, trying to defend himself, but still not sounding defensive. When the word 'daughter' came out of his shaky lips, some hope arose in my gut. "He has a daughter ?" I asked still in my controlled tone, concealing the sudden interest rose in my chest. Just then a brilliant idea flickered in my head. And suddenly, I looked at Castello like a knight in his tailored suit. His eyes suddenly morphed confusion. Why not? I'm known as the man with no solicitous bone. No one has dared to step in my way. Nothing that I wanted had ever slipped away from my hands. I've always and will always get what I want. Even if I need to use my influence. I was known as Marco the devil, which means, Marco equals power. I'm Marco Massaretti. The only heir of all the Massaretti Holdings, who owned almost half of Italy. "Yes, Mr. Massaretti. Alonzo Ricci's daughter is an ECE teacher-" He replied shortly, interrupting me out of my thoughts. "Find out more about her and report it back to me as soon as possible." I dismissed him cutting him off in the process, and I briskly turned on my heels and paced back to my high-back swivel chair. ******************************************************************************************* Third Person POV