Author's note: this is from Magda's point of view

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My father hummed, confirming that he knows the event I mentioned before sharing additional information, "It was an event for employees of Notte Pharmaceuticals, and Mr. Mezanotte, the owner, announced that his daughter will work by his side. It seems that people are impressed by that young lady and my sources tell me it sounded like Mr. Mezzanotte was announcing his company's transition to new leadership."

New leadership? So other than being pretty and smart she will take over her father's company? Her father is either reckless or she is capable, but none of those matters. My focus is on figuring out how to get close to her and I need to do it before she completely bewitches Drago. I don't care about anything else.

Now for my next step. "She sounds important and lots of fun. Do you think I can meet her?"

"We can invite them next time.", my brother said while looking at our father. "Since we expanded to the pharmaceutical industry, inviting leadership of our competition and potential partners is something we should do." He paused and looked at me suspiciously. "What's in it for you?"

"I heard people talking, and I was curious to meet with this mysterious daughter who created waves. She is new in the area and she could definitely use some friends.", I responded with a half-truth.

Jonathan gave me one of his condescending smirks. "If you want to make friends, you should invite her to one of your parties. What we do is business. Don't smear the image of Giantshade Industries with your shallow groupies."

"Smear the image? Shallow groupies?", I asked in disbelief and looked at my father. "How much I heard, that girl is not much older than I am. And she was at the event of their company. Why can't I come to ours? And what's wrong with bringing a few friends? We know how to act and we can liven up the party."

Jonathan clicked his tongue, getting my attention again. "That girl, how you call her, has business knowledge. She impressed executives and earned their approval. What can you bring to a business party? A pretty dress?"

I grit my teeth at John's provocation and turned back to my father. "Daddy… When will I be able to attend events of our company?"

My father's brows furrowed. "Sweetie, you know that if we want our partners to take us seriously, we need to show that we are serious. John is right. If you want to socialize, you are welcome to throw a party at any of our hotels and invite whomever you want. Our business events are strictly for business purposes."

My blood was boiling but I forced a pitiful expression. "You are saying that I can't attend company's events. Are you that ashamed of me?"

"Not ashamed, pumpkin. It's just that everything has its place. I told you when you dropped out of business school that if you want to be part of the company, I expect you to finish your education and start working from the bottom, just like your bother…"

And there it was, another lengthy lecture. I was so flustered by the news that Drago was interested in a woman that I forgot my father is keeping me away from Giantshade Industries.

Father is very generous in terms of money, and he fulfills my every wish, but because I dropped out of college, he is not letting me get close to our business. Hmph! Like I need a degree in order to make some measly decisions.

Why would I slave in school and in the company when I know that John will inherit dad's position?

No matter how much I try, I will be John's helper, at best and I never settle for a second place. That is why I decided to drop the boring school and focus on other things.

I still didn't figure out what I want to do, but I have more money than I can spend in three lifetimes, so what's the point of working if I can relax and enjoy?

I see my future as hosting parties and doing charity work. A woman like me will marry well and take care of her husband's needs, and not be stuck in an office.

Will my husband be Drago? I'm not sure. The more he is eluding me, the more I am interested to find out his secrets.

Other than being outrageously handsome with a very fat bank account, I also know that Drago earned a small fortune on his own and that everyone in the business circle respects him. That tells me that he has a good gene pool, abilities, and means to take care of me. No matter how I look at him, he is perfect, and he will be mine.

Seraphina being praised by everyone was rubbing me the wrong way. I will need to come up with some other way to get close to her.

I looked at my father. "I understand, daddy. I will organize party and invite her as a special guest. Can you help me get her contact information?"

"Sure, sweetie. Make sure to invite John to that party as well."

I frowned. "So, I can't come to his parties, yet he should come to mine?"

My father's face darkened. "Those are not HIS parties. It's business, and thanks to that business all of us are enjoying a certain lifestyle. You, on the other hand, are organizing purely social events and it will be good for John to get closer to a woman like Seraphina. The Giantshade Industries is larger than Notte Pharmaceuticals, but they are leaders in their area, and it will be valuable for us to forge a partnership with them. Even if you are not interested in business, you should know at least that much."

I forced a smile while listening to my father telling me how I'm not good enough. But it seems that Seraphina is. How can he put a stranger above me?

I swallowed curses that threatened to escape my lips and I said submissively, "I understand, daddy…"

Before leaving the study, I threw a venomous glare at my brother who had a smug expression. Why is he so annoying? Does he think he is always right? I hate him!

Just because John was good at school and is working at the company, my father prefers him. Sure, I get credit cards and no questions asked where I spent the night (my dad assumes I'm with my girlfriends) and I can do whatever I want, but when my interests collide with John's, daddy always sides with John. Infuriating!

But I can't lash out at my brother dear because I need him on my side.

John promised that if I behave, he will invite Drago to an event where I can show up as well, and considering how Drago is avoiding me, John might be my best bet to get close to Drago.

The problem is that John made that promise more than one year ago, and he still didn't deliver, but my options are to wait patiently or risk angering him which might lead to John completely dropping the idea.

Daddy doesn't prevent me from mingling with guys, but whenever I mention dating, his face darkens. He is old-fashioned which is rich from him considering the number of lovers he piled up over the years.

Why guys can sleep around while women need to remain pure and wait for marriage? That's injustice!

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