Share
172 — Project Enkrateia
All the board’s attention is on me. I can see a mixture of surprise, curiosity, and fascination in the board’s eyes as they follow the slides, in the expressions that take different forms as I present my project, which, honestly, I don’t know how to define.
Innovative?
Utopic?
Crazy?
“Who is affected by this leak? What’s the data?” I pause dramatically, adding to the tension. “These people have faces, names, and this data is like a key to their lives, their intimacy, their security. And they don’t even know how much it impacts their lives. We must change that... By making everything public and allowing them to search personally.”
“Make it public?” Director Bald scoffs. “Are you trying to finish Dynamic’s reputation? We’re only considering saving it because this data hasn’t been made public. If they know the extent...”
“That’s precisely
Related chapters
Fallen for Daddy's Friend 173 — “You ruined his life.”
It takes me a while to understand what Mrs. Smith is saying. Eric’s arrested... is that true? I knew that some of the people investigated in the scandal were being charged, but I didn’t expect Eric to be so involved in it. It shocks me to the point where the words completely disappear from the tip of my tongue.Suddenly, memories that were buried in the back of my mind come back like a hurricane, making my eyes widen. […] “Angelee, darling, I’ve baked some cookies... let’s have tea together!” Mrs. Smith said, smiling. “I bought you a present, what do you think?” Smiles and more smiles. “Let’s go on a family trip! You’ve been out of America before, haven’t you? Let’s choose somewhere you haven’t been yet, all of us together.” She always smiled, her voice as soft as the sweetest of illusions. “Angelee, I adore you as if you were my own daughter-”These memories
Fallen for Daddy's Friend 174 — The Adams family
I know Julian said I didn’t need to worry, but the moment he drove beyond the iron gates of the villa, my heart rose to my throat. My trembling hands clutch the fabric of my dress while my eyes linger on the landscape around us. The estate is so big that we need to drive for at least ten minutes along the long stone road. The surrounding forests bring me a strange sense of peace like we are outside the world. It’s hard to believe that Julian’s family has a forest on their property, and I wonder what it must be like to explore it.The lowered window lets a refreshing breeze into the car, and I inflate my lungs, hoping that this will somehow boost my courage.When I finally see the magnificent classical mansion, my heart skips a beat. It’s simply majestic. In fact, it even looks like a castle. The large white pillars add a sophisticated, antique aesthetic that matches the family’s influence. But it’s no wonder the villa is so i
Fallen for Daddy's Friend 175 — “I’m sorry I left.”
In the outdoor fire pit, I feel a little more at ease. Jordan is certainly as talkative as his older brother; his carefree personality makes me comfortable, perhaps because we’re almost the same age. Unlike Julian, who has a more restrained sense of humor, the youngest of the brothers loves to make jokes, and his timing is good enough to get a few laughs. At first, Julian seemed nervous and suspicious, but he soon lowered his defenses and opened up a little more, allowing himself to smile even at the jokes he thinks are ridiculous.The other brother, Joshua, looked even more doubtful when he laid eyes on me. I could see the curiosity and suspicion in his dark green eyes with some shades of brown. He also looks a lot like Julian, and his hair is medium-length, falling over his forehead in small, discreet waves. Well, I can certainly understand why he could be called a playboy — with his looks, I’m not surprised that women fall at his feet. He looks like a
Fallen for Daddy's Friend 176 — “Break out into the storm.”
My chest feels cold. I open my lips to answer Julian’s mother, but no sound escapes through them. Noticing my sudden anxiety, Julian subtly positions himself between the two of us, protecting me with his body.Mrs. Adams frowns, placing her hands on her hips. “Don’t stand in front of her like that; it looks like I’m being mean to the girl.”“Mother-”“Why don’t you go with your brothers? It’s been years since you last gathered like this. I’m sure you have a lot to talk about.”Julian gives a nervous smile.“But-”“No buts.” Mrs. Adams sighs, letting her arms hang at her sides. “Go join your brothers, Julian.”He looks at me fearfully, almost like a scared puppy. I give him a reassuring smile, telling him without words that I’m fine, but he doesn’t look relieved… yet he walks through the second hall, disappearing aroun
Fallen for Daddy's Friend 177 — JULIAN ADAMS (POV)
My nerves are on edge. I’m so stressed that I shift my leg constantly, oblivious to my brothers’ fun conversations going on around me. I can’t concentrate on what they say when Angelee is alone with my mother. I know Mom is not someone who would hurt her, still-Suddenly, a child’s childish cries reach my ears. I know this shouldn’t be possible since so many years have passed, but I can actually hear it, almost like I’m back in the past. And with each step toward Jessica’s cries, in this mansion that was empty that day, everything around me grows darker. The lights are going out in my walk… But my little sister’s desperate screams only get louder.In front of that white door, my breathing becomes heavy. I know I should just burst open it, but I’m frozen in place, aware of every drop of sweat that slides down my spine under my shirt. Deep down, I know what’s happening on the other side; it’s Jack&rsquo
Fallen for Daddy's Friend 178 — “The board made a decision…”
Finally, the long-awaited day arrives — the moment the board announces the chosen project and the one who will sit in the project director’s chair. Although Julian and my father are involved in the process, they haven’t said a word to me about it, and I haven’t pressured them either. I know they’re very respectful of their job.But while sitting here, in the corridor, I can’t help but feel anxious. The board called the Manager first, who left after ten minutes, and then Sarah. I’m counting the minutes that pass almost obsessively, one by one, waiting for her to walk out of that door with a sad expression. Yes, I know it sounds horrible of me to wish for her defeat, but I really want my project to be chosen. The business world is really cruel.The door finally opens, making me look up with my heart jumping into my throat. Sarah is coming out of the room in her impeccable linen suit. Elegant, beautiful... but her face is
Fallen for Daddy's Friend 179 — MICHAEL O’NEIL (POV)
I never thought I would set foot in this building again, but here I am, in the elevator that takes me to the 79th floor of one of the biggest towers in New York City; it was created precisely to accommodate all the companies of the current most important holding company in America.All of it was supposed to be mine. At least, that’s what I was raised for. My family expected me to take over the empire they built, but even now, as the elevator doors open, showing me an enormous window showing me the top of the city, I don’t feel a single regret.We’re on top of the world. Still, none of that really matters… Especially when I think about my daughter.Angelee is getting married in two weeks. Hearing that gave me some concern and shivers, but they are adults and know what they are doing. It’s not my place to meddle in their lives anymore. But what I can do is make sure they don’t have to worry about anything other than flower arrangemen
Fallen for Daddy's Friend 180 — MICHAEL O’NEIL (POV)
“Marry Kristen and take over your company?” I don’t avoid the sarcastic and bitter laughter that carries all my resentment. Wasn’t it enough to guide most of my life and mold me to your desires? Even after so long, he still wants to hold me like a puppet.Honestly, this is pathetic.“It’s not a funny thing.”“It’s definitely funny, Father. Even after everything, you still want me to marry that woman and pass me your hard work?”“That’s the condition to seal a strong bond with Kristen’s family. Besides, marrying you has always been her wish.”“Is that so? Isn’t you fucking her enough of a tight bond?” I practically spit out the words, noticing my father’s expression tense.“I will not allow you to disrespect me here. I still own this empire.”“You’re right! You still own this empire, but you must be tired, right? Sixty-
Latest chapter
Fallen for Daddy's Friend HAPPY EVER AFTER.
Fallen for Daddy's Friend MICHAEL — Always by your side.
Fallen for Daddy's Friend CATHY — I’m falling...
Fallen for Daddy's Friend HONEYMOON — PART III
Fallen for Daddy's Friend HONEYMOON — PART II
Fallen for Daddy's Friend HONEYMOON — PART I
Fallen for Daddy's Friend AFTER STORY — PART II
Fallen for Daddy's Friend AFTER STORY — PART I
Fallen for Daddy's Friend 184 — The end.
