Paint Me Red

27. Losing Control

Ellaria's POV:

"Zoe, when will you be home?" Ebenezer asked from the other end.

"Soon." I replied as I went through the documents.

"How soon?" He asked and I placed my pen above the opened file to give him my full attention.

"Two hours." I told him.

"That's too long!" He whined.

"I know. But I got to work as well, right?"

"Right. I'll see you in two hours then? I have a surprise for you."

"Sure, baby. Don't forget to eat your snacks, okay?"

"Fruit salad isn't a snack, Zoe."

"It is a healthy snack. Now, off you go."

"Bye, I love you."

"I love you the most, my baby." I said and disconnected the call.

Even though it was already 5 and everyone had already gone but I still had a lot of work left to do hence why I was staying late.

A knock erupted on my door and I looked up to find Damien leaning against the door.

I gave him a small smile as I stood up from my chair, "When did you come back?" I questioned in surprise.

"Japan was no fun." He made a face and I chuckled.

"Please, take a seat." I said and gestured towards one of the chairs placed opposite to mine.

He unbuttoned his suit jacket and took a seat, "I have come to express my condolences. I am really sorry for your loss, Ellaria."

I sighed quietly and nodded my head, "Thank you."

"Though that's not the only reason why I am here. I know it's not a good time to talk about business but..." He trailed.

I shook my head, "No, it's completely alright. The damage's done already and I'd like to talk about business because it's the only thing that keeps me from overthinking and becoming a maniac." I said in a matter-of-factly tone.

He nodded his head, "I went to see Ignazio but he's not in his office so I thought I'd let you know because I got to be home after the tiringly long flight, as soon as possible."

"Yeah, he's gone for a meeting with someone with a weird-ass surname of Dankworth." I told him and his eyes lit up in recognition.

"Ah, I see." He chuckled. "Mr. Dankworth is one of our very old business partners. He's been with the Moretti's ever since they have established this business."

My eyebrows rose in surprise, "Impressive. Anyways, what did you want to talk about?"

"Yes, about that, "He paused and got up to close the door before he turned around and leaned against it. "I found something interesting."

I rose a brow in question and urged him to continue as I closed the file and folded my arms above it.

"It's about your father." He spoke quietly, almost cautiously.

I gulped and my jaw clenched as I willed myself to stay put, "I'm listening."

"He's running his own separate organization. A mafia organization. It's not big, only around 80 to 90 people including your mom."

I kept my stare at him as I tried to process the information, "Are you sure?"

He nodded his head with a grave expression, "But, that's not it. He's trying to shake hands with the Mexicans, our biggest fuckin' enemy."