Love, Lust & Lies (season one)✔️

S1E40

Daphne Van Russell- Focused and Determined

"Too much fun and not enough work does not keep an empire afloat."

She repeated her father's words in her head as she started the second semester of the year. This was not hard for her to do. She never had any fun.

Work, work, work!

Besides taking a full load of classes, she interned at the family business two days a week working in the International Affairs department her father newly added. Van Russell stores opened their first overseas location two years ago in Paris. Daphne was helping to get another one opened in Italy.

Her major was International Business and that would come in handy at Van Russells Enterprise. Though technically she was in her second year of college, she had enough credits to almost be a senior. She planned to graduate next fall after only two and a half years and start full-time at Van Russells. She already knew what position she wanted. Manager of International Affairs. From there, Director, then on to Vice President. After her father retired in about fifteen years, she would take over.

Not that her sister or any of her cousins had a chance. Who else would continue the legacy?

She was fluent in five different languages. Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, and Italian. Spanish was her favorite. She was in her third Spanish class since starting college. She took French and Chinese in high school, picked up Italian on her own, and took Japanese classes every summer for the past four years.

She traveled to several different countries, immersing herself in different cultures. This summer she wanted to go to Madrid. Spanish was her love language. It was so mesmerizing to her.

"Daphne V, looks like we have yet another class together," Jessica Scoville said, plopping down uninvited next to her.

Jessica was her frenemy. In high school, she barely said two words to her. Since starting Midtown University together, she acted like they were best buds. Daphne loathed her, but she was the only half-friend she had.

"I thought you were done with Spanish?"

"Pretty much. I figured this should be an easy A. Took three years in high school, this is just a refresher."

"Take another language."

"Why?"

"Broaden your horizon."

"Oh, I will! Have you heard about the new professor? Senor Monzon?"

"No. Why?"

"Let's just say he puts the fu in fuego!"

Another student nearby heard and shook her head in agreement.

"Muy caliente!"

Daphne had no idea what they were talking about until in walked the most gorgeous man she had ever laid eyes on.

Senor Monzon, the new Spanish professor was drop-dead handsome. Smoky dark eyes, dark hair, nice body, even under slacks, a button-down shirt, and a dark blazer. He looked young, and the earrings in each ear proved he was not a traditional teacher either.

She drew in a breath.

He immediately addressed them in fluent Spanish explaining his background. He was Mexican, both parents first generational U.S. citizens. He grew up in Chicago and moved to Midtown for this job.

Daphne did not see a ring on his finger. This semester was going to be anything but easy.

JESSICA SCOVILLE-Young and in Charge