Mixed blood

Chapter 20 : Let's make the best of it.

Luana stirred awake, the soft voice of Gloria breaking through her hazy dreams. Her eyes fluttered open as sunlight streamed through the parted blinds. She sat up abruptly, startled.

Gloria? Here?

After her argument with William over her presence, Lu had told her not to come again. Yet, here she was.

"Good morning, Luna," Gloria greeted warmly.

Despite her initial surprise, a smile played at lips. She was genuinely happy to see her. It's comforting. But Why is she here? Did he call her? Why would he—

Brushing aside her thoughts for now, she rose from bed, slipping into her morning routine.

She picked a light, elegant dress and tied her hair back into a neat ponytail.

When she entered the dining room, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries greeted her. Gloria had outdone herself as always, the table set impeccably.

"Breakfast is ready," Gloria announced, handing Luana a folded note before stepping aside.

She unfolded the note, William's familiar handwriting bringing a slight flutter to her chest:

Good morning, Luana. I hope you slept well. I had to leave early. Enjoy your day.

She stared at the note for a moment, her heart racing slightly. So, he called her. A small smile crept onto her face.

---

She went to her laboratory, the familiar hum of activity greeted her. Inside, everything was running smoothly-technicians diligently working at their stations, biologists engrossed in their research, and nurses attending samples with precision.

She made her rounds, offering a word of encouragement here and there. After ensuring that everything was in order, she settled in her office, reviewing the accounts.

The income and expenses balanced neatly, a sign of careful management. She signed a stack of papers awaiting her attention and verified several analyses with a keen eye for detail.

A buzz from the intercom interrupted her concentration. "Mrs. Luana, your father is here," her secretary announced.

She stood and quickly made her way to the reception area. Her father greeted her with a warm hug.

"Dad! What a surprise," she exclaimed, smiling brightly. "How have you been?"

"I should be asking you that," he replied, his tone teasing. "You've been hard to reach."

She led him to her office, where she ordered a coffee for him and tea for herself.

"So, why did you and William cut your honeymoon short?" he asked, his voice casual but probing.

"He had work to attend to."

Her father frowned, studying her face. "Are you sure? He didn't hurt you, did he?"

"Dad, no! I told you before, William isn't like that. He's...he's gentle with me," she admitted.

Her father raised an eyebrow. "Gentle? That doesn't sound like the man I've read about in the papers. The ruthless businessman, the hard-hearted negotiator, the cold mafia boss..."

"He's not as he seems," she interjected, surprising even herself with the conviction in her voice.

"So, tell me—have you two..." He trailed off, his question unspoken but clear.

Luana flushed, her cheeks burning. "Dad! That's private!"

Her father smirked. "Private, huh? What's with you defending him so passionately, then?"