Adopted by the Billionaire✔️

[25]

Not him comparing everyone to his 8 year old daughter... *sigh*
Antonio's POV
"Jeanette," I said coolly, turning my back to her as I faced the floor‑to‑ceiling windows, the city spread beneath me like a reminder of who held power here.
"By now, are you aware of your position?"
"Chairman," she replied quickly, rising from her seat, "I was only following orders."
I turned slowly.
"You should know," I said evenly, "that I do not tolerate being lied to."
Her hands twisted together. Fear always revealed itself in the small movements.
"My daughter is eight years old," I continued, my voice lowering. "And even she understands that dishonesty has consequences."
Jeanette dropped her gaze.
"You're fired," I said. Two words. No inflection. No hesitation.
"But sir—Joseph is the only one authorized to terminate my position," she protested, emboldened by desperation.
I narrowed my eyes.
I didn't care that Camille Hawkes was witnessing this.
"Miss Hand," I said flatly, "you are no longer employed here. Effective immediately." I paused, then added, "Miss Hawkes will assume your role."
Security was already moving.
Jeanette didn't get another word.
As they escorted her out, I straightened my cufflinks, already done with the matter.
Poor timing. I was already in a foul mood.
"Antonio," Mat's voice cut in, casual as ever, "how you doing?"
I didn't look at him.
"Already tired of your assistant?" he added smugly.
I cracked my neck once. "By now, you should know I'm not in the mood for conversation."
"Relax," he said. "I brought someone."
I turned—
—and my world recalibrated.
"Daddy!"
Ellie barreled into me, wrapping her arms around my waist. I lifted her instantly, instinctively.
"Mat," I asked without looking away from her, "why is she here?"
"It's noon," he replied. "You told her you'd pick her up."
I exhaled slowly.
"Daddy," Ellie said, pouting, "I thought you forgot me."
Every ounce of irritation evaporated.
"I would never forget you," I said firmly, hooking my pinky with hers. "Ever."
She smiled.
"Mat," I said, already shifting back into command, "take her down to the car. I'll be there shortly."
"But Daddy—"
"I'll see you in a few minutes," I said gently, kissing her forehead.
She nodded and followed Mat into the elevator.
The doors closed.
I turned.
"Miss Hawkes," I said. "Office. Now."
She stepped in, clearly overwhelmed.
"I'm aware you were hired under Mr. Brenton," I said, retrieving the documents from the desk. "However, as CEO, my authority supersedes his."
"Sir," she began, "I applied for R&D—"
"Are you questioning my authority?" I asked calmly, folding my hands.
Silence.
"No, sir," she said quickly. "Everything just happened very fast."
"You'll get used to that," I replied. I scanned the files once more. "Joseph will brief you once you're settled."
I handed them back. "Good work organizing these."
Her surprise was obvious.
"I'll be out for lunch," I said, already moving toward the door.
Because no matter how ruthless the world required me to be—
I never kept my daughter waiting.

revision: 3.10.26