she said and it didn't come easy. In other circumstances, she would never speak that man's name but she was a few seconds from death and she didn't have a choice but to use her mafioso father's name, the last thing that could save her life.

"Good one" Lorenzo chuckled but lowered his gun "Unfortunately for you, I know Sirio well. He doesn't have a daughter"

"My parents divorced. Me and my father don't have any relationship but we do share blood and he would take an issue if you killed me"

At least Clara hoped he would.

"Your surname is Castillo"

"I have my mother's surname for safety reasons"

"Fine, let me call him then" Lorenzo drew his cellphone to his ear. After a few torturous moments someone picked up "Sirio, I have a young woman in my nightclub, Clara Castillo, her name is. She claims she's your daughter. How does she look like? You know blonde hair, blue eyes, petite. Alright, we will wait" he ended up on the phone call and he looked at Clara as if she was a completely new person "Well, I will be damned. I almost killed Sirio's Giordano daughter"

"Don't call me that"

"Daddy issues? I see"

Unlike her, he seemed to be amused by the whole situation. Clara would do a lot to wipe that damn smirk off his face.

But Lorenzo didn't wait for her to respond. He continued speaking "So. Your father is a billionaire and you wanted to get money from that piece of shit Desmond? Now your story really doesn't make sense dolcezza"

"My name is Clara"

"I can call you whatever I want Clara. Don't forget your place" he said darkly, traces of warmth gone from his eyes. Clara shivered.

Clara would scratch his face off for speaking to her like that but right now she had bigger problems. She just realized she's wearing an embarrassing cat ears headband on her head. She was acutely aware of skimpy maid costume as well. Her conservative father is going to murder her the moment he sees her so her attempt to survive will ultimately backfire.

That being said maybe it would be best to not antagonize Lorenzo right now. He could be her only ally. She decided to open up instead of addressing his inappropriate comment.

"My father forgot that I existed the moment he divorced my mother. That was 14 years ago. I never saw him since so yes, Lorenzo, you might sum up my problems with the phrase "daddy issues" if it pleases you" she said, her voice unfriendly, sharp, and spiteful. Clara realized that she can't do a nice voice when she's pissed at someone.

Lorenzo didn't seem phased.

"Serious daddy issues indeed. But you know when he learned where you are he did not hesitate to tell me not to touch you, so maybe he's not that indifferent as you might have thought"

"Mind your own business"

"Currently this mess is my business" he drew the pocket knife and opened it. The snap made Clara flinch. "Relax, I am just releasing you. It would be awkward if your father caught us at bondage play" Lorenzo winked. He was insane. One moment he's dead serious, cold, terrifying, and the second later his mood changes into a playful one. This man must have a split personality. "I can't lie I'd prefer if you didn't tell your father about my murder attempt unfortunately that would give made our relationship difficult"

"Then I have a request too," Clara said quietly.

"I'm all ears?" Lorenzo responded, his dark brown eyes sparkled with interest.

"Don't tell him I wanted money from Desmond"

"I had the feeling you'd say that. Fine. But I do wonder. How come you're desperate for money since your father is a billionaire?"

"I don't want his money," Clara said stubbornly looking away.

Lorenzo's piercing gaze was glued on her.

He looked intrigued. But the last thing Clara needed is to pique that man's interest.

She was in enough trouble as it is already. Her father would arrive any time to the club and what would happen to her when he did? After all, she did not reject his money only out of spite. He was a monster and she was scared of him.

Sirio Giordano has never felt the same fury as he did today. Today he has learned that his wife committed the worst crime she ever could against her husband. She cheated on him.

Sirio was a traditionalist and there were only two ways to solve this issue in the spirit of their tradition: banish her or kill her. The latter never crossed his mind. He regarded himself as a cruel person but he would never murder the mother of his children no matter how he despised her for staining their family honor.

Because Gianna begged him to allow her to take his daughter with her he graciously agreed. He remembered well what he said to Gianna that day.

"Can you provide for your daughter in the same way I can?" he looked at Gianna as she was dirt that stuck to his shoe. She was kneeling on the ground of his office with smudges of mascara staining her cheeks.

"I am not asking for Sante. I am just asking for my daughter all you can offer her are expensive nannies and tutors"

"Exactly. What can you offer her?" he asked coldly. She had the nerve to mention Sante, his first-born son. He was to one day inherit everything he owned. He would never let that woman see him again.

"Parent's love" Gianna had a point. Sirio was not an affectionate person. He was so caught up in his work he never had time for his daughter.

"Can you put food at the table with that love?" he continued. He already knew that sending Clara away with her mother was the best gift he could give to this child's childhood. It was true, she would not live in wealth but he saw Gianna's point. He would never admit it out loud though.

"I will. I don't want any of your money" she said with contempt. That angered Sirio even more.

"Take her then. You will regret it"

He said the last sentence carelessly because it was Sirio, not Gianna who would end up regretting everything.