"Thank you Lorenzo for letting me know she's here" Sirio thanked him politely.

"Glad to be of help. After all, we are business partners" Lorenzo responded smoothly.

Sirio was always impressed with what this young man has achieved in recent years. Lorenzo was an excellent businessman who opened one restaurant after another across the globe. Sirio couldn't help but wonder if he became their family united.

If the rumors were true he was about to go back to Palermo soon to take over his grandfather's position as a Don. Rafael, his older brother, would then remain as the leader here in Seattle.

"That we are," Lorenzo agreed. "Whiskey? Wine?" Lorenzo suggested and left his chair in order to prepare drinks for his guest.

"Whiskey, please," Sirio said and then he took his place at the armchair in front of his daughter. "Clara you have exactly 5 minutes to explain what are you doing in this place" Sirio's voice was harsher than he wanted it to be but he wasn't used to speaking gently.

"I don't feel like it" she barked.

Since Sirio entered Clara was stubbornly watching the wall in front of her without sparing her father a glance. Her leg bounced as the only sign of nervousness.

"You will answer me right now, Clara" Sirio's voice became sharper.

"I will not, Sirio" her voice was hard as steel.

This display of disrespect has left him stunned. His son would never refer to him by his first name and yet his daughter did, openly disrespecting her in front of his business partner. "Sirio?" he repeated quietly. "Is this a way to speak to your father?"

"You're not my father" Clara dismissed his words, still not looking at him. Meanwhile, Lorenzo was watching them in silence as if the interesting movie scene was playing in front of him. The only thing that was missing was popcorn in his hands.

"I am and nothing will ever change it" he responded with certainty "What is she doing here Lorenzo?" He directed this question at the other inhabitant of the room since his daughter was unwilling to speak.

"She got a job here and we're taking some extra care with a background check lately. As soon as I learned she might be your daughter I wanted to confirm it"

"You got hired in the best software company in the city and you accepted it. What are you doing here?"

"Don't act like you don't fucking know what am I doing here" her blue eyes shining with unspoken anger. "Recently I discovered that my "daddy" paid for my internship and then employment in that company," she said with disgust.

"That's not the good reason to quit" he responded harshly.

"Yes it is you son of the bitch" she whispered as pain crossed her face. Till this moment she believed that proposal was her achievement alone but no. No matter how talented a person is and Sirio's daughter had talent, no college student could receive an offer like that without proper recommendation.

This is when Sirio stood up from his chair and came dangerously closer to Clara.

"Do not raise your voice at me. And mind your language. Even though your mother decided to raise you alone you will show me proper respect. Is this some sort of temper tantrum? To punish me for interfering you decide to become a whore? This is the whole reason why you ended up here parading around naked and serving alcohol to men lesser than you?"

"Now, there's no need to get mad, this is a respectful establishment," Lorenzo asked.

"What if I am? What will people think about you? Daughter of Sirio Giordano a whore"

For the moment it looked like Sirio intends to hit her but Lorenzo stepped in and stood in front of him and Clara now.

"Now, there's no need to keep things so heated. I understood that this costume is a little controversial, my apologizes for that" Lorenzo said referring to maid's outfit "But it is strictly forbidden for clients to engage in any sort of interaction of sexual nature with our staff, hell they're allowed to put a finger on them and we ensure it never happens"

Sirio sighed in said response and took a seat at the leather chair situated next to Lorenzo. Now Clara felt like she's at the headmaster's office and her disappointed parent just showed up to listen about her bad decision. "Lorenzo. Have you considered tightening the bonds between our families?" Sirio changed the topic as if nothing happened. Clara furrowed brows at his weird and blunt-sounding question.

"Surely you're not suggesting what I think you do, Sirio"

How did the topic of the conversation just change so quickly?! What were they talking about?! Clara was thinking frantically.

"I have a daughter, you're a fine young gentleman. Think about the business opportunities that would open for us if our families united through blood"

Clara's body went through shock the moment she realized that her father was just discussing the marriage arrangement between her and Lorenzo.

This is when her and Lorenzo's eyes met. He was clearly having a lot of fun seeing her expression. Her mouth fell open, she was staring at both her father and Lorenzo with incredulous looks, her heartbeat was racing and the world was spinning a little.

"That's an excellent idea I will marry her" Lorenzo agreed easily. Even Sirio seemed to be surprised by his swift response.

This is when Clara jumped out of her chair.

"What? Are you insane? I'm not marrying anyone. What the hell is wrong with both of you? What century is it? Who arranges marriages in this time and age? And why are we talking about it now?!"

"Be quiet Clara," Sirio said in a dismissive tone. He turned his face to Lorenzo and continued speaking "I will make sure she has a better attitude on your next meeting"

"I don't mind, I like feisty women," he said, and he winked at her.

Clara looked at both men with absolute disbelief. Who do those motherfuckers think they are? She's going to show them. There will be no wedding.

None.