Chapter 5

Chapter 5

I think that my parents were still in shock from what that family did for us. The money that they raised was big enough to have us comfortable for a while at the hotel and to afford marketing campaigns to introduce into the market again.

Both my parents, especially my father was very emotional and I wasn't surprised. They disappeared as soon as we arrived at the house.

I walk into the lounge hoping to find my parents in there but I'm greeted by one little rascal instead, my brother Eaton I feel like I haven't seen this guy in ages way before the fire.

"hey little man", I crouch down so I'm face to face with my partner in crime, my brother Eaton is only a baby and has already spoken his first word, sadly it was mama and not sister or Retty but whatever right I'm pretty sure he loves me the most.

"Mama" Eaton murmurs holding me captive with his golden-brown eyes.

"No mama is somewhere else you've got me though," I say pinching his cute chubby cheeks. I receive a frown when he realises he's not looking at his mama. Fine Eaton have it your way but one day you're going to want your big sister when.

"Loretta, what are you doing, " Dad says with a smirk. Many times he has caught me talking to my toddler brother who probably has no idea what I am saying.

"Dad how rude, I'm simply talking to my little brother right Eates " I turn back around hoping to see my brother's smiling face but no I'm greeted with his backside. Real pleasant.

Such a cute little bum though. I have to grab him before he walks away

"Dad" I shout before he escapes again.

" Loretta, I can't let you do this for us. I feel so guilty using the money" he says letting it all out. I narrowed my eyes at him.

" Dad I'm not sure if you know how gofundme works but these people would only doNate for the cause which was to help the hotel out. This money isn't mine just because I sang in a street"

" I'm still not sure about this," he says hesitating. It warms my heart that he is willing to sacrifice the hotel for his daughter but I wasn't giving him a chance to refuse.

" I am sure, but..." I pause dramatically. He arches his brow at me. He had to know that there would be a but coming.

" I would love to discuss maybe a promotion in the business, to have more of a managerial role" I suggested. I want to be a part of the hotel business, and would love to create a newsletter so I could become a manager for the marketing department.

" deal," Dad said instantly, his hand reaching out to me for a handshake. I stared at him in shock, even mom poked her head around the corner with a surprised look on her face.

"Really," I asked excitedly. He shrugged his shoulders. " You were always really good at managing the accounts and I trust you as my daughter to love this hotel as much as I love it"

I leapt forward shoving his hand out the way but instead wrapping my arms around him in a hug. He hugged me back as tight, placing a kiss on my head. " You make me the proudest father in the world honey, I love you" he whispers.

"oh what a way to ruin the moment son" Dad randomly says looking behind me.

I follow his gaze to find my mum chasing after Eaton who seems to be dribbling all over the carpet.

Dad and I simultaneously mutter "Ew" before we laugh while heading to his office.

Dads office is big it's probably one of the biggest rooms in the house it's full of his work stuff obviously but also its where we keep all of our photographs and albums from my parent's families and when they were younger too.

Although mum hasn't let me see barely any of them, dad doesn't understand at first, he thought she was ashamed but they soon sorted everything out. Don't ask me how because I have no idea and I would personally rather leave that to them.

I followed dad into the office after. He went straight to his computer and started searching for a draft contract that he could start for me.

" I'm really sorry that Nate said that to you, honey, I would have thought he knew who you were since you both did see each other when you were much younger," dad said whilst typing.

We did?

" I really don't remember that at all," I said trying to think back to when I was younger.

He nodded. " well I think we both judged each other, I wouldn't hold a grudge against him anymore," I said not wanting to go back and think about my childhood.

He lifted his head. " really?, because if that's true I want you to set up a contract with Nate's company so he can do our renovations and design for the hotel" I watched as he slid over a piece of paper that he just printed.

" why do I have to do that, if I'm going to be in marketing surely this is something you should sort out," I said to him.

He smiled at my mom behind me. " was worth a try darling" I groaned as I looked back at my mom who had a frown on her face. Jesus Christ, my parents are just awful.

" Fine I will do it but I need some marketing when I go to a meeting with him, actually we can do that right now," dad says checking his watch. Acting he didn't already know what the time was. There was no reason for us to go right now.

" no I'm busy," I said stepping back. I made a beeline for the door only for it to be blocked by my mother and a grinning Eaton.

I feel attacked.

" do you still want that promotion darling," she asks sweetly.

I was appalled by their behaviour, clearly, they don't mind blackmailing their daughter.

I didn't speak to them once as we drove to Testorro industries. I was growing anxious with every mile, the last time I was here was not a good moment for me so you can understand why I'm feeling like this right now.

"Loretta" a deep voice calls as we enter the building after dad had a little catch up with the man guarding the door.

I looked up and saw Nathaniel walking towards us, his legs taking long strides, his eyes focused on mine.

" Nathaniel, it's great to see you again" my dad stepped up when Nathaniel was met with my silence. Nathaniel eventually looked away from me and to my father. " likewise, it's been a long time. I want to introduce you to my wife Hannah I don't believe you've met"

Nathaniel looked over at my mom as she carried Eaton on her hip. " Lovely to meet you, and hello there who's this" Eaton finally got the attention he wanted.

" This is our son Eaton" mom beams proudly. Nathaniel grins at Eaton and I had to stop the smile from appearing on my lips at Eaton's straight face.

My brother is not impressed with you either Nathaniel.

"Well, let's go up to my office and we can discuss this in private" Nathaniel says turning his body. Mom nudged me quickly.

"wait" I exclaimed realising that I was actually supposed to be doing my job. Nathaniel froze, his head tilting down.

" Can I get some footage for our Instagram, I just need you and my father close to each other?" I asked, hoping that he wouldn't mind.

Nathaniel sighed but quickly turned around. " of course, whatever you want Loretta," he said, my name rolling off his Italian tongue.

Jesus.

Mom stepped back as I videoed my dad standing with Nathaniel and then my father being led upstairs to the office. I felt hot when Nathaniel refused to stop staring at me as I caught this video. He was making it very uncomfortable for me.

We eventually made it to his office. It surprised me that he had more chairs in here so that more people could sit down in the office.

I stood back and waited for them to sit down so I could get some photographs.

" are you going to sit down?" Dad asked me curiously. I felt Nathaniel's hot gaze on me. I shuffled on my feet.

" Please sit," He asked me.

Reluctantly I sat down to the side of my father. Nathaniel's assistant walked in, she placed a few Files in front of Nathaniel before quickly leaving.

" I have reviewed the damages of the hotel and luckily the repairs should be done this week then we can start on the updates. Please look over these designs I've made and tell me what you think. I am open to any changes you desire" Nathaniel spoke formally as he laid out different designs to the hotel.

One of them instantly caught my attention. Each design had a completely different layout. I picked up the one I liked and looked closer.

" There are ways to open up space in the entrance, I would recommend adding structures to make the entrance an inviting space as soon as your guests enter" he spoke again.

I glanced up at him. His eyes already on mine.

"This is amazing Nate, I could even go far saying better than your father," my dad said looking at the same one as me.

" Dad, don't be so informal, I'm recording," I said to my dad.

Without looking away from me he grinned. " No, it's more than okay. I prefer Nate and you're practically family James" Nathaniel replied finally turning to my father and smiling.

"I actually can show you how it would look. It's a new technology that can show you the design in reality. I can have my assistant show you if you would like"

Dad perked up at this " oh really, that would be amazing if we could see it" Nathaniel was happy with that answer and pressed down onto a button. " please escort Mr and Mrs Reeves to the Tech room please and let them meet Sergei"

As my parents stood up I followed. " We will meet you there, I just need to discuss something with Loretta," Nathaniel said before we could leave his office.

My eyes widened. Was he serious? So now he wasn't even giving me a choice.

" That really isn't necessary," I said slightly in a panic to be left alone here with Nathaniel.

" I insist, I have to apologise to your daughter," Nathaniel said staring at my parents with a guilty look. My dad's eyes softened. " then she will stay, give him a chance to apologise Loretta"

I groaned as my dad forced me to stay.

I watched as the door shut behind them as they left, their voices disappearing as they walked down the corridor.

I froze when I could hear him walking away from his desk and closer to me.

"Loretta, please look at me" he begged as he stood directly behind me.

I sighed deeply and reluctantly turned around to face him.