The Mafia and The Billionaire

Serene's POV

As I hadn't yet arrived at my house in Ling City, I couldn't help but feel the mounting intensity in the air. It was as if the very atmosphere itself crackled with anticipation.

"Serene, you need to remember that you hold the future of our organization, so you'd better make wise decisions at all times," demanded Grandma, as if expecting me to make a mistake with every action I take. I couldn't really blame her. Glancing around the living room of our mansion, I noticed that, as usual, Grandpa was not interfering. I even tried seeking help by raising my left eyebrow at him, but he just shrugged his shoulders, as if telling me that I had no choice.

But why was I going anyway? Well, my father had called me on the phone to talk about my inheritance. So, I needed to return to Ling City immediately, where I had spent six years of my life. "Serene, do you understand me?" Grandma asked in a monotone yet strict voice. I looked at her, took a deep breath, and answered,

"Yes, Grandma."

"By the way..." She paused for a long moment, and for some reason, my forehead began to perspire, causing me to feel uneasy. "My dear Serene, you're already an adult, which means we want you to get married and have your own family."

Feeling overwhelmed by Grandma's demanding words, I sank into the plush royal blue sofa, seeking solace in its comforting embrace. Grandpa, ever attentive, had prepared a cup of tea for me, and I took a small sip, hoping it would calm my trembling nerves. "It's not that I'm rushing you, Serene, but you must choose a suitable husband who understands the intricacies of our family and can support our business endeavors," Granny emphasized, her voice carrying a mix of concern and expectation. "You must claim what is rightfully yours, but be mindful not to squander the wealth that has been painstakingly built over generations."

Summoning my courage, I mustered the strength to speak up, despite the tremors coursing through my body. "Grandma, do we truly need to go to such lengths?" I questioned, my voice wavering slightly.

She gracefully made her way to her elegant one-seater sofa and settled into it, exuding an air of authority. "Your mother worked tirelessly for this legacy, and you, my dear, possess her intelligence and resilience. But you must not repeat her mistakes. I trust you understand what I mean," she replied firmly.

Though I had intended to remain silent, my tongue betrayed me, and I found myself unable to hold back any longer. "Grandma, you have reiterated this countless times since my arrival. I have embraced the path you set for me, and I want you to know that I willingly chose it. However, I implore you to find some calmness within yourself. Additionally, I plan to bring Enzo and Patt with me," I informed her, watching for her reaction. She nodded in acknowledgment.

Turning my attention to Grandpa, I couldn't help but wonder if he would allow Grandma to continue dominating the conversation. "And Grandpa, will you just allow Grandma to do all the talking?" I inquired, hoping for a different perspective.

"Your grandma is always right," Grandpa replied, his words accompanied by a playful eye roll from me. It was hard to imagine him as the former leader of a mafia. In Portico, our family was renowned for our kindness and generosity, always ready to lend a helping hand to those around us. However, beneath that benevolent facade lay an undeniable ruthlessness. While we didn't flaunt it openly, the civilians knew better than to cross our path.

My father, Lorenzo, had betrayed my mother, inflicting immeasurable pain upon her. He would have to face the consequences of his actions. As for his mistress, she would not achieve her desired outcome, and neither would their illegitimate child. Dad had done nothing to protect Mom when she was harmed and ultimately murdered, and those memories remain painfully fresh in my mind.

*** Flashback ***

When I was six years old, my parents and I visited the amusement park. A mysterious man came up to us while I was still tightly holding onto my mother's hand. It struck me as odd that he wore a hat and sunglasses despite the absence of sunlight, and the way they covered half his face sent a chill down my spine.

Dressed in a long trench coat that reached his knees, the man posed a question to my mother with an ominously twisted smile: "You're happy, right?" The fear that gripped me in that moment was not for myself but for her.

My father, seemingly irritated, interjected, "What is it, Marissa?" It was at that moment that I despised him. While I was already frightened by our circumstances, he appeared unfazed. Sensing the danger, my mother shielded me with her body, and I could only catch a glimpse of the man pulling out a knife from behind him.

"M-Mom," I called out, desperately seeking her attention. She held onto my hand tightly, but I could sense her efforts to protect me from harm. When I called out to her once more, I tugged at her hand, my concern for her overwhelming. And then, I watched in horror as I saw the man aggressively stab my mother in the heart five times. And my eyes widened when she fell to the ground.

“MOM!!!” I screamed, joining her on the ground. “Hold on, Mom. We will bring you to the hospital.” My tears streamed down my face as I kneeled beside her, holding her close.

My father, seemingly indifferent to my mother's condition, tried to calm me, attempting to stifle my cries. It was as if he didn't care that my mother was lying, unconscious. Thankfully, the people around us saw our distress and rushed to our aid, helping to transport my mom to the hospital. But despite their efforts, she didn't make it. She was gone, and I would never see her again.

Amid my grief, my father unexpectedly brought a woman named Daisy and a girl nearly my age named Mavie into our home. At first, I found solace in having a playmate—a distraction from the pain of my mother's sudden death. However, it soon became clear that Mavie was anything but a playmate. And the worst part is that my father always seemed to side with her, making me feel small and insignificant in his eyes.

While I was playing in our room, Dad barged into my room with Daisy. I was confused when Mavie began to cry, but instead of asking her what was wrong, I couldn't help but cry too. Because the weight of missing my mother was overwhelming and I sought solace in the comfort of my room, tears flowed uncontrollably.

In a fit of anger, Dad snarled, accusing me of hurting her. I glanced at Daisy and then at Mavie, who wore a smug expression as if they knew something I didn't. As a young child, I couldn't comprehend their intentions, but I knew they weren't being kind. And so, I decided to stand up for myself against them.

"I haven't left my room since last night, so I don't know what you're talking about," I responded, my voice trembling with confusion. At that moment, Dad's hand met my cheek with a stinging slap. That was the first time he had ever hurt me, and I was shocked that he would do so for that woman and the other child. It became clear to me that only my mother had truly cared for me.

Being an only child, I had always believed I had the best of both worlds. With my mother by my side, my father, who harbored little affection for me, would put on an extra show of love. I often wondered why, but as a young child, I couldn't comprehend that my father's love for my mother wasn't as strong as I had imagined.

He retorted, taking Daisy and Mavie away with him, his words cutting deep. "I will send you back to your grandma's, and you will stay there for the rest of your life, never to return. Did you understand?" In my young mind, I knew that he didn't love me. And so I followed his instructions and went to my grandparents' home.

As I grew up under their care, my grandparents shared many stories about our family, particularly about my father, Daisy, and Mavie. They were part of his family, and it became evident that he had been unfaithful to my mother. My grandparents held a deep disdain for him, which is why they never visited us to see my mother, even after her passing. They had tried to prevent her from marrying my father, but as they often said, she was stubborn.

I received training under their guidance to become the next leader of our powerful family. Our reputation as the strongest in the region was well-known. My grandparents believed that our adversaries were responsible for my mother's death, and they feared that they would come after me next, seeking to end our lineage. However, I, the daughter of my strong-willed mother, refused to back down from fulfilling my destiny.

Unlike my mother, I vowed to make decisions based on logic rather than emotions. No man would ever be able to abuse and deceive me as my father had done to my mother. When the time came for me to return, I would leave nothing for my father, Lorenzo, and his mistress. And that day would come soon.

*** End of Flashback ***

"My dear," Grandma said gently, "Always remember to use your mind before your heart. Emotions can cloud your judgment and lead to poor decisions. Stay focused on your goals and never underestimate your opponent, even if they happen to be your own father."

Her words struck a chord within me, reminding me of the importance of rationality and resilience. I couldn't help but reflect on the countless nights I had spent crying, questioning why my father had never shown me the love I so desperately craved. Why had he only been kind to me when my mother was present? And why had he chosen to give me away to my grandparents, favoring Daisy and her daughter over his own flesh and blood?

"I do understand, Grandma," I replied, my voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and determination. The wounds inflicted by my father's actions still lingered, and I struggled to fully detach myself from the emotional turmoil.

Despite my resentment towards him, there was a part of me that longed for his love and acceptance, which a father should provide. But I knew that I had to let go of that longing and focus on the path ahead. "He will no longer have the power to hurt me." Grandma nodded, a smile playing on her lips. She understood the complexities of the situation and the inner battle I was fighting.

She may have been concerned about my return to my father’s presence, but I was determined to prove to her that I had grown stronger and wiser. I was no longer Serendipity Dylan, but Serene Portico, the leader and head of the Portico Region, bearing the weight of our family's name.

Through me, I would ensure that our legacy would endure. With my grandparents’ support and guidance, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. I honed my skills, sharpened my intellect, and fortified my resolve. I immersed myself in the intricacies of strategy and leadership, determined to become a force to be reckoned with.

As the day of confrontation with my father approached, I felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement. But I held onto Grandma's words, reminding myself to stay focused and composed. I would not let my emotions dictate my actions. I would face him with a clear mind and a steadfast determination.

Portico Region is already mine; anyone who tries to take it from me will have to suffer consequences. My inheritance from my mother is another thing, and claiming it would not be an easy one. I’m sure that Lorenzo will not give it to me willingly. But armed with the lessons learned from Grandma and fueled by my desire to protect my mom's legacy, I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.