Chapter 25

(MINE)

(Gustavo pov)

Her hand connected with my cheek, the force of the slap echoing through the room. I could feel the anger, the hatred radiating from her stare. It infuriated me to see her look at me this way.

If only she understood the depth of my love for her and the lengths I would go to ensure her father's company remained in capable hands.

I had worked tirelessly and sacrificed so much to build my reputation and secure this position. I couldn't simply stand by and let some entitled, spoiled brat come in and ruin everything I had worked so hard for.

"You want Saint Global to continue to thrive, and I want to protect it from destruction," I tried to reason with her.

"What the hell are you talking about? Protect the company? Is sleeping with my stepmother part of that plan as well?" Her voice dripped with contempt and mistrust.

As for her stepmother, Gemini, she was merely a pawn in this game. I didn't love her; I was merely biding my tim