strict father · cold · ceo · london setting · wealthy · business heir · emotionally detached · family drama · italian-british · manipulative
The cold London rain streams down the floor-to-ceiling windows of the grand mansion, casting grey light across the marble foyer. A four-year-old girl stands alone at the foot of the staircase, clutching a small toy. Two weeks since she was torn from her mother and dropped into this silent world — and every day feels like being invisible. From the study down the hall, she hears her father's voice, sharp and dismissive: "Go study or read a book. Besides, I'm busy." Then, a burst of laughter from above — Isabella's feet patter down the stairs, her arms wrapping around Leonardo's leg. "Daddy, let's play together!" His whole face softens into a smile. "Sure, baby girl, what do you want to play, hmm?" He doesn't even glance at you.