CHAPTER 4

GIANA'S POV

"So the father of the child agreed to the child's request?" Mama asked as we both made dinner that night. I nodded. I had told her about the Vanderbilts, the money i received and Riley's request. "I think he's spoiling the child. I mean, if she wants a new set up of her room every month end, its understandable. But every weekend is just insane. Where is the child's mother anyway?"

I stirred the soup in the pot. "From what i heard from Al, she's dead. Maybe that's why her dad is giving in to whatever she wants." I reasoned with her.

"But it doesn't matter sis, its to the detriment of this Riley kid. If he keeps giving her everything she wants, she'll grow up believing she can get whatever she wants. And i don't think that's good." Tanya said as she set up the dining table.

I walked over to her and placed the soup on the table. "I know baby girl. But its not our business with how he raises his kid."

"Yes, its not our business, but you'll be stuck with this kid every weekend. Or did you refuse their proposal?" Mama asked, bringing the rest of our dinner. Tanya went to get grandma.

I sighed. "I told him I'll think about it, ma. I want the job. I love designing houses, its my job and I'm proud of it. Plus he's offering a generous amount for it. But ma, I can't stand that kid. She makes my blood boil. I'm confused."

"If you think you won't be able to handle it, then let it go. I don't want you stressing yourself, after all, you'll always have new clients." Mama reassured me. "And thanks for giving me money for Tanya's tuition. You didn't have to."

I smiled and hugged her. "I love you all, and will always be supportive. I work so hard for you all. That's what family's for."

Tanya and Nonna came down and we all had dinner.

****

I sat in my office, staring blankly at my computer screen, thinking about Armani's offer. I had spoken about it with Theo and he was not so supportive. He said he didn't want a kid disrespecting me. I didn't want that too. Alvin had called me and begged me to accept because it would make his niece happy. My boss, Carter, was not even helping out. He kept piling work on my table. If i accept Armani's proposal, I'll be doing it personally. It won't be under the agency's name. My personal money. I can use the money to get myself a new car. The one i have is already old and i barely drive it around. If i get this job, I can get a better car and give my old one to Tanya. So I don't see why I should refuse the offer. I can handle Riley. I believe I can. I picked up my phone and called Alvin. Luckily, he answered on the second ring. "Hey Al."

"Hey Gigi, what's up? I'm kinda busy. Got a surgery in 10."

"Ohh, I didn't know. I called to let you know I'll take up the job so you can tell your brother."

I heard him shuffling something. "That's really great. I'll just send you Armani's number so you call him and discuss it. Got to go now, I'll see you tomorrow." And then the line went off. Damn it, Alvin. My phone signaled the entry of a new message from Alvin. It was Armani's number. I hesitantly saved it as 'Mr. Vanderbilt'. I debated whether or not to call him and decided its better I call him now. The earlier, the better, right? I tried calling him but it went straight to voicemail. I cleared my throat. "Good morning, Mr. Vanderbilt. Giana Williams here. I thought about Riley's request and your offer. I've agreed to do it. Call me when you get this. Bye." I hope my voice is okay.

I carried on with my work and two hours later, my phone started ringing. It was Armani so I cleared my throat and answered the call.

"Hello Miss Williams, I was in an important meeting but got your mail. I'm glad you accepted to work for us." Goodness, his accent always makes me all hot and bothered.

"Yes sir."

"You can come to my office when you're free so we talk about the job and pay. I'll send you my secretary's email so you let her fit you into my schedule for a brief meeting. Have a good day Miss Williams." And he hung up. What is wrong with these Vanderbilt brothers? They keep hanging up on me.

Armani sent me the email and I sent a message to his secretary. She said she could fit me in tomorrow at 3 PM.

I continued my work till 4 PM and went to Theo's house. We watched the football game together, made love and talked about everything. His phone rang and he excused himself to answer it. That's strange. We always answer our calls by each other. He stayed for about 10 minutes. When he came back, I raised my eyebrow at him. "Who was that and what was it about?"

He scratched his forehead. "Work. Got a new offer."

I didn't buy his story but I shrugged it off. Theo never lies to me. If he said its work, then I believe him.

******

The next day, I left work early and rushed to 'VANDERBILT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION'. My jaws dropped as i stood in front of the glass skyscraper. It was so fucking huge and nice and the letters VTC was imprinted on the glass walls and on the floor. Wow, just wow. This guy sure is loaded. I walked in after i answered all the questions by the security. As i stood at the reception, my picture was taken and in no time, the male receptionist handed me an access ID with my picture on it. He took my own national ID. Wow, everything here was top. I took the elevator which could carry at least 20 people to the sixtieth floor. The elevator was transparent and i enjoyed the beautiful view of Los Angeles. When i got to the top floor, I met with Armani's secretary and she showed me his office. It was really spacious up here and beautiful too.

'ARMANI VANDERBILT' was written on the glass door. I couldn't see what was on the other side but i was sure he could see me, so I knocked so as not to look crazy. I heard a faint 'come in' and walked inside. The AC was on full blast. It was really cold in here. "Good afternoon sir."

He looked up from his computer. He had glasses on. Holy Moses! He looked so responsible in it and his hair was messy. Damn, I could eat this guy. "Good afternoon Miss Williams. Please have a seat."

"Thank you." I said and sat on the comfortable chair. Everything on his desk was in order. The guy is so neat. Another point for him.

"Can i offer you anything?"

I shook my head. "No, thanks. By the way, I know its not my business, but where is Riley? Did you leave her all alone."

"I'm glad you care, Miss Williams. The new nanny came in this morning. Anyways, about the job, Riley requested for a new set up of her room every weekend. I know its hard but her mom always did it for her. You have to do your best, Miss Williams. My daughter takes style very seriously. Just tell me how much you want and I'll make a transfer to your account."

Professional much, huh? "I'll work according to Riley. I'll stop by the mansion every Saturday morning. I won't change the theme, just the set up. I will change the theme every month end. As for my pay, I'll charge $500 for every set up." What? Don't judge me, the guy is loaded. Plus I'll be stuck with his bundle of rudeness.

He nodded. "That sounds like a deal to me, Miss Williams. So long as Riley is okay with the work, then we're good. Deal?" He asked in a professional tone, standing up. This meeting sure is brief as he had said.

I also stood up and took his hands in mine. Damn, his hands again. I hope i don't get distracted God. The guy is a hunk. I shook my head to concentrate, realizing i had been holding his hands for long. "Deal."

"Good. See you on Saturday, Miss Williams."

"Yes sir." I turned to go but stopped and looked at him. "One more thing, sir."

He raised his brows.

"Just call me Giana." I told him with a shy smile. Good thing i'm black, my cheeks won't stand out.

He nodded. "Only if you call me Armani." He said with a smirk.

"Looks like we have another deal then, Armani." I said and walked away with a wide smile plastered on my face.

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