Divine Obsession (GodHood #2)

Chapter 29

Present

Rays of morning sunshine crept through the blinds, casting a soft glow across my apartment. I’d moved out of my dad’s penthouse when I graduated from Columbia last year and got a penthouse on the fifty-second floor in SoHo.

The city was coming alive again, like it always did at the start of a new season. The first day of March, the first day of spring. A time for change.

I grabbed a black leather jacket from my walk-in closet and slipped it on, the cool fabric settling against my skin. I was meeting Maria in Little Italy today – the same way I did on the first of every month.

I needed the break. After Trevor showed back into my life again on my birthday, my mind had been running non-stop for the past few weeks.

Today, I was going to enjoy a few hours of peace. Or at least, that was the plan.

My phone buzzed in my hand as I headed towards the kitchen.

“Hi, dad.”

“ Cara ,” My father's voice came through, steady and warm as always. “How are you?”

I smiled. “I’m good, Dad. Just heading out.”

“Good, good.” There was a slight pause. When he spoke again there was a shift in his tone. “Listen, I wanted to check in. You’ve got your head on straight, yes?”

“I’m fine. You know I can handle things.”

His chuckle was low and comforting. “I know, cara . I know. But just remember, no matter what happens, I’ve got your back. Always.”

I felt a warmth spread through me with a sense of reassurance I didn’t realize I needed. My father’s confidence in me had become my rock.

“I know, Dad. I’ll be careful.”

“I trust you, Natalia. You’ll make sure this family stays strong.” There was a finality to the tone of his words, leaving no room for doubt.

“I will,” I said quietly, the weight of his trust grounding me.

He let out a sigh, long and deliberate. “I trust you know what you’re doing, but be careful with Trevor.”

The mention of his name hit like a train. The last person I wanted to hear about today, and yet, there it was. I bit the inside of my cheek, fighting the surge of irritation that crept up. “I can handle him.”

“I know you can,” He said softly. “I’m not worried, cara . I just need you to stay sharp. Stay safe. That’s all that matters.” His voice held a weight that I couldn’t ignore.

“I will make sure your empire survives.”

“I know you will.”

“Thanks, Dad. I’ll see you Sunday afternoon for lunch.” I hung up, the words lingering in the air.

Trevor might be complicated, but today wasn’t about him. Today was about business. And nothing – not even him – was going to get in my way.

I slipped my phone into my pocket and headed out the door, determined to keep my focus on what mattered.

The first day of March. The first day of spring. A time for new beginnings. A time for change.

But for me, nothing ever changed.

Different city, same game.

I stood in front of the massive mirror in the entryway of the mansion, adjusting my tie.

The last time I saw Natalia, things got… Complicated .

But today was just another job; just another day. Her father’s plan, my father’s plan… That was all it was supposed to be.

I grabbed my suit jacket from where I’d thrown it over the back of an armchair, ready to head out, when I heard the familiar footsteps behind me.

“Going out?”

I turned to face my father, hands clasped behind his back, his sharp gaze assessing me.

“Yeah,” I said, already feeling the weight of his silent scrutiny. “Meeting Natalia for the job.”

He nodded once, his face impassive, but I could tell he wasn’t entirely pleased. Not that he ever was when it came to the Morettis.

“Be careful, Trevor.” His voice was low but firm. “You can’t trust the Morettis. Especially not her.”

I stiffened, my jaw tightening. His warning felt more like a reminder than advice.

“I know how this works, Dad.” My voice came out more clipped than I intended, but it was hard to sound respectful when I knew he wasn’t saying anything new.

Richard Su was always in control. Always one step ahead. He didn’t get close to or trust anyone – except my mother.

“She’s smarter than you think.”

“ I can handle it .”

My father didn’t blink. “Don’t let your guard down, Trevor.”

I swallowed, his words digging deeper than I cared to admit. “I know.”

“You have everything to lose. Don’t forget that.”

I nodded. “I’ll make sure your empire survives.”