The Godfather’s Sinful Night

Chapter 3

Avannah's POV

“Wow! You’re stunning now, Avannah! You look like a celebrity—or even a model! You used to be so skinny and unkempt, but now your beauty is on another level!” my friend Yvonne said, grinning from ear to ear.

“That’s just how it is—I suddenly transformed,” I joked. “But you too, you’ve become prettier and sexier,” I added with a laugh.

She pouted. “It doesn’t feel like it! It’s so annoying. I’ve been getting pimples! If I didn’t do skincare, they would’ve multiplied by now. Good thing they’re almost gone.”

“It’s a good thing I don’t really get pimples,” I said, touching my cheek. “They only appear when I’m about to get my period—maybe two or three at most.”

“I wish everyone had that! How old are you now? Your birthday’s coming up, right?”

“I’m twenty-three now. But I still look like a teenager!” I laughed. “Just kidding. I’m not sure what we’ll do on my birthday yet. Maybe we’ll just eat out as a family. I’ve been busy lately since I just started working at a company—a well-known one,” I said with a smile.

Yvonne’s eyes widened. “Oh? I wish I had that kind of luck! I want to get into a company like that too, but I always fail the interviews. It’s so hard when you’re not the sharpest tool in the shed!” she said, laughing loudly.

I nudged her. “You’re being too hard on yourself. There’s no such thing as a dumb person. Maybe their standards are just high, or they’re looking for a specific answer they want to hear.”

She sneered. “Don’t sweet-talk me, Avannah. You just reworded it. I really am dumb—I couldn’t answer properly.”

I shook my head, laughing. “I don’t know about you. Come on, let’s eat out today. My treat.”

Her eyes widened again. “Seriously? Wow! You’ve really changed—you’re loaded now!”

I laughed. Even after all these years, Yvonne and I still treated each other the same. It felt like nothing had changed at all. Now that I had a job, I wanted to give back. I didn’t even know who the CEO of the company was yet. I heard the company was relatively new—the former CEO had stepped down and was immediately replaced.

The Next Day

I woke up to the blaring sound of my alarm clock. Still half-asleep, I forced myself out of bed. It had been almost a week since I moved into this apartment, and I was slowly getting used to it.

I was happy for Aunt Elen—she’d found someone who truly made her happy. It made me think about having a boyfriend of my own, but it also scared me. I was afraid I wouldn’t find real love. Afraid I’d just get played. These days, many men only want to use women—they’re after the body, not genuine love.

“Hi, Avannah! Good morning!” Sheena greeted me cheerfully.

“Good morning,” I replied as I sat at my desk.

“Are you ready? The new CEO is arriving later, and it looks like he’ll be visiting all the departments,” she said with a smirk.

I raised an eyebrow. “I’m ready. Why do you look so anxious?”

She shrugged. “It’s nothing. It’s just that our product sales have dropped, right? They might think our marketing isn’t effective—that’s why the public isn’t noticing us.”

“You’re overthinking it,” I said with a reassuring smile. “We’re doing everything we can to promote our products. Maybe people are just loyal to other brands for now. But some are starting to try ours, and I believe it’ll gain recognition eventually. Our products are effective—I’m sure of it.”

She nodded. “You’re right. Let’s get to work. Oh, by the way, Lorenzo was looking for you earlier. I swear it was love at first sight for him. You’re lucky—he’s now a department head, so his salary increased! If you go on a date, that’s a sure win. He’ll always cover the bill,” she said, giggling.

I just laughed. “I don’t need a guy who always pays. There are plenty of men who spend money on women but only end up deceiving them.”

She pouted. “Fair point. But does he meet your standards looks-wise?”

I cleared my throat. Lorenzo was handsome—tall, fair-skinned, with dimples, a well-built body, and a kind demeanor. But he wasn’t my type. I didn’t know why. Despite his good looks, I felt no attraction. He was too nice. What I wanted was someone with an edge—someone a little intimidating, but still a gentleman. Not a womanizer.

“He’s handsome, but he’s not my type,” I said with a laugh. “He’s too nice. I like someone with a bit of edge. Someone who looks like they can protect you—someone intimidating.”

She laughed too. “Ah, the bad-boy type? Stay away from those. They’re usually deceivers. You’ll just end up hurt.”

“You’re exaggerating. Some bad boys turn good when they meet the right girl,” I teased.

She burst out laughing. “You sound like you’re living in a telenovela, Avannah. But who knows? There’s nothing wrong with daydreaming. Maybe the guy you’re looking for will suddenly walk into your life.”

We soon got busy with work. A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Our department head stepped inside.

“Good morning, everyone. Please stand as we welcome the new CEO of the company—Mr. Raider Monteverde.”

I immediately stood up, my eyes widening. Raider… is he really the new CEO of this company?

It was as if all my female coworkers’ eyes sparkled the moment he walked in. Raider was… breathtaking. You wouldn’t guess his age from his appearance. From what I knew, he’d be turning forty this August, but he looked like he was in his thirties. Is this what it’s like to be wealthy—aging slowly while still exuding charm and power?

Our department head was briefing him, explaining what we did for the company. I swallowed hard when Raider’s eyes met mine—and he smiled at me. Just like that, the attention of my coworkers shifted to me. My cheeks flushed, and I scratched the back of my neck awkwardly.

“Sir, this is Ms. Sanchez. She’s a new employee,” our head said.

Raider turned to him, smiling. “Yes, I know. She’s my goddaughter,” he said, then turned to me.

My coworkers’ jaws collectively dropped, and all eyes were on me. I didn’t know what to say. Shyness prickled through me as he stepped closer, making my heart race.

“You didn’t tell me you were working here,” he said with that signature, effortless smile.

“Hi… I didn’t know you were the new CEO, Godfather…” I stammered, nervously scratching my head.

He smiled wider, and somehow it made him even more striking. “I’m glad you’re here. Looks like I’ll have even more motivation to visit…” he said, winking at me.