Submitting to My Best Friend's Dad by Scarlett Rossi
Chapter 201 -

James.

"Please make sure it's taken care of," I muttered, my eyes narrowed as I stared at the wall. We'd arrived in Italy a few days ago, and problems were already springing up. I was the Don, no surprise, a fate that would befall Alessandro eventually as well, unless something changed.

Here, we'd have more opportunities. That tiny detail was stuck in Becca's mind, but I could tell she wanted out as soon as possible. Hopefully, she would adapt because I didn't intend on moving.

The incident with Layla was stuck in her mind, too, which meant she was occupied with that thought quite a bit. She was currently interviewing nannies. She was very picky and cycling through many. Given what we'd gone through, I couldn't blame her.

Giana, the former housekeeper, was on leave for an indefinite time. Something was going on with her family, and of course, given that Becca hadn't really liked her in the first place, I told her to take all the time she needed. Secretly, I wished I could be of more help around the place, but I had many issues of my own to take care of and couldn't dedicate the time. Plus, she was still rather annoyed with the entire situation, so my hovering would only make it worse. On the other end of the line, Tony replied, "We traced his goons to Vicollo Del Malpasso 129. We'll be moving in soon to catch and be rid of the vermin."

"Good," I replied, letting out a sigh of relief. "I'll relay instructions to the other men. Keep me updated, and we can finally put this to rest." I hung up, glad Becca wasn't around to overhear any of that. Her anxiety would make her more ornery, no doubt.

I leaned back in my soft, leather chair, glad to be back to the luxury I was used to. Really, I didn't want this life for Alessandro either. He shouldn't be tied down with all of this like I was. I hoped to eventually move on from it as well, but responsibilities were responsibilities.

There was a knock at the door, and I approached it, peering through the peephole to discover a woman standing there and giving a wave. I smiled, realizing this must be someone visiting Becca for an interview.

After opening the door to let her in, I said, "Hello there. Here for the nanny interview?" She nodded enthusiastically. Brunette curls fell down her shoulders, and she had bright green eyes that indicated eagerness to help out. "I am," she said, her smile widening. I stepped aside, leading her through the house and hearing her gasp. She said, "This place is gorgeous! You've done well with it." I couldn't help but smile at her observation because she was very right. Becca was in the nursery with the kids at the moment, and so, I led the woman there. Becca came to the door and smiled kindly at the interviewee. I noted the bags under her eyes and the glint of exhaustion in her gaze. "Hi, there!" Becca said, trying to come across as cheerful as opposed to completely out of it. "Welcome. You must be Estella. I can't wait to introduce you to the kids!" Then, she looked at me and nodded in thanks, an indication that she'd handle this. Perfect.

For the next few hours, I began to reconvene, setting up various spreadsheets on my computer and making several phone calls. Despite this Don business, I could continue to work on the business I had been handling before to increase the family's wealth and power.

There was never any shortage of money, or need to worry about such things. Becca still had far more than me, given when I 'died,' she was left all of it. The Family money was under my control as Don, but it didn't all belong to me. Therefore, it was my turn to rise again.

I wanted to establish myself and make damn sure there wouldn't ever be a reason to be worried. I was typing a mile a minute, setting up connections, and settling in here.

Hopefully, Becca wouldn't beg to leave. That thought made me scowl, and I shook my head. The snap decision was stressful for her, but in the end, better for me. Something better for me would be better for both of us. She would learn to love it here.

Though, I did want to do all I could to reduce the stress on her. She didn't want the Don life bestowed on Alessandro, and I didn't either. Could there be someone to pass the title off to, perhaps? I furrowed my brow in thought. Perhaps. I would be paying close attention to others in the family to figure out who I could approach and pass the Don title to instead of sealing Alessandro's fate. Truth be told, being a Don of the family wasn't a death sentence, but it was a huge responsibility.

I didn't want Alessandro to lose more people close to him like he had his mother. He was too young to understand but would grow older, and then it would click. I didn't wish the death of a child upon anyone, especially not my own grandson. Which would be a real possibility in the far future if he got caught up in the many nefarious things connected to being Don of the family. As disruptive as it was, I could handle it, even if deep down, my heart still bled for Tally. Despite what was said in court, and how upset I was, I knew Tally couldn't be dead because of me. Right? It was an inward battle I fought constantly. If our family didn't have these connections, she could still be alive. That didn't mean it was all on me, though.

I ran my fingers through my hair as these thoughts went a mile a minute. Shaking my head, I made a list of people I wanted to speak with regarding this matter, added their phone numbers and email details, then just closed down that document.

I'd prefer to focus on building the influence and power my business had here right now. After another half hour of working, I went into the kitchen and made myself some lunch. My first thought upon entering the large kitchen was that I wanted to hire more maids. Since Gia had left, things were starting to fall apart.

Though, with what happened regarding Layla, Becca would probably be hesitant. Would she even be right in the mind enough to select a nanny? I bit my lip, doubting it. Either way, I started the pot of boiling water on the stove and began to prepare other things. Sometimes, I liked to cook for myself.

I'd have a secondo consisting of fresh fish, something the staff picked up from the market for us yesterday. It was nice to have people working for us right now, especially with just how much stress the family had been through lately. Finally, I prepared the vegetables, local, and delicious. The kitchen was soon filled with the scent of a hearty lunch cooking, and I licked my lips. Becca would hopefully take a break and come get something as well.

Taking a seat at the dining table once everything was ready, I sent Becca a text to let her know I'd made some food and then read through the news on my phone while I waited for things to cool. Eventually, I looked up and I saw someone entering the room. Becca looked even more tired, and as she took a seat, she sighed.

"How'd it go?" I asked softly, giving her a smile. "You look exhausted, baby. This situation has been sucking the life out of you."

Becca complained, "Like a vampire? Dealing with the undead would be easier than this. Oh, James. I just don't know what to do. I have Layla stuck in my mind. She was a perfect nanny for the kids, got along with them so well, but turned out to be horrible."

Tears began to drip from her eyes. I reached over with a napkin and gently dabbed at her cheeks, frowning deeply. I muttered, "We were definitely both surprised by her admission. I still feel bad about alarming the kids." "You were out of control," Becca agreed, sniffling. Then, she smiled somewhat. "Though, I get it now. I almost wish you had gone out of control on those damn Stepford wives, too." Her smile dissolved into a disgusted scowl. "After what you told me they said to you, I wish I did," I replied. Becca had described them as harpy-ass bitches, a very colorful insult I just had to agree with. I took a bite of my meal, motioning to the kitchen for Becca.

She nodded, leaving the room for a moment to fix a plate. Her general demeanor was still very much not changed from a very negative one, what with her slightly messy hair as though she'd been constantly running her fingers through it. When she returned, she let out a sigh. I asked, "No luck with the people you interviewed?" I asked, and she shrugged. Then, she bit her lip and shook her head. She took a few bites of food, giving an 'mmm' of appreciation. At least I could help her day a little with lunch.

"No. There just hasn't been a feeling that any of them fit. Maybe I'm biased; maybe I'm being unfair. I can't help it, though. I want the kids to have someone perfect, and I can't see myself making a decision anytime soon," she said. I nodded, frowning somewhat. I was about to respond when she held up a hand to wait and answered the phone. "Hello," Becca said. I waited patiently as she spoke to her stepmother, her tone changing about halfway through the conversation. Her father and stepmother had gone out of town about the same time we were coming back, so they weren't there at the moment.

Becca had been explaining the situation with the nanny, and then said, "I don't want to be a burden, though. I know you can handle it, but..."

Now, my phone vibrated. I looked down to see a text from Sophia, and replied to confirm I was back in Florence. Sweet woman, a good friend of mine. Becca's conversation continued with her mother, and she continued to sound unsure. Eventually, she ended her call, and I was still texting Sophia. I explained the situation with Layla, and how we were looking for a new nanny. Her next text made me raise a brow. 'Oh! I love kids, I can help out while you replace a new nanny. That would be no problem to me.'

My eyes fell upon Becca, who was staring into her food and taking a few bites. "What did your stepmother say?" I asked.

"She offered to cut their trip to Spain short to come back to help, but as I said, I don't want to be a burden. They have always wanted to travel, and I don't want to cut into that," she said.

"Sophia offered to help until we replace a new nanny," I commented, causing her to look up and stare at me with surprise. I gave her a smile. "She's right in time, isn't she? That way, you won't need to impose upon your parents, and we have someone we can trust while we settle."

"Oh James," Becca said, her tone shifting from one of melancholy to delight. "That would be wonderful! I'd love to have her here." Relief dripped from her tone, since now, she could be very thorough with replaceing a nanny.

Life would be able to continue as usual, without the worry of the kids not being watched in case we ever needed to do something away from the compound. And I was happy to have Sophia here, now that it was clear to Becca and everyone that she was the best of friends and nothing more.

I beamed at her smile, happy to see that she was lightening up a little. Hopefully, we could replace a nanny so that we could have our fun and carry on with our lives properly. I'd propose the new maid idea to Becca at some other time. Soon enough, we'd be back to a full staff and could live the life of luxury we both deserved.