I Paid A Mafia Boss For Our Night novel Chapter 14

Chapter 14 Mad Father

"Hello, Miss Corsetti," said the real estate agent, dressed in a crisp suit and tie, as he rang my doorbell. "You can call me Austin."

I stepped aside to let him in. "Feel free to look around. I hope to get an appraisal as soon as possible."

"Of course, we're all professional and you can definitely trust us." With my permission, Austin began to inspect the first floor to facilitate the appraisal.

During this time, I received a call from Bert.

Nico's nonsense was infuriating, but it didn't affect my relationship with Bert, who was a very good friend of mine.

"Sienna, I heard from my father that you're planning to sell the paintings you stored in his studio?" Bert asked as soon as I answered the phone. "This isn't like you. Are you in some kind of trouble?"

I didn't want Bert to know about my current predicament. I knew Bert's family was financially stable, but $80 million was not a small amount I could simply ask my friends for-it could be a bottomless pit.

"Indeed, there's a situation, but it's not trouble," I said, stepping quietly away from the living room to avoid Bert hearing the agents' conversation. "My sister Valentina is getting married, and I want to give her a wedding gift."

"What kind of wedding gift needs that much money?" Bert sounded skeptical.

I chuckled bitterly. "I'm not Professor Dom, Bert. My works don't sell for high prices."

"Don't put yourself down, Sienna. My father has always said you're the most talented student he ever taught. Your work is not inferior to anyone's; you just lack fame," Bert paused, then continued, "Formal notification hasn't come through yet, but I can give you a heads up. The Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan is planning a joint exhibition in New York, and Boston University is one of the co-organizers. They will provide three spots for current students and faculty to exhibit their works."

"Brera Academy?" My God, what did I just hear? The Brera Academy in Milan was a place I dreamed of going.

If there were a mirror in front of me, I could see my eyes light up instantly.

"Is this true, Bert?"

"I wouldn't lie to you, Sienna," Bert assured me. "If they use your work, you might also make it onto the school's exchange list for a two-year program in Milan. That's been your dream, hasn't it, Sienna?"

"Yes, but I..." I clutched my racing heart, imagining my works gaining applause and praise at the exhibition, earning me a spot to study at the Brera Academy-my dream school. But reality forced me to sober up; such rare opportunities don't just fall into one's lap; they belong to those who are most talented and willing to pay the price.

"I don't know if I can," I pinched my thigh, using the pain to dispel unrealistic fantasies from my mind. "Are there any conditions?"

"The universities co-hosting the exhibition spots plan to run a three-month intensive course. Top-ranking students get exhibition eligibility. The cost for this intensive course is about $30, 000. Your scholarship has been approved, so paying this fee shouldn't be a problem," Bert explained. "This opportunity is very rare, Sienna."

"I know, but I..." I wasn't sure if I could participate. The intensive course meant no contact with the outside world for three months, which was too long. If Antonio couldn't find me, there's no telling what he might do. And $30, 000 was a significant amount for me.