Antonio Vitalé was a name that commanded attention—a billionaire, powerful and influential, with the kind of charm that made him irresistible. A notorious bachelor, he had recently settled into a relationship with the French model Elliana. They had been together for six months, and Ellie had finally decided it was time to tell her mother.

Lilliana, Ellie’s mother, was a renowned French fashion designer, a woman of grace and success. Ellie had modeled for her and numerous high-end brands, but today, she wasn’t here to talk business.

In Lilliana’s elegant penthouse, the designer sat at her desk, sketching a new design when Ellie walked in, her expression unreadable.

“Mom, we need to talk. It’s important,” Ellie said, mumbling as she took a seat across from her. Lilliana raised a brow, setting her sketchbook aside.

“Alright, darling. About what?” She asked, curiosity laced in her voice.

Ellie hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress. “Well... I have a boyfriend. And it’s serious. Really serious. Like, ‘he wants to meet you and Dad’ serious. ‘He wants me to move in with him’ serious.”

Lilliana’s lips pursed slightly. “Oh? And who is this man?”

Ellie swallowed hard. “He’s a little older.”

Lilliana’s gaze sharpened. “How much older?”

Ellie shifted uncomfortably. “He’s... 47.”

A tense silence stretched between them. Lilliana exhaled, rubbing her temple. “Ellie, that’s older than me. I’m 45. You’re 20.”

Ellie bit her lip, bracing herself. “I know, but—”

“What’s his name?” Lilliana interrupted, her voice firmer now.

Ellie took a deep breath. “Antonio Vitalé.”

Lilliana stiffened. She slowly removed her reading glasses, setting them down carefully. Her expression unreadable, but the slight furrow in her brow betrayed her thoughts.

Ellie frowned. “You... know him?”

Lilliana let out a long sigh, her gaze meeting Ellie’s. “Sweetheart... Antonio and I dated when I was in my early twenties. Before I met your father.”