Page 9 of The Sniper
My growing public profile and business have caught up with me.
I can’t complain, though.I mean, God help me if someone called meprivileged.I know I’m fucking privileged, but I don’t take it for granted like others do.
In fact, while I love my father to pieces, we have had our battles.He set up a trust fund for me when I was younger and had a preconceived idea of how I’d live my life.
I had other ideas.
As a strong-minded young girl, I saw myself being independent.In all ways, especially financially.I wanted to make something of myself because of who I am and what I could do—not because of his shadow.
But the reality is that’s not possible when everyone knows your name and face.
You can’t just get a job or rent a house with friends and start from the bottom.There’s always the press commenting about what I’m doing, potential stalkers, and someone trying to take advantage.
So it was clear if I wanted to get any level of independence, I had to move out of my house and do things backward of how most people would do them.
I used the trust fund to purchase my house when I turned twenty-one and went on a journey before I created Luxe Stallone and started making real money.From the moment I did, I never touched another dollar of my father’s.
So much so, his accountant rang him and asked whether I was still alive.
I also announced that I would pay him back, and it’s my life's mission to fulfill that promise.
Not that he’s asked for it.Quite the opposite.
Dad thinks it’s his role to provide for me.
“He’s a protector.”Mom told me when I began rebelling.
“I don’t need a protector.”
“Trust me, you do.And when you get older, you’ll want a man like your dad,” she said, but I’d snorted, like any thirteen-year-old girl would.
When I began house hunting, Dad came to every house viewing.His tastes and point of view on what I needed to be safe pushed up the budget.
After a lot of arguing, finally, we both agreed on a home in Bel Air.The one I still live in.
“I’m going to pay you back,” I hugged him after telling him how grateful I was.“I promise, Dad.”
“Don’t be stupid, Tiffany.This is what parents do for their children.I love you.”
“No, it’s what famous parents do, but I’m going to pay the money back to you if it’s the last thing I do.”
Dad looked annoyed.
Even offended.
“Your daughter is independent, baby, let her do this.”Mom patted his shoulder.
Watching the two of them stare at one another in silent conversation for a long moment that day, I translated in my head.It’s a ten-million-dollar home; she’ll never have the money.Just nod and agree.
It was that moment I promised myself I would pay him back if it killed me.Every year that passes, I wonder if they think I’ve forgotten, but I haven’t.
This year, I’ve been almost giddy watching as Luxe Stallone grew almost five hundred percent.I’m close.The launch of this new line could allow me to pay for my home.
To truly make it mine.
That’s why I’ve put everything into it.
Last week, when the burglary happened, it threatened my plans.We have partnered with Maison Jewels to launch the Maison Diamond Luxe Lips & Lash line.
