Unpleasant First Meeting

Donning tattered shorts paired with a loose black sweatshirt and sneakers, Amelia and her friends made way to the crowded aisle of the Lindt Mall. Although the three of them constantly banter about a lot of things, even petty ones, they love to spend time together during the weekends.

"Lia, there's a new summer dress I've been dying to have. It's a limited edition and it's only available in three colors but only one per color. I really love the yellow one. I have to buy it before anyone does, please, let's go to the shop first" Cristy pleaded while they all entered the mall entrance.

"K, let's go there first" Lia casually agreed while Caleb followed in silence. Cristy is seeming to be bouncing in glee while entering the elevator that will bring them to the fourth floor of the mall.

The instant the elevator door opened, she hurriedly dragged the two towards the exclusive shop where the dresses are already on display.

"Wow, there it is Lia" Cristy whispered in awe while her eyes glistened with admiration at the dress being worn by the mannequin.

"You get it now, or somebody might snatch it from you" Caleb reminded the drooling girl who instantly snap from her reverie.

"Miss I will get this dress, the yellow one please" she immediately spoke to the attendant while she caressed the soft cloth with the tip of her fingers.

"Right away, Miss..." the store attendant responded with a smile before turning away to get the yellow dress from the display and handing it to her.

Cristy's eyes sparkle with pure admiration while staring at the dress she is holding.

"I can't understand why girls could this be petty. It's just another dress. What difference does it have from all the other dresses" Caleb mumbles with slight confusion and amusement at Cristy's animated expression.

"You will never understand" Cristy glares at Caleb while pursing her lips to a sulk.

"Come on now, let's pay so we can go" Lia spoke while smiling at Cristy whose smile is very contagious.

"I want that yellow dress!" everyone tensed when a hard and bratty voice echoed inside the store.

Cristy by instinct hugged the dress close to her body before turning to the voice.

Seeing the entourage entering the store, they were welcomed by the glaring eyes of a woman whom they have just seen a few days ago in the news.

"Give me that dress, I want that yellow one. You can choose the other two colors" the woman spoke directly at Cristy. Her demanding tone and raised brow intend to intimidate.

But Cristy was not deterred, she even raise her own brow, higher than the woman.

"I got this first...this is mine..." she mutters seriously.

"Not for long. I want that dress" the woman insisted with a smirk which made her more annoyed.

Ignoring the pompous woman, she turns toward the cashier to pay.

"I'll pay for this dress now..." she announces to the cashier who looks anxious. The poor employee was nervously glancing at both of them, torn about who to believe.

"You don't know who I am? Do you not value your work here?" the woman smirk and ask the cashier with a glint of warning.

The cashier was dumbfounded as she stares at the woman's eyes when another group entered the shop.

"Have you bought the dress? I still have a meeting" the very familiar man asks with such authority, earning everyone's attention.

"Vasili, that girl stole the dress from me" the woman viciously whined to the newcomer.

Cristy's eyes grew so wide from disbelief as she abruptly turn towards the man who squinted his sharp eyes towards her.

"I... I didn't...steal...I got this first..." she tries to explain despite her stammering voice.

"I like that dress, Vasili" Sophia whined cheekily at the man who is already staring back at her.

"Then get it" he replies casually.

"But that stubborn girl is about to pay for it. She will steal it away from me" Sophia pursed her lips and whined cutely. The older woman is acting like a victim but her vicious smirk did not escape Amelia's eyes.

The cashier is also anxiously gaping at the guests, totally lost about what to do. She clearly recognized the imposing man with his entire entourage but the younger one was the first to ask for the dress. Wealthy people are so petty, making their job difficult.

Vasili turns to look at the girl at the counter who is tightly hugging the dress. Her head is shaking in disagreement with what the woman was telling them.

"Do you have any other color of that dress?" he turned to the store attendants.

"We have an available color of blue and brown, Mr. Wright" the attendant responded, wise enough to know the person asking them.

"Then take any other colors" he turns to Sophia.

"But I want the color yellow, Vasili. I don't want any color but yellow" the woman stubbornly insisted. She even stomps her feet like a child.

Vasili sighed and turn to look at Cristy who is also looking back at him.

"Miss, can you just pick from the other colors available and give us the yellow one?" he spoke calmly but his words are commanding enough for Cristy to recognize.

Anxiously, she gapes at the man before turning to Amelia with her pleading eyes.

Amelia who has been watching the scene with her clenched jaw narrowed her eyes and turned to the other group. They saw Cristy's excitement when the attendant gave her the dress earlier and now, it is threatened to be taken away from her.

"She got the dress first so she will have it" Amelia spoke with a hard tone while she walked toward Cristy.

"...and you are?" aghast, Sophia sneers at her.

"Amelia" she calmly replies before averting her gaze to Alek Vasili. As their gazes lock, they silently duel for dominance.

"I don't care who you are, I want that dress" the woman rolled her eyes before trying to approach Cristy who defensively took a step backward.

"I also don't care what you want, woman" Amelia coldly counters, making Sophia Saunters pause midstep.

"Pack the dress, we will pay for it...now" she seriously added.

The tension inside the shop increased tremendously after Amelia intervened. Even Alek Vasili did not counter her.

"Vasili, do something!" Sophia irritatedly exclaims, in time the panting and nervous store manager approached and arrives.

"Good day Mr. Wright" despite his obvious nervousness, the store manager politely greeted him.

"Give the dress to Miss Saunters and negotiate a compromise with the other customer" Vasili immediately orders the manager without averting his gaze away from Amelia.

"Yes, Mr. Wright" the manager bowed before turning to Cristy and smiling.

"Miss, we still have two available colors for that dress and you can choose any other dress, shoes, bag, or any accessories for free...that's on the house" the manager carefully explain with a learned smile. Whilst praying hard the girl would concede to the man's entourage for lesser trouble.

Cristy gaped at the manager before staring at the dress she was clutching with a sad and hopeless smile.

"She will not take anything from this shop except for the dress she is holding. Just because they are more powerful as they seemed to be, they will be treated like they are above everyone. The price of the dress will just be the same regardless of whoever bought it. I will not allow this to be a chance to belittle someone you deemed to be lacking in your eyes" Amelia coldly mutters to the manager before turning to look at the woman and lastly to Alek Vasili Wright.

Meeting her cold calmness, he stares back at her with the same animosity.

Caleb is already too anxious to say something moreover intervene. He fully knew who the man Amelia has been challenging. He is not an easy person to mess with.

"I have made a compromise and I expect that you are wise enough to take it" with a cold tone, Vasili Wright spoke directly to Amelia.

"Well maybe, I'm not that wise enough, you expected too much from me...SIR...so I will be taking the dress for my friend. Just console your minx of a girlfriend before she throws a fit like a spoiled brat. Since she won't be getting this dress" sarcastically, she smiles. If she is fueling a raging fire, then be it. But she will not surrender the dress.

With what she uttered, everyone's eyes grew wide in disbelief and panic. However, she remains unaffected.

Sophia Saunters, triggered by her outright defiance, glares at her.

"Who do you think you are, girl?!" she angrily exclaims, facing Amelia who remains calm under her intimidation.

"I'm someone you don't want to mess with..." she sweetly smiles before turning to the man who clucked his tongue in annoyance.

"Lia..." Caleb moves closer to whisper his warning near her ear. His arms rounded her slim waist, aiming to stop and protect her. For everyone's eye, he is back hugging her.

But Amelia's attention is not on her friends but on the man who is earnestly looking at her. The clenching of his jaw did not escape her eyes and as they silently duel, tension immensely increased.

"Amelia, stop it. That's Mr. Alek Vasili Wright. It's okay, I will give the dress to his girlfriend. Let's just leave" Cristy suddenly conceded upon seeing how triggered Amelia has become.

"No! You dragged me here and you kept me awake late last night because of that dress, I won't waste my time and will buy that dress for you" she insisted while grabbing the dress from Cristy.

Fuming with anger, she places it on the counter together with her black card.

Staring at the black card next to the dress, the cashier was torn between the two parties.

Everyone knew the vast influence the Wright has. And if the rumor is correct, Alek Vasili Wright will be untouchable and must be feared as the incoming CEO of Petrov Petroleum. A Mafia-owned company. Not just an ordinary organization of power and influence. With immeasurable power, Petrov Mafia has been indestructible for several decades now. Messing with any of them is tantamount to death. But the girl is obviously not some ordinary student too. No ordinary student has a black card in her name.

Even Sophia Saunters' eyes reflect disbelief while Vasili remains stoic. He saw the card on the counter and he become more curious.

The girl instantly becomes a mystery not only to everyone but also to the very famous heir of the Wright empire.

****🙂🙄🙂****

Black Card

Sophia was in a daze while staring at the black card. She had been dreaming to own one but failed all the time. Knowing a mere student owns one made her loathe her more.

"A mere student having a Black Card, interesting" she snickers.

"Which you don't have, I pressume" spitting back, Amelia mockingly smiles.

"You, impertinent girl!" Sophia angrily raves.

Scoffing, she just watch the woman throw a fit.

"I don't think pointing out a fact is impertinence. What's more interesting is a full grown woman throwing a tantrum like one year old child. You should watch your unbefitting action" she spoke after a while of enjoying Sophia's tantrum but her words riled the woman even more.

"You...bitch"

"Enough!"

The woman is about to attack her when a thunderous voice rumbled. Flinching from the frightening sound, everyone froze on their feet.

"You tame your cat's tantrum. A preschooler has a better disposition than her" turning to Mr. Wright, Amelia mutters with disgust. Unaffected by his anger.

"Process the payment so we could leave" sternly, she turns to the cashier and gestures for her to do her bidding.

Nervous, the cashier turns to look at her manager but he too is indecisive. Without a choice, she turn to look at Mr. Wright but she got nothing when he didn't spare her a glance.

Hesitantly, she turns to Amelia who gestures to her to continue, which she reluctantly does.

Cautiously, she scans the barcode and processes the payment for the dress. Relief washed over her when no one from the other camp stopped her until she finishes the whole transaction.

The cashier handed the bag to Cristy while she continue to anxiously glance at the intimidating man's side. Unexpectedly, he was calm while watching the whole payment process.

"Let's go" Amelia got the bag from Cristy and grab her hand before dragging her out with Caleb tailing behind.

Eerie silence dominated the shop after the students left. But despite their departure, the tension did not dissipate. Vasili's grim disposition is frightening that even Sophia is afraid to whine about the dress she lose over the girl.

"Who is that student?" Vasili mutters with gritted teeth. With his dangerously cold tone, he narrows his eyes to the leaving figures.

"Mr. Wright...she is...ahm..." the man stammered while looking lost of what to say.

"I want to know about that girl. Her parents, guardian, anyone supporting her...everything" he issued his order with a clenched jaw. The girl's haughtiness is something that piqued his nerves but the black card she owns snap all his reserves.

"Yes sir"

"Vasili take it easy, she is just a girl" the other man interrupted.

"No one has ever insulted me the way that girl did. I want her full background, Larry. She must know why she should not mess with Alek Vasili Wright" he dangerously whispers, making everyone cringe with fear.

His eyes narrows at the path the three figures have already disappeared.

"Lia... Lia slowdown" trying to calm her friend, she pleaded.

Abruptly, Lia comes to a halt.

"Lia..." Cristy cautiously mumbles.

"He is such an ass" she grimly mutters with a clenched jaw.

"Lia, he is Mr. Vasili Wright, we will be doomed for sure" Caleb softly reminded, making her turn to him.

"I don't care, he is an ass" she furiously persisted.

Two pairs of eyes intently stare at her, gauging her mood. Lia is a great person but her hot temperament could sometimes put her in trouble.

"It's okay now Lia, I got the dress, calm down" Cristy continues to pacify her protective friend.

"Even if he is the wealthiest man in the world, he should not act like a spoiled brat like his girlfriend" she counters with obvious annoyance in her tone. She looks riled and ready to fight.

"They are being entitled. Don't mind them. Let's not ruin our weekend" Caleb interjected.

"Caleb is right. The day is just starting. Let's enjoy this weekend, we deserve this" Cristy readily agreed while she link her arm to Lia.

"Just hope we won't cross paths with those spoiled oldies" calmer than earlier, a smile faintly curving her lips.

"We will try not to" Caleb chuckles before rounding his arm around Lia's shoulder.

"I plan to introduce you to him but this happens. How could you seduce him now" pouting, Cristy whispers in frustration. Hearing what she's been mumbling, the two incredulously glares at her.

"You are still worried about that?" Lia raves in aghast.

"Mr. Wright is so handsome, he looks like his father and her gorgeous mother. How could I allow him to be with that brat? You should have him" Cristy announce stubbornly.

Appalled by the other girl, the two face palmed themselves.

"Well, it seems to be a hopeless case now. We started on the wrong foot and there's no way I will seduce that arrogant man" unconcerned, she glares at her friend.

"Give it time. He might come around" Cristy persisted but only earned a rolling of Lia's eyes.

"Not a chance" she counter, dismissing the idea.

Though pouting from her cold shoulder, Cristy leans her head on her shoulder as they walk again.

Strolling leisurely, they passed by a group of formally attired men. And to their aghast, the one they vowed not to cross path again is among them.

Lia met the cold eyes staring at her, which she indulged. She gave the man the same coldness reflecting in his eyes. Both were engrossed with the duel, unconcerned about the confusion they created.

"Mr. Vasili Wright?" the man talking was confused when he noticed his inattention to the report.

Ignored, the man anxiously turns to Alek's corporate assistant for help.

"Vasili" Larry tries to get his attention, knowing fully well what stole it from an important report. He, too, is looking at the group of students they have encountered earlier.

"Let's have our lunch first, we'll continue later" Vasili unceremoniously announced before turning away. Leaving the other men perplexed by his sudden change of mood.

Larry followed his back with his calm gaze before turning to the outspoken girl from the shop. Their eyes met but he was met with calm coldness before looking away. She walk with her friends like the tension did not happen.

Heaving a sigh, he follows Vasili with the rest of his secretaries. The tension around the man has been intimidating everyone.

"I want her background as soon as possible Larry. I want them barred to be in one place with me" Vasili growled his command the moment Larry joins his entourage.

"Vasili, that would be too much" he mutters in disbelief. He cannot deny the fury in the man's expression but he is being unreasonable.

"There's no too much. I want her background. I want to wipe away the arrogance on her face once I've cut ties to whoever is her parents or guardian" abruptly stopping, he faces to glare at Larry. But the latter did not falter.

"You don't know what you are doing Vasili. Calm down and rethink your actions. She is just a student. She did nothing to deserve what you intend to do. Don't be unreasonable, you might regret it" Larry replied with the same hardness in his tone.

Larry is one of the few people who can beat him to come to his senses as his best friend and closest associate.

With what he heard, he glares at Larry to impose his command. But Larry remains undeterred by his anger. As their gazes locks to a silent duel, Vasili clenched his jaw before turning away.

He was aware of his unreasonable thoughts but he won't let anyone even Larry know it. He is pissed and triggered by a mere student. He is angry for something he is not ready to acknowledge.

****😊****

Triggered

"Welcome home young mistress Amelia" Manuel greeted her and got her sweet smile.

"Thank you, Manuel" she smiles and politely thanks the man.

"How's your day young mistress?" he gently ask, staring at her tired face.

He watch her drag her steps until she reach the couch and slumped her whole body on it.

"The usual, I just met a petty old man at the mall earlier, he is such an ass...but all in all I had a great day" she softly whines but becomes annoyed at the thought of the man at the mall.

Amused, a smile grazed his lips while watching the emotions crossing her beautiful face. It's very unusual for her to be irritated like what he is seeing now. So maybe the man she met really exhausted her patience.

"Have some refreshment first, young mistress. Take some rest. Dinner will be served later" he gestured to the servant to serve the fresh strawberry shake.

"Thanks, Manuel, this is what I really need...hmmm" she smiles sweetly while taking a sip of the very cold shake, her favorite.

Her contented moan made Manuel and the servant smile while watching her. They left her to enjoy her drink alone.

She is enjoying the silence when she got a call from Caleb asking her to hang out in the bar. Lazily, she went upstairs to prepare.

"Manuel, I'll be going out again, I will just hang out with my friends. I won't make trouble and I won't be long" she told the man standing beside the table. She just finished her sumptuous dinner.

"Of course, young mistress, just be careful and call me if you needed assistance" he smiles softly.

The young mistress has been respectful of anyone inside the mansion. She won't leave without informing the butler. She has been the sole master of the estate but she treats every servant as family.

After sending her to her car, the limited-edition vehicle sped away amid the silence of the night.

The butler follows the speeding car with his gentle gaze. The road has been long empty but he remains on his spot. He is still watching the light from the vehicle afar when he received an expected call.

"Hello sir" he picks up the call and listened to the other line.

"The young mistress is doing great sir and she really do well in school," he told the other line with a gentle smile. The thought of the young mistress always put a smile on his face.

"She is out tonight but I can assure you, sir, the young mistress is very responsible even with the freedom we are giving her. The Master doesn't have to worry about the young mistress, she is always safe, sir" he continued to assure the other line while he slowly walked towards the mansion.

"Have a great night, sir, don't worry about the young mistress, she is a great girl. Very obedient and respectful. The Master will have nothing to worry about with her" he continued until the call ended.

On the other hand, Amelia parked her car at the usual bar they would frequent during free time. The bar is exclusive to members, mainly from affluent families and businessmen.

Caleb and Cristy were already at their usual table when she arrives. Her sweet smile carved her lips the moment she saw Cristy messing with Caleb again. Cristy is very playful with Caleb but very bitchy with other guys who are trying to hook up with her. She will always use him as a boyfriend shield.

"Hello, Lia" Cristy greeted, obviously a little tipsy from her mixed drinks.

"You looked awful Cris, wipe that stupid grin from your face" she replies instead while taking a seat. She saw her favorite drink on the table, obviously ordered by Caleb for her.

"Thank you for ordering for me" she leans her head on Caleb's shoulder. In response, he rounded his arms around her shoulder and gave her a squeeze.

"Sweet..." grinning, Cristy teased them while consuming her drink in large gulps.

"Slowdown Cris, the night is still young" she reminded the other girl.

"Easy Cris" Caleb also hold her elbow to stop her, which earned both of them a sweet smile from the tipsy girl.

"I'm fine...I got this" she got herself an idiotic grin, which made the two shake their heads.

As the night deepened Cristy and Amelia become tipsy and super clingy towards Caleb. They are academically focused students but they sure know how to have some fun.

With a few glasses of mixed drinks, Lia's inhibitions vanished in thin air. She sat on Caleb's lap and buried her face in his neck. On usual days, Cristy and Caleb love to banter but Lia is the closest to him. Cristy cannot do the things Lia was doing to Caleb despite her intoxication with alcohol.

"I don't have any plans to have a girlfriend soon, but you will send girls away from me, Lia. You are biting my neck" though whining at her playfulness, he was far from annoyed. He was used to Amelia's playful ministrations.

"I don't want girls near you but me and Cristy. Why should you look far, Cristy is a perfect girlfriend" Lia mumbles as she leans closer to his face. Their faces were almost plastered together.

"Don't you dare start with that foolishness again, Amelia" using her full name, Cristy glares at her.

"Duh... You two are just stubborn" rolling her eyeballs, she slumped back onto Caleb.

Every time they have a drink, Lia would always tease them together, which they would just dismiss. After tonight and they, all become sober, no one would bring up the topic again, even Amelia.

They are having so much fun when they noticed the cold gaze of a very familiar man across their table. Caleb suddenly becomes sober seeing the piercing sharp gaze on him.

With the man's intimidating presence, the three regained their focus. All the alcohol in their system seems to have dissipated in an instant.

"Why Mr. Vasili Wright is everywhere? He is so creepy" Cristy leaned closer to whisper.

"Let him be, we are not doing anything to him" Amelia whispers, ignoring the situation.

Even if they tried to ignore the intimidating man across them, they cannot escape his presence.

"He is like a magnet, wherever we are, he is also there. Is he really that pissed that he kept on appearing in front of us?" Cristy whispers again.

"We are moving in the same circle, it's not impossible to bump into each other" Caleb reasonably explains in a soft voice.

"But not these often...it's creepy" she mumbles before sipping her drink.

"I will just use the restroom" Amelia spoke, trying to stand up from Caleb's lap.

"You need help? I can accompany you" standing up to hold Lia still on her feet, he loosely hugs her.

"Nah...I'm fine. All the alcohol in my system vanished with the petty man's presence" she playfully whispers while plastered near his ear.

"I'll be quick" she added before moving away from Caleb and leaving.

She went inside the empty restroom and relieved herself. She felt a little dizzy but still quite clearheaded.

"Enjoying nightlife while spending your parents' money, a typical rich kid" a hard tone interrupted her thoughts while washing her hands.

Looking up at the mirror, she saw the reflection of the man leaning against the door with such contempt and sarcasm on his face.

"Nice to see you Mr. Vasili Wright" she casually greeted, choosing to ignore his snide remarks.

"For a very young girl like you owning a black card and all luxuries laid on your feet is quite a luck or a birthright, don't you think Miss Amelia? Do your parents know what you've been doing with their money?" sarcastically, he continues without averting his intent gaze.

His statement made her raise a brow. She meets his coldness with mockery.

"...Or it's not the parents who are providing you with everything...is it a sugar daddy then?" he continues after getting no response from her.

The clenching of his jaw did not escape Lia's eyes and she was quite perplexed by the grimness reflecting on his face. Like she committed something unforgivable.

"Mr. Wright... whatever I do with my life is none of your business. I'm confused why you seem to be so interested in my personal life. Care to tell me? Did I severely hurt your pride that you cannot move on from it or do you have other motives aside from that?" she smirked and gave him a challenging look.

"So brazen and cocky, aren't we Miss Amelia?" he mutters with his dangerous tone.

"This is the girl's restroom if you haven't noticed, Mr. Wright. You dare come here just to mock me. What do you want?" snickering, she faces him.

"I don't want an eyesore around me" he coldly mutters.

"I'm all alone and peaceful here Mr. Wright. I'm not causing trouble but you seemed to be provoking me. So what do you want? Tell it straight and don't bombard me with your insignificant tirade" leaning on the counter, she put her hands inside her pants' pockets.

"Do you think you can just escape me after you have insulted me in front of my men and my guest? You don't know who you've messed with Miss Amelia. You should know that I'm a man who doesn't take insult lightly" he angrily responded.

Scoffing at the man's pettiness, she rolls her eyes. She is openly challenging him, riling him.

"Wait till I know who's behind your luxurious life. Enjoy it. You won't know, this might be the last few days you will have everything you have. I'll strip away all the lavishness in your life. I will erase the arrogance you wear. Do you think you can just shrug me off? Think twice, you are dealing with a Wright. I can make you as poor as a rat in just a snap of my fingers" he continues to threaten her.

She is fully aware the man is very capable of his words but she remains undeterred. She even dared to sneer while she walk towards the door.

"Go ahead Mr. Wright, I will be looking forward to it. I can't wait to watch as you unveil your great surprise" with her sweet smile, she snickers before passing him by the door.

Left fuming with anger, he follows her with his dark gaze. He was immensely triggered by her arrogance but her last words did not sit well with his guts.

****🙄****