WARMING THE BILLIONAIRE COLD HEART

Early in the morning, Nicholas and Edward were already engaged in a crucial discussion. Both of them were seriously discussing the expansion of land and the addition of buildings to the existing Resort in the Maldives, Maldives.

The popularity of the Maldives as a romantic tourist destination has been skyrocketing, especially since photos of its natural beauty have been circulating on social media. The country, located southwest of India, is often considered one of the luxury travel destinations. To explore the Maldives with its thousands of islands and dozens of coral islands worth exploring, one needs to allocate a substantial budget. That’s why Nicholas didn’t want to miss this opportunity to expand the Hotel and Resort network under the Alpha Beta umbrella.

Countless resorts and even private islands were under his management, left behind by Kenzi when he went to England. Looking at the rapid progress of the company under his leadership, Nicholas might have reason to be proud. Even foreign investors were willing to queue up to be their business partners now.

Yes, Nicholas could be described as a man full of innovation. Brilliant ideas seemed never to run out of his mind. Robert Alistair, Nicholas’s father, had repeatedly asked him to return to England and manage their business empire on his own. But strangely, Nicholas always refused. He preferred to develop the business with Kenzi.

“So, which one do you choose? Resort or Condotel?” Edward asked Nicholas.

Nicholas’s gaze was fixed on the tablet he was holding. The device displayed an analysis of profit calculations for each project that Edward had calculated. It seemed that Nicholas’s arch-nemesis was highly knowledgeable in this field. He even considered what risks might occur when choosing one of them.

“If the construction is indeed close to the beach, it seems like the Resort is the best choice,” Nicholas replied.

Edward shifted his sitting position, leaning back in his chair.

“Are you sure? According to my analysis, Condotels can also provide significant returns to investors. The unit prices continue to rise, following the inflation rate. It could even see an annual increase of up to 20%.”

Nicholas nodded and then redirected his gaze to the graphs displayed on his tablet screen.

“If it’s profitable, why don’t we build both at the same time? I’m not thrilled, but if we’re capable, why not?”

“In that case, you’ll need to select high-profile investors willing to invest in this large project. If everything goes smoothly, it may only take a year to build.”

Nicholas agreed.

“Alright, I’ll ask Kimberly to provide a list of investors who were waiting for approval from our company.”

Amidst the serious discussion between Nicholas and Edward, the office door was knocked once, and someone appeared who slightly surprised Nicholas.

“Mom!” Nicholas exclaimed.

“Yes, it’s me, dear. Why do you look at me like that? Do you think Mama is a demon?” Cassandra’s remark to her son was dripping with sarcasm, causing Edward to laugh. He then stood up and approached Nicholas’s mother, who had entered the room. “How are you, Auntie Cassandra?” Edward greeted.

Cassandra extended her arms, intending to hug Edward, and he warmly embraced her. “I’m good, Ed. How’s Liliana? I haven’t seen her in almost a month,” Cassandra inquired.

Edward released his embrace, then answered her question. “Mom seems to be doing well. I’ve only been able to communicate with her by phone while I’ve been in Indonesia.”

Cassandra nodded and took a seat across from Nicholas. Her gaze now shifted to her son.

“Why are you looking at Mama like that, Nick?”

Nicholas shook his head.

“I was just surprised. Why did Mama come to the office? Wasn’t she supposed to go to Bali with Papa?”

Cassandra sighed.

“Your father’s departure has been postponed until tomorrow morning. So today, Mama plans to take you and Kimberly out for lunch.”

Before Nicholas could respond, the woman they were talking about entered with a tray of drinks. Cassandra looked pleased that the person she was seeking was now in front of her.

“Kimberly, is your work finished? Mama wants to take you and Nicholas out for lunch,” Cassandra asked.

Kimberly didn’t immediately respond. She glanced at Nicholas, as if to ask what she should say in response to Cassandra’s invitation.

“Mom, I can’t go out for lunch today. I have a lot of work. If Mama wants to have lunch with Kimberly, please go ahead, I’ll allow it,” Nicholas declined politely.

Cassandra sighed in frustration towards Nicholas.

“So, you don’t want to accompany Mama for lunch?”

“I’m really busy, Mom.”

“Alright, if you’re unavailable.” Then Cassandra turned her gaze to Edward. “Ed, would you like to join Auntie and Kimberly for lunch?”

“I?” Edward asked, seeking confirmation.

Cassandra nodded. “Of course. Auntie feels sorry for Kimberly. She has a boyfriend, but she’s too busy with her work. No wonder Briana broke up with him,” Cassandra pointed towards Nicholas with her chin, while Edward chuckled at Cassandra’s words. Nicholas, on the other hand, remained silent, listening to his mother’s banter. He knew his mother’s nature, which wouldn’t stop pressuring until her desires were fulfilled. This time, Nicholas had to stand firm. He didn’t want to give in and follow his mother’s request.

“Kimberly, does Nicholas always behave like this with you?” Cassandra asked again.

Kimberly furrowed her brow. “What do you mean, ma’am?”

“Mama, Kimberly! Call me Mama!” Cassandra protested.

“Sorry, but we’re at the office,” Kimberly murmured.

“No one will scold you for calling me Mama. Back to my question. Does Nicholas ignore you at the office? Act like there’s nothing between you two?” Cassandra inquired.

“We’ve been keeping our relationship a secret from the public, Ma. It wouldn’t be ethical for many people to know that we’re in a relationship, especially since our status is that of boss and personal secretary,” Nicholas cut in before Kimberly could answer her mother’s question.

Cassandra sneered. “I wasn’t asking you, Nick. Besides, why be afraid? Should Mama contact Kenzi to allow employees to have relationships?”

“Ma! Don’t be like this,” Nicholas warned.

“Up to you. If you’re determined not to join Mama and Kimberly for lunch, Mama will go with Edward.”

“It’s up to Mama,” Nicholas replied.

Cassandra tidied her appearance before rising from her seat.

“Ed…”

“Yes, Auntie,” Edward responded quickly.

“Do you want Auntie to match you with Kimberly?” Cassandra asked suddenly.

Without hesitation, Edward replied, “Of course, Auntie. In fact, Edward fell for Kimberly first.”

While Edward continued to wear a victorious smile, Nicholas looked at his arch-rival with a sharp gaze.

“Alright, since Auntie’s son is so difficult, Auntie plans to match you with Kimberly. Don’t worry, Liliana will surely agree, especially with her supportive aunt.”

“Ma! What is this?” protested Nicholas, not accepting it.

Once again, Cassandra looked lazily at her son. “What’s wrong with it? Mama isn’t wrong, right? Instead of wasting this beautiful Kimberly, it’s better before it’s too late for her to find another man who’s equally handsome and, most importantly, cherishes and doesn’t neglect her. Mama thinks Edward is also a good match for Kimberly,” Cassandra explained at length.

“But I’m your son, Ma, and Kimberly is my girlfriend. How can you offer my girlfriend to someone else!” Nicholas protested with an exasperated look. He didn’t expect his mother to behave so irritatingly.

“Mama doesn’t care. Mama is hungry, and Mama will go with Edward and Kimberly,” the woman said, then rose from her seat and pulled Kimberly’s wrist.

“Come on, sweetheart, let’s go. We’ll have lunch with Mama and Edward.”

Before they could take a step, Nicholas yelled in frustration from his position.

“Wait! I’ll be the one to accompany both of you.”

Swearing to God, Nicholas had to admit defeat this time, whether he liked it or not. He couldn’t really fight against his mother’s authority. If only his mother hadn’t invited Edward, maybe he could have held out a little longer.

Meanwhile, a triumphant smile appeared on Cassandra’s lips. She knew for sure that her son never won when it came to her. Cassandra always had a way to outmaneuver Nicholas.

“Mama and Kimberly will wait for you downstairs,” Cassandra replied.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.