The Manipulated Villainess

Nicole was in her office, going through some files as she had many things to deal with right away. She was so occupied with the launching of Yang Apparel the day before yesterday and she rarely had much time for other business.

She had an important meeting today. She couldn't prepare much in the last few days due to the event but the staff from Yang Apparel were working hard for this exact meeting. Besides, she already spent a good time preparing for this a few weeks ago.

She spent a few hours going through the files which will be important for the meeting. In no time, it was almost 1 p.m., the time for the meeting.

Just before the clock struck 1, her assistant, Julia Cha made her way inside her office, informing her that the guest had arrived. Nicole rose from her seat when the guest walked inside her office. When her gaze landed on the man, she raised a brow.

Wasn't he that shameless stranger from the event?! So... he was the Representative of the influential Aris Group whom she was supposed to meet?! She was so stupefied and ended up staring at him without saying anything.

"I think you still remember me, Chairwoman Yang." The man said with a light chuckle. "It's nice to meet you again. I'm Mario Aris."

"Mr. Aris." Nicole finally greeted him, snapping herself out of her stupor. But she still finds it hard to believe it.

The Aris Group was the biggest corporation in New Zealand which has its branch in many countries. It was among the top 20 corporations of the world and its influence was huge in the business world.

Nicole had heard that the Representative was the only son and heir of the Aris Group but there were no photos of him no matter how much they search for. It's not a miracle that she didn't recognize him that day in the event.

The only information she knew was that this Representative was originally from this country but he was adopted by the Aris family. He had no resemblance to New Zealanders. Instead, he looked like one of them though he bears a different surname.

"I had no idea that you attend the event. From what I heard from your assistant, you cannot attend the event, so I have no idea that it was you." Nicole promptly said when they settled on the couch.

Mario Aris slightly smiled. "I enjoyed the event. I think I understand why my father thinks highly of Yang Group."

Somehow, Nicole didn't feel that comfortable with this man. She wasn't sure of why. Maybe because of his shameless behaviour that day. Maybe because she thinks he was strange. Yes, there was something strange with him. He seemed too... fake.

"I'm glad to hear that, Mr. Aris." She remained courteous and professional despite her strange thoughts. Then she put the files before him. She was about to explain but...

Mario Aris take out his pen and signed the documents without even reading the details! She could felt her jaw dropped to the floor! Was he crazy?!

"What are you doing?" She promptly asked, failing to hold back herself.

"I am here to sign the documents to start the trade between us, right? I just do my job." Mario Aris simply said as he pushed back the files to her. "Here, it's done."

"Mr. Aris, that's careless of you. What will you do if these documents contain some fraud?"

"Are you saying that you will play a trick on me?" Mario Aris asked and Nicole quickly turned away.

"I don't mean that." She said, unable to hide her displeasure.

Mario slightly frowned and narrowed his eyes at the files. "I'm here to sign the deal on behalf of my father. My father trusts your company and I trust my father's decision."

"What if you are wrong?" Nicole argued, refusing to back down easily. This was supposed to be an important meeting. How did it end up like this?! 

Mario chuckled and gave a quick thought. "Then... I will just take responsibility."

Nicole was rendered speechless! Though he was an only son, how could someone like him represent a global group like Aris Group?!

Seeing her expression, Mario Aris let out a light laughter. "You look more beautiful than that day, Chairwoman." He remarked confidently which instantly annoyed her.

"I'm expecting a bit of professionalism as this is an important meeting. But you prove me wrong, Mr. Aris." She coldly remarked but he still smiled.

"You seem to be soft and fragile but... you're quite bold and daring. No one dares to talk to me that way." He stated though a smile was still on his face.

Nicole felt hopeless. It's useless to try to reason with him. So, she decided to not argue with him anymore. After all, he was still here as the Representative of Aris Group.

"If you have no intention of reading the details, I won't complain anymore. We will set the date for the meeting with my staffs from Yang Apparel and inform you. Do you have any specific date on mind?" She calmly said.

"What about the day after tomorrow?" Mario promptly suggested.

Nicole raised a brow. To be fully prepared for a meeting, her team would need at least 3 days and a week at most and he wants it the day after tomorrow?

"Why? Do you think you won't be able to finish the preparations? I think that Yang Group is one of the best. Am I wrong?" Mario Aris said to her in a challenging tone.

Was this his way of getting back at her? How lame! But he came here for this deal all the way from New Zealand. What's more? No corporation would be foolish enough to let this chance pass!

"Fine. Be it the day after tomorrow. We will get it done by the next meeting." She said, trying her best to remain calm. Then she tried to take the files but...

"You are not pleased when I signed without reading. Besides, you still don't get a chance to explain. Why don't you do it now?" Mario said, putting his hand on top of the files.

Nicole was utterly annoyed by now! However, she holds back herself and picked up the files. She explained the contents of the contract to him but... she didn't notice that he never took his eyes off her the whole time she explained. He wasn't even paying attention to what she said!

*

Mario walked out of the company building and gets inside the backseat of the car that awaited him. 

"You're longer than expected. You insisted to go alone saying that you will sign the contract and comes out right away." His assistant, Jony promptly said to him.

"It can't be helped." Mario simply said as he loosened his tie again. Wearing it always suffocates him.

"That's unlike you," Jony said and turned to the back, observing him. "Aren't you the type who always create a chance even if there are none? Now you say that it can't be helped. It's so fishy." He eyed him suspiciously.

Mario helplessly shook his head but he had no intention to answer Jony. Instead, he eyed the car behind his car. He tried to spoke up but...

"You can't do that anymore. The Chairman already scolds you for the last time we lost them. Do you want to upset him again?" Jony said to him firmly.

Mario sighed but when an idea crossed his mind, he told his driver to pull over the car. The latter quickly did as he was told.

When his car stopped, the car behind followed suit and two men gets off the car and rushed to him. Then he rolled down the car windows.

"Sir, do you need anything?" One of the men asked as they bowed.

"I have to meet someone." When one of the guards tried to spoke up, he makes a dismissive gesture. "You already know how persistent I am. Even if you disagree, I will still manage to lose you and go alone. But... if I do that, my father won't be pleased. What's more? You will surely receive more scoldings than me for failing to fulfil your duty."

The two guards exchanged glances with each other when they heard him. They know he was right. If he wished to run away, he always succeeds.

"So, will you quietly followed me there without reporting to my father or... I will go alone?" Mario added.

"We will come with you." The two guards quickly replied.

"My father?"

The guards gave a quick thought and said, "We won't report it to him."

Mario smiled and the guards quickly get back inside the car. He returned to his hotel suite first and get changed. He told Jony and his driver to take a rest and he sets off to his destination with his two guards.

After riding the car for two hours, Mario finally reached his destination. Rather than getting out straight away, he takes out his phone and dialled one number after hesitating for a while. He let out a breath when the person from the other line picked up the call.

"Aston. It's me, Zander."