The Billionaire's Pretend Wife

Chapter 9

Huge waves like torrential storms raged in Mia's heart. For a split second, that wooden expression abruptly changed into one of shock.

"Since Mia has known Mr. Kingston, this will be more convenient then." Alex smiled, making wrinkles appeared on his temples.

Despite that kind and friendly look he had on his face, Mia could only give him a bitter look; though it was one that was hidden deep in her eyes. None noticed, of course. Perhaps, one did, yet it changed nothing, didn't it?

It was a puzzle that Leon did nothing that day. After he finished his coffee, he made no further trouble and left. Such actions greatly astonished Mia to the point of uncertainty. She hardly picked up any clues from his expressions; whatever it was that he'd plan on doing.

For weeks, he hadn't shown up. It almost made her think that he had given up, almost. Him, finding another woman to hire was likely, right? Mia was no fool. She wouldn't be so stupid to think that she was a special person.

She was an average woman. Average looks, average built, and average ability. If that was the kind of woman that man wanted, he need not create so much fuss to go and find one.

It was her delusions. That small spark of hope was extinguished at once. He hadn't given up at all. Today, he appeared out of the blue, bringing Alex to meet his employees.

No need to guess the purpose. It was crystal clear that Alex had given the full ownership to that nonchalant man beside him, who was standing there, directing the occasionally discreet smug expression her way. Mia kept her indifferent expression as if it hadn't affected her the slightest, despite the raging turmoil in her heart.

Alex had closed the cafe earlier than usual. Introducing Leon to other employees. When that happened, Mia could perceive the unconcealed the bewildered look on Seina's face. Of course, she remembered this man, the few rarely customers in the suit who had visited the cafe, coupled with the incident involving her. Mia avoided that questioning look.

However, Alex's words clearly had explained it to her. The fact that Leon and  Mia were acquaintances brought many pairs of eyes to Mia's direction. Curiosity, envy, and even slight hostility.

It was an uncomfortable feeling, yet she could do nothing. She glanced briefly at the one who had shoved this another headache her way. As if he knew it already, their eyes met. Jolted, Mia hurriedly looked away.

What a scheming bastard.

"Thank you, Alex," Leon said, giving yet another his usual kind smile. A harmless-looking one. Mia scoffed inwardly looking at the fooled people around.

As Leon occasionally showed his cold complexion, reeling people reluctant to approach him. By giving this amiable looking face, many would think that they had won his favor. Until it was too late to regret that they had been wrong. Incredibly wrong that they'd fallen too deep into his trap. They'd discovered that Leon was no fool, they were.

That was how he got rid of quite a number of his rivals. An absolutely prideful man, as he was.

So persistent, isn't that also the reason he'd been so insistent that it should be her?

"I don't know why Mr. Kingston would be interested in this small cafe. If I may recommend, the employees are all pretty diligent ones. I hope that Mr. Kingston can continue to hire them." Alex spoke on behalf of his former employees after he had done introducing them to Leon. Surely, that what was also on their mind; they want to continue working here.

"Don't worry. I will treat the employees well." Leon assured. "If they work hard, I am going to make sure to give them some bonus. However, I also hope that people are still going to take this job just as seriously as before. I like to have diligent employees."

Leon's eyes involuntarily swept over a certain figure, lingering just a little bit longer that none was able to notice the abnormality. Mia, shuddered slightly listening to his words. A slight wrinkle appeared on her forehead.

That last words had made it clear that he would only be going to keep them if they worked hard enough. However, Mia's mind spun the moment those words entered her ears. In the other words, what Leon was going to say was that he could kick anyone since he had the highest authority now, including her.

"I pick this cafe because it has good scenery." Leon continued. "It would be a good idea to have a cafe of my own so that I can drink coffee anytime I want."

That completely far fetched reason sounded ridiculous in Mia's ears. Whether the others as convinced or not by those superfluous words, she wouldn't know.

"Are you alright, Mia?"

Mia turned her head at the sudden question, finding that Alex was looking at her. "You look pale."

Mia shook her head, ignoring a pair of scorching gaze from a certain man directed at her. "It's nothing. Don't worry."

"Alright. Since this cafe will be closed sooner than usual, take the time to get some rest." Alex suggested. Then, he went to go checking up some of the belonging that might be accidentally left here.

The employees also dispersed. They took care to clean the dish and went out. This new change of ownership could be either a good or bad thing. However, as long as they stayed, that was for the best. After all, despite not knowing who Leon was, from his bearing and aura alone, he might be one of those wealthy businessmen. He wouldn't be so stingy, right?

Perhaps, Mia was the only one who had been so troubled by this. She was uncomfortable.

Around a few minutes later, she was the only one left inside the cafe, her thoughts occupied. However, she still wouldn't fail to notice the gradually steady footsteps heading her way.

Leon hadn't left.

"Is it worth the trouble?" Mia took the initiative to ask, without looking back.

"How's this small matter became a trouble for me?"

That's right? Since when did this kind of thing become trouble for him? He had all the money he can squander. Mia cursed her foolishness.

"In a few days. I will wait for your answer." Leon's words were followed by a satisfied grin on his face. "Tch, you even take so long just to contact me. Why? Afraid that I would know your number?"

Mia nodded subconsciously. When she realized this, she glared at him.

"Ah, you are still so cute." Leon teased, seemingly pleased to see her scowling face.

At the same time, Seina who had come back to pick up something she had forgotten was stunned to see the scene. No matter from which angle, it was easy to misunderstand how Leon leaned his body forward, his face close to the sitting Mia.