Causing a Scene

Matteo sat on the edge of his bed, the dim glow of the chandeliers reflecting off the glass windows. His mind replaying what he'd discovered a few hours ago.

He still couldn't believe that Leo could be his son. Then again, Amelia who looked fragile and delicate turns out to be stronger than he thought. Matteo couldn't help but admire, yet feel guilty, she was betrayed and disowned by her own family, yet it didn't stop her from training and taking good care of Leo.

Once the DNA result was out, one thing was sure. He was going to take care of them, even though he's going to hide the truth from Amelia for the time being.

His grip tightened around his phone as he dialed Asad's number. The dial tone rang twice before Asad's deep voice answered.

“Sir?”

Matteo's voice was steady, but his mind was anything but calm. “Asad, I need you to run a DNA test, discreetly.”

“Whose DNA are we testing?” Asad asked, though Matteo could hear the curiosity in his tone.

“Mine,” he answered firmly. “And a child's.”

“Leo?”

“No one can know about this, not even Amelia.” Matteo answered, ignoring his guess.

Asad was silent for a moment before he finally responded. “Understood. Do you have a sample?”

Matteo exhaled, his fingers pressing against his temple. “I'll get one.”

Ending the call, he leaned against the bed board, his mind a whirlwind of emotions.

The next day, Matteo arrived at the office earlier than usual, his eyes scanning for Amelia and Leo. He found them in the breakroom, Amelia was preparing coffee while Leo played with a small toy car on the table.

“Mr. Matteo. Good morning, sir.” Amelia turned to greet him as soon as she perceived his cologne.

“Good morning, Miss Amelia.” He nodded casually, stepping inside.

Leo looked up and grinned. “Uncle Matt!”

Matteo ruffled his hair, his fingers subtly brushing against the soft strands. He felt a pang in his chest, was this really his son? He needed to know.

Amelia was done with the coffee and returned to her desk, leaving Leo with Matteo.

Matteo decided to grab the opportunity.

“I got you something,” He said, pulling out a sleek, limited-edition toy car from his pocket.

Leo's eyes widened with excitement. “Wow! This is so cool!”

“Glad you like it.” Matteo said with a smirk.

As Leo hugged the toy close to his chest, Matteo discreetly plucked a single strand of hair from his hair. Leo didn't even notice, too focused on his new gift. Matteo clenched the strands in his fist, his heart racing.

This was it.

“Alright buddy, have fun. I'll see you later,” Matteo said and turned to leave.

“Are you leaving already? Didn't you just arrive?” Leo asked.

“I forgot something, I'd be right back.”

“Okay!” Leo nodded and returned to his toy.

When Matteo was out of the company's building, he slipped the hair into a small plastic bag and texted Asad.

While Leo played with his toy in Matteo's office, Amelia was busy with work on her desk. While other staff was busy admiring Amelia and seeking for ways to get close to her, Brenda was fuming, anger and jealousy burning her heart.

When she started to work in Matteo's company, she had thought he would give her the vacant position close to his office, but instead she was placed in an office way distant to his. She had spent years trying to get close to Matteo and win him over, but couldn't. And now, this nobody had waltz in and not only still the position she was eyeing for, but was also getting close to him and getting his attention, Brenda couldn't help but get infuriated.

“How dare she get do close to him?!” She seethed.

No. She wouldn't allow it.

Later in the afternoon, it was break time already. Amelia decided to get food for Leo and hers, but Leo insisted on joining her, so she agreed. Getting to the place, it was filled already, so she joined the queue.

While she was waiting for her turn, some of the workers were busy admiring Leo and even gave him their cookies. Leo was happy as he ate them, while waiting for their turn to order.

Finally, it was their turn, Amelia was still making her orders when Brenda walked up to the front desk.

“Can I get a box of pizza, fries and lemon juice?”

“Please join the queue, when we get to your turn you can make an order.”

Brenda frowned, “What? You want me to wait till it gets to my turn? That's bullshit!”

“I’m sorry, miss. But that's how it's done.”

Brenda glanced at Amelia, “Why not move back, so I can use your spot?”

“Excuse me?” Amelia tilted her head to look at her.

“Yes, you heard me right.”

“Miss, she was here before you.”

“And so? Does that makes any sense?”

“Of course. My mom was here before you. You either wait for us to order first or move to the back, like this pretty aunty said.” Leo suddenly said, as she glanced at the young waitress, who returned his smile.”

“Shut your mouth, Brat. You have a habit of intruding in adults conversation. Did your mother not teach you well.”

Now, Amelia was angry.

“You have no right to speak to him like that. He is my child and I raised him well.”

Brenda scoffed, “Please move aside, I don't have time for vixens like you?”

“I think you should mind your use of words. I can't move aside, I was here before you.”

Everyone's attention was now on Amelia and Brenda, everyone of them taking Amelia's side while cursing Brenda with their murmurs.

“You?” Brenda pointed at the waitress, “You'd regret this. Making me wait, while I'm supposed to get food first? You'll really regret it.”

“And you?” She turned to Amelia. “I don't give a damn about your work competence or whatsoever. Who knows? Might have slept your way up..”

Slap!

Amelia didn't landed a hot slap on her cheek before she could even finish her words.

“I, Amelia, will not take any form of insult from you, especially when you know nothing about me.” Amelia said coldly, her tone carrying a hint of extreme warning.

Brenda held her cheek, utterly surprised.

Meanwhile, Narrow had just returned to get company, he was about to step into his office when one of the employees, hurried towards him.

“Sir, there's a situation,” he said hurriedly.

Matteo's expression darkened. “What kind of situation?”

“It's Brenda. She's causing a scene in the Cafeteria.”

The scene at the Cafeteria was chaotic. Brenda stood at the middle, yelling at Amelia while several employees watch uncomfortably. Amelia ignored her and continued with her order, waiting for her say something she wouldn't like or try to lay her hands on her.

“You dare to slap me? You're so dead. I swear, you'll regret this!”

Matteo arrived at that moment. “What the hell is going on here?”