New friends

Brenda spun around, her face a mix of fury and desperation. “Matt, they are embarrassing me! In front of everyone!” She paused, glancing at Amelia, who pulled Leo close to her, as if shielding him from the trouble.

“She's the one humiliating me, she slapped me, are you going to let that happen?”

“What happened?” Matteo asked, directing his gaze at Amelia who seemed calm.

After Amelia narrated what happened, not including what Brenda had told her that caused her to slap her, as she felt it wasn't necessary.

“Is this what happened?”

Everyone, including the waitress nodded, “Exactly sir.”

Matteo sighed. “You're making a fool of yourself, Brenda.” He said coldly. “Leave now before I have the security escort you out.”

“You wouldn't dare!” She hissed.

“Try me,” he replied, his voice like ice.

Amelia watched the exchange, feeling a mix of discomfort and pity for Brenda. Despite her hostility, it was clear she cared deeply for Matteo, even though her action was not excusable.

Brenda's gaze shifted back to Amelia, her eyes narrowing. “This is all your fault,” she spat. “You and that brat of yours!”

Matteo stepped forward, his body language protective. “Don't you dare talk about her son.”

The intensity in his voice startled Amelia. She didn't expect him to be so defensive.

“Why? Why shouldn't I talk about him? What do you even know about them?”

“Enough!” Matteo's voice thundered, silencing the entire café.

The sudden outburst startled everyone, including Leo, who clung to Amelia tightly. Brenda looked aback but refused to back down entirely.

Matteo took a step closer to her, his voice low and cold. “You're out of line. If you have an issue, address it professionally. But if you insult her or Leo again, there will be consequences.”

Brenda's eyes burned with humiliation and rage, but she said nothing. She turned on her heels and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

Amelia watched calmly, but her heart was racing. She hadn't expected Matteo to defend her and Leo so fiercely. It was actually the first time, someone was standing up for her, after all these years.

“Mom, Is that Aunty mad? Leo asked innocently, breaking her thoughts.

Amelia couldn't help but laugh softly, despite the tension. “I think she's just having a bad day, sweetheart.”

“Everyone return to work, Break is over!” Matteo ordered, indirectly telling them that the show was over.

He returned his gaze at Amelia, his expression softening. “Are you okay?”

“I'm fine,” she replied, though her voice wavered slightly. “Thank you for…standing up for us.”

Matteo nodded, “It's okay. Everyone here knows the rules and must follow them, not one is exempted, not even Brenda.”

“Thank you.” Amelia says politely.

“Have you had anything to eat yet?”

“No, uncle Matt.” Leo answered, even though the question wasn't directed at him.

“Fine then, I'll take you to eat.”

“That's not necessary, sir. Lunch time has ended already.”

Leo glanced at Amelia and frowned, “Mom, I'm hungry.”

“You can go back to work, I'll take Leo with me to eat, then we'll buy yours when coming back. Is that okay?”

“Yess!”

Amelia was at a loss for words, so she simply nodded, knowing if she were to disagree, Leo would be persistent and it would make things more awkward as it is.

She returned to her work desk, ready to finish her work and avoid any more distractions. But then, the scene earlier kept replaying in her head.

The way Matteo had defended her and Leo out there, his assuring and soft gaze…she shook her head, pushing away the overflowing thoughts.

‘He might have been only helping Leo, since Leo was his friend.’

“Miss Amelia?”

Two voices called out, startling Amelia out of her thoughts. She looked up to see two female employees, standing in front of her desk. They were both young and all smiles.

“Hello,” Amelia said, returning their smiles. “Please, how can I help you?”

“Actually, we just wanted to be friends with you…” the first said.

“Yes, all your sketches and designs are very topnotch and captivating, at least we could learn a few tips from you, since you're more experienced than we are.”

Amelia was stunned, she couldn't help but smile. “I really appreciate your compliments, sure, I'll help you in whatever way I can.”

“Thank you so much. We're friends now, right?” The second girl asked, smiling.

Amelia nodded. Although she didn't consider them her friends, since it's been a long time since she made friends, she agreed, simply because she can't say no to them.

“You're so nice. Sorry about what happened earlier, Miss Brenda is always like that.”

“It's fine. Thank you.”

“One more thing, my name is Ivy and I think I have a crush on Leo, he is so cute, I can play with him right?”

Amelia laughed softly, “Yes, Ivy, you can always play with Leo.”

Only if Leo would want to play with you…Amelia thought to herself.

“Ohh, I'm Bella.” The second girl introduced herself as well.

After awhile, they returned to their desk.

It wasn't long before Matteo returned with Leo.