The meeting

Amelia shot Matteo a sharp glance and quickly looked away to face Leo, “What nonsense are you saying?” She whisper-yelled, glaring at him.

Matteo didn't see that coming, he didn’t expect Leo’s blunt words. ‘What exactly is going on in that boy’s head?’ he thought, stunned yet amused.

“Mom I'm not spouting nonsense, Uncle Matt really said it.”

Amelia glanced at her Matteo, suspicion growing in the depth of her heart. She knew Leo very much, and he wasn't one that would joke or lie with things like this. Is her boss into her? She thought, but quickly shrugged off the thought immediately.

Matteo glanced at her and shook his head, “He was arguing with Brenda that you were more beautiful than she is, I just helped him, by agreeing with him. You asked me, right Leo?”

Leo slowly nodded, he didn't like the outcome, he had expected Matteo to agree that his mom was beautiful, but rather he said he was helping him. Maybe he had misunderstood the reason he was looking at his mother, he thought.

Hearing the reason Matteo had said she was beautiful, her mind was at ease. At least, it wasn't as she had thought.

Not long after, Asad came in, informing Matteo that the meeting had been set up and the company's staff was in the meeting room.

Matteo nodded, and glanced at his expensive watch. “How many minutes left?”

“Five minutes, sir.”

“Alright. Miss Amelia, are you ready?”

“Yeah, just a minute.” She nodded, while she gathered her materials.

Leo noticed her moving and Immediately perked up.

“Mommy, are you leaving again?”

“Just for a little bit, sweetheart,” she said gently and crouched next to him. “I'll be back soon, I promise.”

Leo nodded, but didn't look happy. “Will Uncle Matt go with you?”

“Yes, Leo. He's the boss, have you forgotten?”

Leo pouted his mouth but eventually agreed.

“Leo, Asad will stay with you, while we're gone. It won't be long and your mom will be returned to you, okay?” Matteo said, ruffling his hair.

Leo nodded and glanced at Amelia. “Won’t you tell me to behave?”

Amelia laughed softly, “You'll behave, promise?”

Leo grinned mischievously. “I'll try, but no promises.”

Amelia laughed softly again, ruffling his hair before stepping out.

The meeting room buzzed with quiet conversation when Amelia arrived. The table was surrounded by company executives, most of whom gave her a curious glance. She knew what they were thinking, who was this new face? Can she handle the workload, giving how young she is?

Just then Matteo entered the room, commanding instant attention. He exuded authority, his presence consuming the space effortlessly. Amelia's heart skipped as his eyes locked on her, briefly before he looked away.

“Good afternoon, everyone,” Matteo began, his tone brisk. “My assistant had already briefed you on the reason for this meeting. Let's get started.”

Meanwhile in Matteo's office, Leo and Asad sat opposite each other. Leo instinctively glanced at Asad's shoe and smiled. “This shoe seems to be your favourite.”

Asad was taken back, when he understood the meaning behind Leo's words he smiled and took a brief glance at his shoe. “Did you think I'd stop wearing them because you dropped your ice cream on it?”

Leo shook his head and looked away.

For some reason, Asad couldn't shake away what he was feeling. Anytime he had a conversation with Leo, it felt as if he was talking to the younger version of his boss. Including his sharp gaze, curt replies, and mischievous smile.

“Tell me what you think?” Leo suddenly said. “Does Uncle Matt and my mom suit themselves? Uncle Matt is single, as well as my mom, I want to hook them up.”

Asad widened his eyes, clearly stunned. He had to look at Leo's face again and ask his age to confirm he was really four years and a small kid. But how did he get such ideas, even with his tiny head?

In the meeting room, as the meeting progressed, Amelia couldn't help but admire Matteo's leadership. He was sharp, decisive and utterly confident. He was all business with no trace of vulnerability.

The meeting wrapped up smoothly, and Amelia's presentation on her design concepts earned nods of approval from the team, apart from Brenda who glared at her with hatred, looking for a fault she could pick on, but couldn't find one. Amelia failed to notice her, sorely absorbed in her sense of pride, as she was able to prove herself and level of knowledge.

As the rest of staff and executives filed out, Matteo lingered behind, motioning for Amelia to stay.

“You did well.” He said, once they were alone.

“Thank you,” Amelia replied, her voice cautious. “I'm trying my best.”

Matteo leaned against the table, his arms crossed. “It shows. But you can ask me anything or any question. I'd be glad to answer.”

Amelia was caught off guard and paused, but quickly smiled. “Thank you, sir.”

“Let's head back to the office.”

“Sure.” Amelia gathered her materials and followed him.

Unknown to them, all the while they conversed, Brenda stood at a corner, looking at them. Although she couldn't hear what they were saying, but could see the eased expression on Matteo's face and Amelia smiles, her heart burned with jealousy and anger. But she couldn't confront Amelia in front of Matteo, rather she decided to wait for the right time.

When Matteo and Amelia headed back to the office, Matteo instructed Asad to get food for Amelia and Leo, although Amelia insisted on going directly to the company's cafe with Leo.

“Mom, can I have Ice cream?” Leo asked, his innocent face lighting up.

“Not now, sweetheart. You know the rule…no ice cream before lunch.” Amelia patted his hair.

Leo pouted dramatically, “Mom, you're being mean again.” He said and turned to Matteo for help.

Matteo chuckled, and walked over to him. “Oh really? What did she do this time?”

Amelia sighed, she didn't know if she should feel comfortable with how close and attached Leo was getting to Matteo. He'd literally spout everything to him and even seek help from him, when she refused him something.

“She won't let me have ice cream.” Leo said, crossing his arms and huffing.

Matteo crouched to his height, smirking. “Well, your mom is right. Ice cream can wait. How about some cookies instead?”

Leo tilted his head, as if considering the compensation, before nodding eagerly. “Okay, cookies are fine!”

“Good boy, Uncle Asad will get them for you too.”

As Matteo patted his head, his phone buzzed with a text. His easy going demeanor shifted as he read it. The text was from his private investigator. “I have new information about Amelia's past. We need to talk now.”

Matteo's grip on the phone tightened, his jaw clenching slightly. Amelia noticed the change in his expression.

“Is everything okay, sir?” She asked cautiously.

Matteo glanced at her, his gaze unreadable. “Yeah, just work stuff.”