Five days had already passed unknowingly.
"In the next hour, you have an appointment with Mr. Odo at twelve, and an annual general meeting at two o'clock." Jean recited while staring at the tablet in her hand.
Mimi sounded out a hum in confirmation, her body lazily leaning against her chair.
"Mr. Alec has also called again, would you like me to call him back for you?"
As soon as she finished speaking, Mimi answered without concern, "No. Leave him be, I'm sure whatever it is he has to say is unimportant."
Jean lifted her head, her face filled with surprise. Lately, Alec had been calling Mimi continuously, and each time the girl rejected.
Though her boss was rather unusual and treated Alec in her own special way that was considered cold, she knew she valued the young man very much. However, recently, Jean thought Mimi's treatment toward him was indifferent.
Almost resentful.
Did something happen between the two?
Jean frowned faintly but did not say anything. It seemed like she was thinking about something, but dared not voice her thoughts on her boss's treatment toward her brother.
In her heart, Jean could only shake her head and inwardly give her sincerest apologies to the pitiful man.
Whatever it was, she hoped the two resolved it.
Jean continued to relay the girl information, "Mr. Itou also called to inform you he'll be picking you up later to bring you home."
Probably to make the girl dinner like he's always done, Jean thought.
Initially, she found it surprising that although the two's relationship was nothing more than friends, the man dotingly treated her as if she was his wife.
Jean shook her head at the absurd thought and inwardly sighed. Tobias Itou was such a doting and caring man. She was thankful that Mimi had such an excellent person by her side.
Meanwhile, Mimi who heard Jean's words stiffened.
She fell silent for a moment before she stated calmly while looking at her work. "Tell him not to bother with that. I'll be leaving early to handle some business after work."
Jean who was looking seriously at her tablet, raised her head to stare at the cross-dressing girl across from her. She couldn't help but blink her eyes in shock.
Jean doubtfully asked, "Ms. Mimi, are you sure?"
Mimi's soft laughter echoed through the office, "I'm sure. It's not like Tobias can't stand to be apart from me for a few days, right?"
Jean pursed her lips. That's exactly what will happen.
At this point, Jean naturally perceived Mimi's subtle expression and could sense the abnormality in her boss. The typical upbeat, lively tease in her eyes was still present, however, a faint sharpness was hidden beneath.
The handsome woman pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose, she seemed to be thinking of something before she looked at the girl quietly.
Jean herself had a child, a young boy who she loved very dearly. Though she didn't see Mimi as her child - since she'd never allowed their bond to pass that point, she did care for her deeply.
As someone who watched the girl mature into a young woman, she can't help but worry when she notices these abnormalities in her.
"Ms. Mimi, I know this is inappropriate for me to ask as your employee, but...if something is troubling you, I wouldn't mind listening."
Mimi was somewhat surprised by the woman's unexpected kind words.
She leaned her forehead on her palm and teased, "My, my, it's rare for you to sound so worried Jeanie. How adorable!"
Jean's eyebrows couldn't help but twitch. "Ms. Mimi–"
The girl interrupted her. "Jean."
Mimi smiled. A quick, jerky smile she hadn't seen before. Not to mention, she had called her by her real name rather than her nickname.
"I assure you there's nothing wrong. I'm just a little tired from all this work. So don't worry, okay?"
The girl blinked her eyes innocently at the woman. However, Jean could feel the pressure coming off of her gaze.
In that instance, Jean knew her look and words were a warning.
Jean could only sigh.
"My apologies Ms. Mimi, my actions were uncalled for and inappropriate. I'll make sure to work harder today."
Mimi finally couldn't help but laugh sweetly, "Aww, Jeanie! There's no need to be hard on yourself! Your worried face just now was really cute, I wouldn't mind seeing it again!"
Jean felt a headache coming. From then on, Jean no longer felt the urge to show concern for anything else regarding the girl's mood.
…
Leaving the company for her appointment with Lee Odo, Mimi glanced up at the figure waiting for her at the front. A brief flash of surprise flickered across her face, but she proceeded to walk past them with Jean behind her.
"Oi, punk! You dare ignore me?"
Her brows twitched. Mimi turned her head briefly and curved her lips into a frightening, polite gentle smile.
"Ah, it's the young gentlemen from the Bellard's banquet! What a pleasure to see you again."
Seth Hirogori's eyelid twitched, the frustration on his face evident.
"What's with that nickname? Hmph, what? Do you not know who I am?" He sneered.
How could he not?
Everyone knew who the Hirogori's were. Whether they weren't involved or well informed on the economy industry, everyone recognized them as powerful figures.
Meanwhile, Mimi found his words funny and suddenly wanted to laugh.
Did he keep calling her punk rather than her name?
While she thought this, on the surface Mimi blinked her eyes, a small tilt in her head. There was no superfluous expression in the boy's green eyes, he merely stared at him with complete innocence.
After seeing the boy's reaction, Seth was stunned. His expression turned gloomy at this.
"No way, do you really not know who I am?"
Mimi puts on the appearance of an embarrassed youth and scratched her nose.
Though seemingly ashamed for not recognizing the other, the boy's voice was still relaxed and calm, "Ah…I'm afraid not. I apologize if I've offended you by this. I'm not very informed of many figures within the industry."
Seth frowned, "I'm not…"
The moment he spoke, Seth quickly shut his mouth, the frown on his face becoming tighter. He realized at that moment it wasn't a surprise the boy didn't know who he was.
Compared to his brother Kenji and even that adopted bastard Alec, he wasn't too involved in the business industry.
Rather than engaging in company matters or making a name for himself, Seth relied on his family name and reputation to get around. Those who had been in the industry longer were more aware of this.
But for newcomers like Andras, the chances of them knowing his identity was rare unless he outright told them.
Seth's face at that point had turned extremely gloomy. Mimi noticed the turmoil in Seth's expression and giggled inside her heart.
Ah, how pleasant!
Jean, who stood on the side spoke up, "Mr. Andras, I'm sorry to interrupt but…"
Mimi turned her head and laughed, gently waving her hand in dismissal, "Yes, I understand."
Retracting her gaze from Jean, Mimi looked back at Seth whose expression by now was filled with unconcealed bitterness.
Acting as if she didn't see this, Mimi's mouth curved upward slightly and she spoke in a gentle tone, "I apologize but I have a meeting to attend. It was nice to see you…"
The sound of the boy's clear, angelic voice brought Seth out of his thoughts. He looked up and was stunned for a long time.
"My name's Seth…" He paused and pursed his lips.
However, without giving him the chance to continue his words, Mimi turned and chuckled softly.
"Then Seth, I hope to see you again."
At that moment a gust of wind blew. As the breeze was blowing, a few strands of the boy's hair lightly stroked his fair, rosy cheeks. Light pink colored lips curved in a gentle, carefree smile, causing people to feel a dazed warmth.
Including Seth Hirogori.
Meanwhile, Mimi had already waved farewell with a bright smile before walking toward the black car in front – leaving the younger man in a dazed state. By the time the car was out of sight, Seth had suddenly realized the boy was no longer in front of him.
He was stunned for a moment, but he quickly returned to reality. The tips of his ears quietly turned red. Realizing his reaction, Seth revealed a frustrated expression, but he hastily covered it up.
What the fuck was going on?!
Sure the boy was good-looking, but to make him blush…absolutely disgusting!
Seth shivered and reminded himself not to fall for the shameless boy's good looks.
Shooting a fierce glare in the direction the boy left, he turned and stomped away from the building.