(7. Thoughts of both world)
Cassie couldn't shake off the thought of saving a billionaire. If only she could have stayed longer to chat. But she doubted he would remember anything, considering he was drunk when they met, and she merely did him a favor by returning him home. Perhaps she should have stayed to receive a reward from the wealthy Xerx, but not at the sight of a gun. Rethinking that moment sent a cold shiver through her body. She was glad she made a run for it.
"Cassie! Quit daydreaming and attend to the customer!" a voice called from the kitchen. She hadn't noticed the woman standing at the counter.
"My bad. Welcome, ma'am. What can I get for you?"
"A cappuccino with extra foam, please."
"Right away." Cassie swiftly moved to prepare the order.
"I'll add these cupcakes to the bill too," the woman said, picking a chocolate cupcake from the pastry tray.
"This is lovely. The cupcake tastes so good. I know this is a café, but why don't you guys add more pastries to your business? With sweets like these, I bet you'd earn more," the customer complimented after a bite of the cupcake.
"Oh no, the cupcakes are a personal business of mine. I had to beg my boss to let me display them on the counter. Though 2.5% of my profit goes to him."
"You made these?"
"Yes. Among many things, I am a baker."
"These are wonderful. Why don't you use your skills to secure the best baking jobs in the country? With talent like yours, it shouldn't be hidden."
Cassie smiled, not knowing how to respond. Since she was little, she had always loved baking with her mother. Her mother taught her everything she knew, and Cassie cherished those memories.
"It's in my plan," she said with a smile.
"Well, I'd love to see you succeed," the customer said, paying for her coffee and cupcake, leaving a generous tip for Cassie.
This wasn't the first time Cassie received compliments on her baking. Everyone who tasted her cupcakes couldn't help but praise the baker. She was that good, but her aunt wouldn't let her do it in peace. Her aunt didn't even know about it. Only Abigail knew.
"At least the money goes somewhere good," Cassie thought, cleaning the counter with a wipe. She still couldn't get his name out of her mind. She picked up her phone and googled "Xerx." The search results surprised her.
"Damn!" she muttered under her breath. "Are they this rich?" She read a Wikipedia article about the family's wealth and lifestyle. She scrolled down and saw a family portrait of the Xerx. She spotted him there. She tapped on the next search for Xerx children. She saw his name there.
"Stephen. That's cute."
"You're looking him up?" a voice said, startling Cassie.
"June! You scared me," Cassie said in surprise. June was a coworker at the café.
"Well, if you're stalking him, you could check out his IG for more details."
"Who?" Realizing what June was implying, she locked her phone and put it down. "I'm not stalking him."
"I saw you, Cassie. Don't lie."
"It's for research purposes."
"Well, I can't blame you. One can only view him from afar and behind screens. To see or even glimpse him in reality, one must be part of the 1% of the 1%."
"It's not that hard."
"You're delusional, Cassie. Xerx is a rich name. Their family wealth could sustain the world if need be. They're influential not only in this country but overseas too. They're the real deal. Meeting them would take a miracle and connections."
Cassie was tempted to boast about saving Stephen but kept quiet.
"And I saw you checking out Stephen."
"You know him?"
"Hello, Cassie. Of course, I know him. Six feet tall, dark hair, fair skin, very soft and spotless, aqua royal eyes—a very handsome creature. I'd love it if he had me as his concubine. I need no more of this life than that."
"Wow! You do know a lot about him."
"Of course, Cassie. He's every girl's dream. I heard he's back in town after years of exploring the world. He needed it quite well after his brother's demise."
"Woah, woah… his brother?"
"Yeah, his brother, Ethan. He was the firstborn male child of the Xerx, soon to be married, but was unfortunately involved in a car accident that cost him his life."
'So his brother was who he was telling me about,' Cassie thought inwardly.
"But on the bright side, he's taking up leadership soon. So the legacy continues."
"Quit yapping, you both, and get to work. I don't pay you to gossip around," the voice from the kitchen called out again.
"We've got jobs to do. See you later, Cassie," June said, heading back to work. Cassie was left alone, thinking about the night they drank together and how sad he seemed. She opened her phone to see his picture again. His smile was so innocent, not revealing the burdens he was carrying.
'I wonder how he's doing now,' she thought.
AT THE XERX RESIDENCE
"To formalize your decision, I'll set up a meeting with the family to declare your intent to lead. Furthermore, you'll have a physical meeting with the shareholders and stakeholders in Xerx Corporation to finalize things," Stephen's father said as they sat down to discuss his decision.
"Are all these steps necessary?"
"Well, the meeting with the shareholders can be omitted, but the family meeting cannot. The Xerx Clan is built on family, and the rest of the members need to know your decision."
Stephen took a deep breath. "If it's necessary, I'm up for it."
"So you've just recently agreed to this? What changed?" Sam asked, breaking his silence.
"Sorry, I didn't notice someone talking," Stephen fired back.
"That's enough," Nelson interjected.
"But Uncle, I've been here filling in during his absence for all these years. If anyone deserves this position, it's me."
"I won't dispute that fact, but he is the next in line, Sam, and he has willfully agreed. Traditions can't be ignored."
Sam glared at Stephen but said nothing.
"Like I said, the family meeting is crucial. I'll talk to the rest of the Xerx family to see when we can convene for a meeting in your honor."
"So when do I resume office?"
"You can't resume office without the family acknowledging you as the next leader. Nevertheless, Sam will make preparations for your comeback at Xerx Corporation so you can start your duties."
"Sounds like a plan," Stephen said with a smirk.
"Well, if that's all, I'd like to take my leave," Sam declared, standing up.
"Won't you stay for some tea? I could ask the maid to prepare some," Stephen asked mockingly.
"Sadly, I'll have to decline and take my leave. Goodbye, Uncle," Sam said, bowing and leaving.
"That was uncalled for, Stephen."
"Sorry, Father, but I just hate his guts."
"He is your cousin. Shall I remind you that he'll be your Vice President at the corporation when you start working there?"
"Good thing I'll be the president."
"That's not what I mean. You should see him as a brother and ensure that Xerx Corporation continues to thrive."
"Father, we're controlling a lot of industries and partnering with top companies worldwide. Xerx is set for life. What more heights do we need to achieve?"
"Every achievement can be reduced to its base level by mistakes. Don't make one when you become president."
"I am the president."
"Not yet," his father replied, standing up to leave. He stopped and turned back to Stephen. "What changed?"
"I don't follow."
"For six years, you left and never looked back. I was on the verge of leaving it all to Sam. Even upon your return, you were still reluctant to take leadership. But suddenly, overnight, you willfully agreed. So I ask, what changed?"
Stephen smiled. "Let's just say I had a change of heart because of someone."
"That person must be special," his father said, leaving Stephen alone.
'She really is,' Stephen thought to himself.