Aisha remained silent, her gaze fixed on Alaric. The pause that occurred slowly made Alaric startled. He didn't expect Aisha to react this way, showing no signs of being impressed or intimidated. As a PA, she shouldn't exude such confidence when dealing with him. Aisha's lips curled into a slight chuckle, causing Alaric to clench his jaw.
"You're quite amusing, Alaric. How old are you now? 30? Oh, wait- 25?" Aisha asked.
Alaric's jaw clenched tighter as he glared resentfully at Aisha. His attempts to intimidate her from the beginning had backfired. He never liked being asked about his age as if being mocked for not being as mature as others. All the while, Dono silently cheered in his heart, reveling in the scene.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to generalize, but your attitude is very immature, boy. Perhaps experience and age do have an influence," Aisha joked.
Alaric glared at her, restraining himself from grinning at Aisha who dared to laugh at him. It seemed as though she thought Alaric was merely joking by playing the role of a mafia boss.
"I do know right now that your two uncles hold strategic positions. I also know your family background very well. And of course, I am familiar with Aymard's profile. But you, Alaric- Honestly, just now you acted like an inexperienced young wolf."
Alaric was taken aback. He was staring sharply at Aisha as if a demanding boy seeking an explanation. So far, he had never encountered anyone who wasn't intimidated or ignored him especially women. Alaric's charismatic and attractive appearance that like a beautiful mannequin showcasing luxurious clothes always easily captivated women. Dealing with Alaric meant being ready to indulge in a day filled with gasps on the finest linen-covered bed. Should be dare to sweats and breathless at the end of day. However, Aisha was different. Deep in his heart, Dono rejoiced with satisfaction once again.
"Maybe if your brother had said those horrible things, I would have been intimidated," Aisha corrected.
"Why?" Alaric asked with choking voice.
Aisha tilted her head, propping her chin on her hand. She looked amused. As she blinked slowly, a sly smile formed on her face. Alaric suddenly realized he had misjudged Aisha. He felt a mix of frustration and regret, cursing himself as a wave of unease washed over him.
Alaric couldn't help but feel drawn to her inwardly;
Alas, it turns out that she is a woman who captivates not with the glance of her eyes or the sway of her long limbs.
It appears that Aisha is skilled at feigning deceit, deliberately making it difficult for people to guess and judge her. Alaric is uncertain whether Aisha truly fits the image of a peasant as rumored by his girlfriend.
"Because Aymard is a ferocious wolf? Like you mentioned," Aisha answered.
Alaric pondered for a moment, sensing that he had overlooked something crucial all along.
"Then, am I not?"
Aisha, who was still gazing at Alaric, smiled amusedly.
"I'm sorry, Boy, but you are not at all."
For the first time since his adolescence, Alaric felt his face go pale. A cold sensation enveloped his face and his heart seemed to shrink. He clenched his jaw, swiftly regaining his confidence. Now, he locked eyes with Aisha and slowly spoke, as if he needed to ensure she understood his words.
"Don't overstep the line, Mrs. PA! Just because you are older than me and handle your Madame's accounts, it doesn't give you the right to pass judgment."
Aisha suppressed her smile as Alaric noticed a hint of pity in her eyes.
"I've told you, Boy. If Aymard or your uncle were to speak, then I would feel daunted."
"Damn it! Are you looking down on me because I'm younger? That's short-sighted, you know!"
Aisha smiled sagely, "That's not it."
Alaric scowled, and Aisha continued,
"Although it may contribute to your level of maturity, Mr. Dirdja."
Alaric grumbled inwardly, and Dono held himself back from laughing. He pretended to focus on his tablet while relaying every details to Danti.
"Why can't I intimidate you?"
Aisha chuckled softly, "Perhaps it's because you like to show off."
Alaric gritted his teeth, "What?"
Aisha sighed, catching Dono's attention. They shared the same thought, knowing exactly what "show off" meant. Alaric, who enjoyed investing in a flashy manner, had earned himself the reputation of being the Spoiled Prince of Showmanship. A Spoiled Peacock Prince. And, of course, no true professional would genuinely believe his claim of being a savage wolf from the Dirdja family.
That's the point!
Alaric was never though that in an agreement, his business partners, colleagues and coworkers went along with Alaric's wishes just to ensure a smooth process without wasting time. It all came down to trust and maintaining that trust. Fortunately, people respected Aymard, which compelled them to maintain a certain attitude towards Alaric. There is no one mischievous like Aisha who provokes this conversation out of the shell. But that's okay. According to Dono, it is indeed time for Alaric to realize his true situation.
"Your social media accounts are filled with fun and enviable things. However, it's not beneficial for your business portfolio." said Aisha.
"What else do you mean, Mrs. PA?!"
Alaric grinned slightly, feeling a sense of unease.
"Think about it, boy. If you see someone who only showcases their personal life on social media like Aymard, you might scoff and find it boring. But that's precisely how your potential business partners perceive you. It reflects how trustworthy you are in a professional setting."
Alaric fell silent.
"And you, I got to know you through the online world. Trust me, it's not just me and Madame who enjoy snooping around and trying to assess people who could be our future colleagues or partners. Everyone does it. Do you want to know what my Boss thinks of you?"
Alaric quietly waited for Aisha to continue.
"Madame, who was impressed by Aymard's professional portfolio on social media, was puzzled when she saw your online presence. It's all about how you spend your time. Actually, Mrs. AR has serious doubts when she sees all social media accounts with a presentation style like yours, Mr. Alaric Dirdja. It was driven her to asking the crucial thing. When do you actually work when you glamouring yourself everyday? What are the tangible results of your efforts?"
Alaric felt a bitter and stiff sensation in his mouth.
"So, it's only natural that I'm more concerned about Aymard than you. Oh, boy. You're truly adorable. You don't want to be dismissed as inexperienced just because you're young."
Alaric snorted, "Damn it, Mrs. PA! What was that? What a ridiculous explanation! Pretentious!""
Aisha let out a long sigh, "You don't seem to realize how exposed you are."
Instantly, Alaric fell silent again. Dono, sitting behind him, was out of his sight, while Aisha could clearly see him giving a respectful smile. Aisha chuckled softly,
"You pretended to daunt me with the typical actions of such a little boy," she said wittily.
"Well, trust me, do not repeat. You looked like a cute fox learning to growl."
This remark made Alaric even more annoyed. Dono silently chuckled. Aisha turned to her phone, briefly read a message, and then put it back. Alaric observed her. Despite his frustration, Aisha's expressive round eyes sparked his curiosity. The way she responded to the incoming text intrigued him. What would it feel like to be stared at with softened eyes?
"Ah, it seems that I now have to thank you for this hospitality, Mr. Alaric," Aisha continued.
Alaric remained silent. "Your brother will drive my son to Mercer after dinner. Well, I'd better excuse myself."
Alaric looked straight at Aisha. "Aymard approaching Rahman is not without purpose," he stated.
Aisha laughed crisply, "Oh, don't start, Little Fox. Of course, I know."
Alaric shuddered and finished his tea. "You will lose if you don't take us into account," he warned.
Aisha's laughter transformed into a polite amusement. "That's something I also know," she responded.
Alaric propped his cheek with a fist, appearing annoyed.
"By the way, who do you ask for help? Is there anyone you already know?" he inquired.
Aisha smiled and replied, "Thank goodness, I have genuine friends whose names may not be as flashy as your family's. And again, I've known them for a long time. Their help is sincere."
Alaric snorted in disbelief. "That's great. Who are they?" he asked.
Aisha shook her head and said, "It's none of your business."
Alaric retorted, "Are you going to invite us?"
Aisha shrugged and responded, "I haven't considered it yet."
Alaric laughed politely, although still annoyed, and said, "Don't act as you please."
Aisha smiled subtly and concluded, "Just wait for the courier to deliver the invitation," as she got up.
"Thank you, Mr. Alaric. It was a pleasure tea time with you. Now, I must take my leave," Aisha expressed politely.
Alaric nodded and Dono stood up. He is intending to drive Aisha to her taxi. Alaric grumbled resentfully, feeling caught off guard. He didn't expect this outcome.
However, it wasn't only Alaric who murmured inwardly. Aisha, too. She was burdened with thoughts about Rahman. Her sincere son didn't realize the hidden agendas plotted by people like Aymard. All for the purpose of accessing information about AR which Aisha closely guarded. It saddened her to imagine Rahman's reaction if he reveals Aymard's true intentions.
From the beginning, Aisha knew she would always be connected to AR whose had become a topic of conversation from Ykaterinburg to Melbourne. She didn't attribute any sincerity to the friendship Aymard offered to Rahman. Moreover, Alaric's confirmation during their conversation solidified her narrow judgment. She was disregarding other possibilities; what if Aymard genuinely wanted to be friends with Rahman? What if he was sincere without any ulterior motives?
It seems that the Dirdja siblings are currently unlucky.
Unfortunate Aymard the Ferocious Wolf of the Dirdjas, as Aisha perceived him to be insincere from the beginning. And poor Alaric since his attempt to intimidate Aisha had failed. All of Alaric's acts just solidifying Aisha's view of him as nothing more than a Little Fox who couldn't even growls.
*****