Encounters~ Skilled Jewel Empress X Nation's Spoiled Prince

[Refer to the previous chapter to pick up where you left :D]

Sara came down wearing her professional attire. She was wearing a sky blue pantsuit with a white top underneath. Her sleeved were a bit pushed up, revealing smooth and caramel-colored skin. Her left hand adorned an élite watch from Titan. She was also wearing a pair of white pump shoes. Their clattering noise resonated through the lounge.

When she came down, the scene that she saw from her floor, indeed blew her mind. Of course, she had to expect something when Riley was around. It seemed like her workload had increased by ten times! From now on, she would have to not only sign doc.u.ments, attend business meetings and discuss collaborations, but also swat the nark flies whirring around him all the time! That would really get on her nerves. It looked like she really needed to crack her Momma's code as soon as possible. So, she could find the lab and invent a fly repellant before she completed her parents' research.

With those thoughts on her mind, she pressed her lips into a thin line and met Riley's pleading eyes. He looked like a dejected yet spoiled puppy who was suddenly thrown into the unwanted glare of publicity, instead of being spoiled rotten by its master.

On the other hand, the maids were so engrossed in devouring him with their eyes that they had failed to notice her presence. What could she do? His presence was akin to the first sunshine of summer falling upon the frozen caves of the Himalayas. The verity was that she was not ready to see such a huge reaction his presence would impact upon.

"Is the breakfast not ready up till now?" her words landed a heavy blow to the maids whose eyes were practically shooting hearts at HER MAN. Yes, he was HER MAN! As much as she hated to admit it, she had always known that in her heart. She could not bear to part her heart with anyone all these years they were separated. All the years that they missed.

The maids bowed their heads in fear. They did not fail the bloodcurdling, bone-chilling look on the Empress' face. Those involved with the cooking were not sure whether to start serving or not. They were not sure if they had properly added all the ingredients while cooking. They were not too sure if the Empress would eat it or would she ask them to cook again.

Riley turned his head with a smirk. His face with mockery. It seemed like he was saying, 'Now, now! Where are your glowing hearts? Come, look at me! How foolish! You were eyeing the Empress' concubine!'

By then, Sara had walked up to him. Then, she said, "Let's eat. You must be hungry."

"Sure thing", his smile grew wider as he looked at her honey-smooth face.

"I thought I asked you something", she straightened up her head and peeked behind Riley.

"Ye-yes, Miss", the leading maid in the kitchen managed to trip over her tongue, "The dinner-, I mean the breakfast, is ready."

"Serve it well", Sara swept her cool gaze at the maids, before dragging Riley to the table. After sitting down, she noticed that Riley was hesitating about something.

"Do you have something to say?" Sara placed her hand over his.

"Um, yeah. I was saying…" Riley was about to place his reason when a maid interrupted it with her arrival.

The maids all had the same uniform. A black skirt, a white shirt and an apron tied around their torso. This maid was no different. She began placing the dishes on the table. There were cheese rolls, spring rolls, muffins, and sandwiches. Riley eyed the dishes and the maid repeatedly with disdain.

Sara did not fail to notice the scowl on his handsome face and turned to the maid, "You may leave."

The maid bowed slightly and immediately took to her heels.

"Yeah, so I was saying", his voice trickled down to a whisper. Sara had to lean closer to hear him speak.

"I was saying", he continued in a whisper, "My clothes. They have not dried because you tossed them into the washing machine last night. I cannot probably wear your Dad's attire and walk into the family mansion. My Mom might think I slept with a man."

His words made her raise her brows dramatically. So, that was his problem.

She sighed, "Well, do you think you should show up at the family mansion with those dirty clothes on? And if your Mom is really interested to know about the existence of the 'man' in your life, send her directly to my office. I would not mind welcoming my real mother-in-law. I am tired of dealing with those bunch of middle-aged women who brag about being my future mother-in-law."

Her words stunned him and made him speechless at the same time. He was unsure of whether he should laugh or cry. In actual fact, they never failed to surprise each other.

"And about your clothes, I have already prepared you an outfit that matches your refreshing personality. Anyways, the food is getting cold", she finished serving her sermon.

He nodded dreamily. So, she found him refreshing? That was great, really great! She was not someone to appreciate people and shower you with compliments, but it was more than enough for him. For him, it felt like being on cloud nine.

…

An hour later

Riley changed into the outfit Sara had prepared for him. It was a hand-tailored black shirt with brown cufflinks. In place of the usual buttons, it had small diamond drops to keep the shirt in place. She had prepared a pair of matching pants that complimented his long legs. He came a stood in front of the mirror after he had tugged the shirt inside the pants.

He turned his head and saw Sara standing against the doorway with her arms crossed over her c.h.e.s.t. She smiled when she saw him.

"Aren't you getting late?" he asked while securing his cufflinks, "I saw you skipping calls during the breakfast."

"It's fine", she walked up to him and helped him to fix his collar.

"No, it's not", he shook his head and turned his body to face her properly.

That's when his eyes fell upon something hidden under her bangs. He parted her bangs and discovered the bandage on her forehead. He looked at her. She was indeed taller than most women but she was shorter than him. It made him gaze down on her elfin face.

"What happened here?" he asked, rubbing her thumb against the bandaged area. He saw her biting her lips. Then, she said, "I got hurt in the kitchen."

"You cook with your forehead?" he sounded like an old father who was trying to discipline his unruly daughter.

"Not really. I slipped", she admitted while avoiding eye contact.

"It looks dirty and wet. When did you last change it?" he asked with a warm look in his eyes.

"Yesterday morning?" she pressed her lips together.

"Come on! Are you being serious?" he sighed and immediately made her sit down. He removed the bandages and realized that the wound was quite deep, "Do we have a first aid kit around here?"

She pointed to the side drawer beside the bed.