Meanwhile at the Xi old residence...
"Aunty, how could big brother Matt do that to me?" Opposite Vivian Xi, a gorgeous lady complained in disbelief. Her chocolate eyes demanded justice, as she tucked a few strands of her gracious black locks behind her ear.
"Now, my board of directors are questioning my credibility as the CEO of RB Entertainment!" Ruby Xi added, utterly insulted at what she went through today.
Although Matthew Xi's orders were directly aimed at Enzo Li, Ruby Xi was still his handler. Therefore, she was liable to protect her artist.
However, in front of their mother company the XI Corporation, Ruby Xi as the CEO of RB Entertainment had nothing to say. If Matthew Xi didn't change his mind, Ruby Xi would be forced to lay off Enzo Li for the meantime.
After all, the orders given were top 'priority'. Hence, she couldn't delay and was expected to announce Enzo Li's retirement before the day could end!
This only made Ruby Xi's reputation inside her own company wane. Now, everyone thinks that she was just a puppet and Matthew Xi still has the last say in the company he had never touched before.
All the more reason for Ruby Xi to be enraged. After all, she had built that entertainment agency all on her own and only asked for Matthew Xi's back up. He had promised her not to touch it, but what was that today?
"Oh my sweet Ruby, you must have suffered today." Vivian Xi sighed, staring at the usual elegant woman in a stressful situation because of her jealous son.
"Please forgive your cousin, he was throwing a tantrum." Trying to word the situation properly, Vivian Xi sighed as she couldn't really justify Matthew Xi's actions earlier.
God knows! Vivian Xi has received as much stress as they were earlier. After all, many people were inflicted by Matthew Xi's tantrum just because he was jealous.
Vivian Xi might appear calm, but she was dreading to see her son now to teach him a lesson. Fortunately, Zoey managed to calm her earlier when she dropped by in the Z Image Group.
"Aunty, even so!" Frustrated, Ruby Xi raised her voice a little which she didn't mean to. "I mean, Aunty, brother Matt didn't even answer any of my calls when his men were pressuring me earlier." Slowly, Ruby Xi's voice lowered as she ground her teeth secretly.
That's what frustrated her even more, Matthew Xi's nonchalance at his own evil doing. Didn't he say that he acknowledged her in doing her business? Then, why would he have to put her through all that?
"Dear, I apologize for how your cousin acted earlier. You can say that his lack of experience in love meant that he couldn't control his emotions accordingly." Vivian Xi sighed once again.
"He will apologize, he'll be coming home tomorrow." Offering a meek smile, Vivian Xi raised her gaze at Ruby Xi who was hurt by her son's action.
Vivian Xi wouldn't blame Ruby Xi. Her niece had always looked up to Matthew Xi and even wanted to be as influential as him. Hence, she started her entertainment business.
However, since Ruby Xi was still naive back then, Matthew Xi put RB Entertainment under the Xi Corporation's subsidiary. One of the reasons it shot up as Matthew Xi gave Ruby Xi a head start.
Aside from that, Ruby Xi had done all the work. RB Entertainment's success was almost done by Ruby Xi's blood and sweat.
Still, Vivian Xi couldn't promise that Matthew Xi would be coming home tonight. After all, she was certain her son would be busy giving her a grandchild!
Ruby Xi just frowned, a little appeased by the thought of Matthew Xi apologizing to her. However, deep down, she knew he wouldn't do that.
"Aunty, what do you mean by not controlling his emotions?" Bearing the same frown, Ruby Xi inquired as this remark intrigued her.
"Well, he finally found a woman who can match him." Vivian Xi's eyes lit up in excitement as she smiled. "I never thought someone will truly outsmart him." She giggled, leaving Ruby Xi in a pool of confusion.
****
[Hours ago: Z Image Main Headquarters]
"I can introduce you to my nephews too, but, Mr. Qian has an advantage because he's not a Xi." Vivian Xi remarked, arching her brows as she knew her son was listening.
For a moment, Zoey remained silent as she pursed her lips on a thin line. "Aunty Xi..." she murmured, glancing at Paul Qian as the side of her lips tilted a little upward.
"I appreciate the thought, I truly am. However, even though my mind wants to accept the offer, my heart can't." Zoey paused, exhaling heavily as if all her burden slipped past her lips.
"Aunty Xi, I really like you, I do. I apologize if this might offend you, but if you are doing this to stop me from being with your son, it's futile." Staring Vivian Xi straight in the eye, Zoey spoke her mind as a determined glint flickered across her eyes.
Upon hearing Zoey's last remarks, Vivian Xi's eyes slowly widened. "My — my son? You — you know?" Surprised, Vivian Xi's heart pounded as she thought of the worst possible outcome just because of this misunderstanding.
"Mhmm," Humming a tune, Zoey nodded once. "I'm sorry for pretending not to know, but I will only give him up if he says so — no one else can make me do it even if it's you." Zoey paused, mustering all courage as she wanted to be at least truthful to the person who showed her how mother's love is supposed to be for once.
"I like... no, I think I'm in love with your son." Zoey's hand on her lap tightened, as she expressed what her heart was beating all these time.
Vivian Xi was rendered speechless. Not just because she knew, but also how she threatened her in the most polite way possible.
"Little Zoey..." Moved that Zoey wasn't afraid to confess and indirectly 'asking for her blessing', Vivian Xi's eyes softened.
"So what are your plans?" Vivian Xi inquired, her worries about Paul Qian subsided as her heart calmed down.
"I will confess to him today — it's now or never. Whatever's the outcome, I'll respect it." Without further ado, Zoey informed as she exhaled sharply.
"I see..." Nodding her head in understanding, Vivian Xi sighed. "I wish you best of luck then... and my blessing." Smiling, Vivian Xi nodded her head once again in approval.. However, it was misunderstood by Zoey as a wish for her to accept his rejection.