The Contagious

1°

Alleia's POV 

Exasperation gripped me as I sat behind the wheel, the relentless traffic testing my patience. I hesitated, then banged the steering wheel, a futile expression of frustration. Maneuvering through the snarled streets, I couldn't help but entertain the whimsy of fleeing to another planet. Yet, the impracticality of human survival beyond Earth's confines swiftly punctured that dream. Resigned, I mused, "Let's just face this whirlwind called life."

I steered into the VIP parking lot of one of my father's illustrious 5-star hotels, managed by my brother, Alexandra Wilson. A courteous worker greeted me as I strode past, heading straight for the hotel's café, my sanctuary.

"This is intolerable! Punctuality has vanished into thin air. Time wasted is a travesty," I murmured, tapping my fingers impatiently on the table while surveying the surroundings. A scheduled client meeting for a crucial project had metamorphosed into a pointless waiting game, draining my precious time. "It seems he's a no-show," I sighed, preparing to leave.

"Apologies, Aleiia," a voice interrupted, seizing my hand unexpectedly.

"Excuse me? It's Ms. Wilson," I retorted, a flicker of disdain in my tone. "Let me guess, Mr. Walker's offspring?" I scrutinized him, mentally cautioning against emotional sway.

"Yes, William Walker," he replied, extending his hand. To shake or not to shake? Such tardiness warranted a pause.

"I'm Aleiia Wilson." "Do you still require my signature for the agreement and further discussions for your father's perusal? Or shall we forego this charade? Your tardiness inconveniences me. Refraining from signing might pose a predicament for you," I stated assertively.

"I deeply regret my lateness. Your signature is vital. I'll do whatever it takes," he implored. Not my typical course of action, but this was an anomaly.

"Should I sign? Let's be clear. Your contrition now, but what of tomorrow? Let's bargain," I gazed unwaveringly into his eyes. "I won't sign," I affirmed, halting his protestations.

"I'll reschedule. My time is scarce, and punctuality a virtue," I quipped, accentuating the essence of time. "Thank you, Mr. Walker. Pass on my regards to your father," I departed briskly, a reminder that underestimating a woman was unwise. He'd glean a lesson. The agreement marked the project's launch in six months, yet this delay seemed inevitable. Their loss, not mine. I operate not out of malice but pragmatism.

Off to my next destination, I parked at another opulent hotel. The doorman greeted me courteously, and I reciprocated with a nod and a smile. Settling in for a meeting, Mr. Edward, a seasoned business partner, handed me project documents."Hello, Mr. Edward. Apologies for the delay," I conveyed, upholding professional decorum. Declining the handshake, I offered a respectful nod.

"No worries, Alleia. This project document for Malaysia necessitates our collaboration," Mr. Edward elaborated.

"Uncle, I trust your judgment. Let's proceed; you're family," I expressed, acknowledging his unwavering dedication. Despite my offer to entrust him with one of my companies, he humbly declined.

"Leiia, I'll forward the engineering updates. Can you visit Malaysia next week?" he requested."It'll be an unexpected audit. My schedule hinges on my ongoing China project," I responded, meticulously scrutinizing the documents.

"Uncle, do you know Wu's new shareholder?" I probed, intrigued."It's Daniel Yong, Wu Darnielle's brother. His position and worth parallel yours," Mr. Edward disclosed.

"Daniel Yong? Unfamiliar territory. More details?" I inquired, feeling compelled to explore this enigma.

"Perhaps consult your brother. I'll keep you updated about Malaysia," Mr. Edward chuckled, noting my intrigue.