Chapter 3

"Mr. Burton," she began, her words cutting through the chilly air like a knife, "how are you managing to maintain such an unwelcoming and cold demeanor? If you don't grace us with a smile once in a while, your employees might not warm up to you." Her expression remained stoic as she addressed him.

"It's too late," he replied in a monotone, a lack of enthusiasm evident in his voice. His frown deepened when he observed her pouting response.

Although the exchange was brief, something about the way she approached him as he was exiting the hall left a bitter taste. Unfazed by his frosty reception, there was an undeniable confidence in her aura that ignited an impulse within him. He entertained the idea of witnessing her stumble, wondering if her pride could withstand a bruise.

As the composed and often indifferent man that he was, Trevor Burton marched to his friend's office after the encounter. He intended to inquire about the impudent and overly self-assured student who had disrupted his usual icy composure. To his dismay, upon arrival, he found someone else in the midst of lodging a complaint against him to Professor Dalchio.

"...Professor Dalchio, I respect his expertise, but there had to be a better way to convey the information without making the entire class feel incompetent. We're college students who earned our place in this university through hard work. Where did you find him anyway?"

Trevor, eavesdropping on the conversation, was startled to see it was her behind the critical remarks. Without hesitation, he stormed into the office.

"If you were so disappointed, you could have simply left the room without disrupting those genuinely interested! Your questions were more taunting and childish than constructive!" he hissed, fixing her with a venomous glare, eager to continue his rebuke.

"Oh, it's you... Now that you're aware, maybe next time you could do better. Nonetheless, thank you for coming. I did learn a few things from you." The young lady rose from her seat, extending her arm in a polite gesture.

Trevor's internal growl echoed, incredulous at her audacity. After insulting him, she dared to feign politeness. The perplexing nature of her actions struck Trevor with amusement, prompting a chuckle. Ignoring her outstretched hand, he turned his attention to the professor.

"Dalchio, your students are very uncivil. You should teach them how to respect authority."

"Don't mind Saya, she often gets overly excited about topics she's passionate about. Even though it's her second year, she's one of my best students," the professor replied calmly.

"That explains the overconfident attitude. Quite a display of passion. So tell me, being the top student, does that mean she does not have to respect me as a guest speaker?" Trevor retorted, pointedly ignoring her presence.

"You've got it all wrong, Trevor. But to let this go, Saya, please apologize to Mr. Burton."

"Why do I have to apologize? He's the rude one here. I clearly stretched my hand to express my gratitude despite his rudeness, and he ignored that, as well as my entire existence," the young lady fired back.

"Hurry up, child, and stop causing problems. Your smart mouth is getting you into trouble again."

Dalchio, a family friend who had stepped in to help seventeen year old Saya after her mother's sudden death, offered a quick explanation.

"Alright, Fine! Please forgive my imprudence, Mr. Burton. Sometimes it's difficult to keep my smart mouth from spewing the truth. I was diagnosed with ASR, 'Always Right Syndrome,' at an early age." She smirked and then proudly stormed out of the room.

"Don't mind her. She means no harm..." Chip Dalchio apologized on Sara's behalf.

"I hope I won't ever have to lay my eyes on her again."

"Haha, Saya is quite bright, Trevor. She's on par with individuals of your caliber. Occasionally, she just lets her enthusiasm get the better of her. However, I want to emphasize that this isn't an excuse for her behavior. I hold high expectations for her. While she still has a few more years before she graduates, I was hoping she could secure a position at your company," Dalchio expressed with pride.

"Don't make excuses for your top students," Trevor remarked, a smile playing on his lips as he acknowledged that he, too, was a product of Dalchio's exceptional character.

"I did the same for you; is there a reason why she should be any different?" the professor gently reminded him, emphasizing the consistency of his mentorship.

"Fine, fine, I give in. Tell me about her. I am rather curious. You two seem closer than we were. She's not your daughter, is she?" Trevor inquired, a subtle curiosity in his voice.

The professor fulfilled his former student's request, sharing insights into Saya's background.

A few minutes later as Trevor walked out of Chip's office, despite the conversation invoking some sympathy, it failed to lift his foul mood. Even though he had proactively inquired about her after she left the office, the underlying discontent lingered.

At his car, positioned to enter the driver's side, Trevor's attention was suddenly drawn to her presence. She sat beneath a tree engrossed in a book. Subconsciously, he began to turn in her direction, but his movement ceased when a younger boy approached her. A genuine smile illuminated her face, a warmth that intensified Trevor's irritation. Frustrated, he abruptly got into his car, slammed the door, and sped away, the engine's roar echoing his internal turmoil.

"…urton…thank you for agreeing to meet me on such short notice." A melodic female voice jolted him back to the present.

Trevor cleared his throat, hastily locking the screen of his phone.

"It's not a problem, business is business. How's everything progressing? Did you secure a favorable deal with Cal Corp shareholders?"

"They were skeptical at first, but I won them over with charm and poise," she said, a confident grin lighting up her face. She continued, "Should we have a drink to celebrate the victory?"

Trevor responded with a warm smile, signaling his approval. "I never once doubted your capabilities. However, I have to head back to the office. Let's celebrate another time. I will be the one paying. Should we order and discuss the terms of the contract?"

Apologizing, she admitted, "My apologies, I got ahead of myself. Yes, you will definitely be the one to pay. We haven't had drinks like we did in the old days. All I get to see is the business version of you, Trev. Let's order," her hearty statement echoed with enthusiasm and a genuine desire for a more casual interaction.

The minutes slipped away in the midst of ordering and discussing business. Trevor found himself checking his wristwatch repeatedly—a habit acquired after Saya's departure. His thoughts frequently drifted to her, pondering her activities at various times. Noticing the advancing hour, he hastily and discreetly finished the food on his plate.

"Miss Cal, are you finished? I'm afraid I have to leave."

"Hm...Miss Cal. That does sound pleasing. Father would be proud," she said, a genuine smile gracing her face.

"Yes, he definitely would be. I am proud of you too."

"Thank you for seeing me for lunch. See you soon, Mr. Burton," Miss Cal replied, rising to shake hands with her friend and now business partner. The passing of time was evident, both in their conversation and in the unspoken connection that seemed to linger even after their meeting concluded.