The Billionaire's Dark Legacy

Chapter 2: The Cold Rejection

Michael Kingston's POV

The next morning, Michael woke up with a heavy head. The girl from last night was gone. Only the smell of her perfume remained on the sheets. He took a quick shower, dressed in a simple shirt and jeans, and drove to James’s office.

James was already sitting behind his big desk when Michael entered. He looked up and smiled.

"Hey dude, what’s up?" James asked as they hugged.

Michael dropped onto the soft couch and sighed. He told his friend everything — the morning argument with his father, the same old complaints about the company, and how tired he was of the pressure.

James listened quietly. Then he said, "To be honest, Michael, your parents are right. You can’t keep running away forever. Business is how we all live. Try it. You can work in any department — management, finance, even security if you want."

Michael glared at him. James laughed. "I’m just joking about the security part."

James changed the topic. "Anyway, there is a party tonight. Jude’s uncle is celebrating his 20th wedding anniversary at Lucas Bay. His mother invited all of us. We are meeting at Jude’s house by eight."

Michael smirked. "Okay. I will come."

He went back home around 3 p.m. He played video games in his room to forget his problems. He set his alarm for 6:30 p.m. and slept off.

The alarm woke him up. He took another bath, wore a nice beach shirt and shorts, and went downstairs for dinner with the family. Everyone ate in silence. No one spoke much. Michael finished quickly and waited in his room.

James arrived in his new Lamborghini. Michael entered the car and they drove off. They picked up Mark and Jude. All of them wore similar beach clothes. They laughed and talked as they drove to Lucas Bay, one of the biggest and most beautiful beaches in the city.

When they arrived, the place was full of people — young and old — dancing and enjoying the cool sea breeze. Music played loudly. The atmosphere was happy.

Michael felt like dancing, but first he wanted a drink. He went to the bar and ordered a mix of tamarind, lemon juice, and roselle. It tasted fresh and cold.

His friends went to greet people and look for girls. Michael sat alone for a while, enjoying his drink. Then a lady in her mid-twenties sat on the stool beside him. She ordered a glass of wine.

Michael looked at her and felt his heart beat faster. She was very beautiful — more beautiful than any girl he had met before. She had smooth skin, bright eyes, and a body that looked perfect in her simple party dress.

This one is different, he thought. I must get her tonight.

He finished his drink, ordered two glasses of wine, and turned to her with his best smile.

"Hello beautiful," he said smoothly. "What brings such a pretty lady to this party?"

She turned and looked at him. For a moment, Michael felt speechless. She was even more stunning up close.

"I am Michael Kingston," he continued with pride. "Son of Mr. Bernard Kingston. I’m sure you know my father."

The lady’s face stayed cold. No smile. No excitement.

"I don’t care," she said flatly. "And I don’t give a damn."

Michael was shocked. No girl had ever spoken to him like that.

He tried again. "Please, what is your name, dear?"

She looked at him with irritation. "Look, I did not come here for this nonsense. You are like an ugly devil to me. You don’t even know how to talk to a lady. Just because your father is rich does not mean you can approach any woman like this. Your charm is not working on me."

Michael’s heart sank. He felt embarrassed. This had never happened to him before.

"Please accept this wine as a gift," he said, still trying to be nice. "I am sorry for my approach."

The lady took the glass — and poured the wine all over his shirt.

Michael stood there, shocked and wet. A few people nearby saw it but he was lucky it was not too crowded. The lady hissed and walked away. She went straight to another handsome man and held his hand like they were together. She even smiled happily.

Michael rushed to the restroom. He washed his face and tried to clean his shirt. Anger burned inside him.

Who does she think she is? he thought. She has become my enemy. I will make her regret this.

He went outside. The night air felt cool on his wet shirt. He saw his father talking with some business partners. Luckily, the stain was not too visible in the dark.

After a while, he found his friends. They had already gotten phone numbers from some girls and were laughing about their success.

"I am leaving," Michael told them. "We will talk on a group call later."

He went home alone, still angry and thinking about the rude girl.

Later that night, after his friends returned from the party, they had a group video call.

"Master player!" Jude teased. "How many girls did you play with tonight?"

Michael told them what happened — how the girl rejected him and poured wine on him. Instead of sympathy, his friends burst out laughing.

Michael got angry and ended the call. He threw his phone on the bed and lay down.

"That girl... I will never forget her face."