The billionaire’s missing heiress

The incident

Chapter four

“The incident”

“Hey, I’m heading to that cafe downtown. Are you coming?”

“Totally.”

It was almost noon, and Ethan had been sitting in his car when one of his bodyguards was about to step out. He overheard him talking to the others about a cafeteria for their lunch break.

“Follow him.” Without hesitation, he tapped the shoulder of his driver. He’s not even sure of where he’s headed, but he hopes for a spot that could cool him off from his anger. There’s no way he’s going to feel worse than this.

He's been on the road for hours and is starting to feel car sick. He rolled down the window to let in some fresh air. If he was going to sit for a long journey, he shouldn’t feel suffocated.

The cafe was just down the street, next to a bus station where students and office workers could easily catch a ride. It was easy to find but far from the rich people’s territory. The coffee was affordable, and customers always left positive reviews.

Meanwhile, Mia had been working at this cafe for almost three years. Though her pay was not very much, it covered her and her mother's bills and expenses, and it was enough to put a roof over their heads and clothe them.

“Good morning, Mia.” One of Mia’s coworkers, Vera, walked in and greeted her with a warm smile.

“Hello, Vera. Nice to see you.” They both exchanged pleasantries.

“You're always here early,” Vera took an apron hung at the side of the counter next to a door that led straight to the kitchen.

“I have nothing to do at home. I get out of bed, get ready, and come to work. Today I wasn't early, as always. Something came up,” Mia chuckled, reaching for her apron too.

“Ohh, really? Was it something serious?” Vera curiously questioned. Not like it was any of her business, but she was the only one who spoke to Mia at the cafe. They were more like friends.

“No, Vera, it's nothing serious, just my usual clumsiness.” She scooted over to her position, took a book and a pen to start taking orders.

Soon, Ethan walked in, dressed in a tailored black suit that complemented his height, his tie perfectly adjusted. His SUV was parked outside the cafe, and his presence drew customers' attention as soon as he stepped in.

Grasp.

“Isn't that Ethan West, the CEO's son?” one of the customers raised an eyebrow.

“Shut. Up. That’s him?”

“I've heard a lot about him. I heard he had been appointed heir to the Company and is getting married to the Sterlings' daughter, but I haven't seen him in real life. Oh, he's definitely handsome as they said,” another customer sitting at the same table added.

“What could he possibly be doing here?” They were all curious, and the whispers kept roaming.

“Someone come take table six's order.” Mia's manager said from a distance.

“On it.” She got over with a tray of coffee, headed to take table six's order, and got distracted by the customers' murmurs and whispers. At first, she didn't want to pay attention to celebrity gossip, but their whispers kept getting louder.

Slip.

The tray in her hands slipped, and the coffee she made spilled on Ethan’s Expensive suit.

“Oh my God, look!” A lady raised an alarm, and the rest stood up, phones in hand.

“Watch it, miss!” He yelled angrily at her, brushing off the coffee on his clothes. His eyes were burning with rage. Looked like she was sent to ruin another moment of his life just like his father did. “Could this day ever get worse?” He said under his breath.

“I-I am so sorry, sir.” Never once had she made a single mistake in taking wrong orders, not to mention spilling coffee on a customer. She lowered her head in embarrassment.

She clutched the tray so tightly, but the sound of the shattered coffee cup sent a message. Everyone, including her manager, heard it and rushed out. The customers were recording, and whispers continued.

“Mr West! I am so sorry for this mess. Let me pay a dry cleaner to get your dress fixed.” Her manager rushed in immediately and tried to apologize. The show that was about to go on was not going to be bought, so he tried to put an end to it.

“She is so going to lose her job”—one of the server's words pierced through Mia’s chest. “I can't lose this job. Where else will I work… how will I take care of mum?” Fear streamed through Mia's mind, and her hands began to shake.

“No worries, I'm heading out already.” As soon as he noticed her behavior, he immediately began to strip off his cold, stained jacket, put his hands into his pockets, drew out a handkerchief, and wiped down his watch. Everyone was astonished.

Mia raised her head in disbelief. “I'm willing to pay for the damages, sir,” she said, speaking up voluntarily, shaking off her fears. She hoped she could cover the expenses with the few of her salaries she had received lately.

Ethan, judging by the way she was dressed, knew she couldn't afford to pay, sighed softly, almost about to chuckle.

“What is your name?”

She hesitated for some time before responding.

“Mia.” She lowered her head in disappointment. She was about to burst into tears. She covered her face with her hand and stormed off.

“What’s wrong with her? I’m the one who got coffee all over me. Why the attitude?” He didn’t want to cause more scenes since everyone in the cafe knew who he was. He was sure this news would reach his father, as nothing gets past him.

“It’s okay, sir. I’m already on my way.” he turned to the manager, shook hands, and signaled his driver to get the car ready as he walked out.

…..

He arrived home late only to find his whole family together, watching the news, except this time it was about the cafe incident and not about their company stock reports.