Eight years ago:
I was annoyed.
Mum held my hand tight as we walked into the big fancy building, making sure I wouldn't run off.
She knew me too well.
Our security stayed outside, and a few people stopped to stare. Well, duh. If you see a dozen armored men walking around like a parade, of course, you'll look.
Ugh. I felt like a zoo animal. All this fuss just because her friend opened some five-star restaurant? Big deal.
I clicked my tongue, irritated. Mum glanced at me before stepping through the doors.
With a smile, she bent down a little. "Ada, I promise, this won't take an hour. After the adults finish talking, I'll take you straight home."
Liar. If she said an hour, that meant at least half the day.
But I was a good girl. Making Mum happy was my job. Yep, that's just it.
So, I smiled up at her. "Don't worry, Mum. I trust you."
If I couldn't escape, I might as well make her feel guilty.
She shifted uncomfortably, then led me inside.
The restaurant was huge and weirdly quiet. Tons of people were eating, waiters moving around, but somehow, everyone acted like noise was illegal.
I snorted. Old people and their etiquette.
Boredom hit me like a wave, and I made sure it showed on my face. Two men in tuxedos walked toward us, clearly meant to receive us.
I rolled my eyes. I was eight, not stupid. Who stands behind a door, waiting to welcome someone? These guys had to be weird.
Maybe we could be friends.
"This way, Madam," one of them told Mum, gesturing toward an elevator.
I frowned. "Hey," I waved. "What about me? I'm with her too, you know."
The man blinked at me like he'd just noticed I existed.
Insulting.
I knew I was small, but he didn't have to make it that obvious.
My frown deepened.
The other guy quickly spoke up, flashing the kind of fake smile I'd seen too many times—the one that said, this child is trouble.
Which, okay, fair. But I wasn't completely irrational. Mummy and Daddy raised me better than that.
"Apologies, Miss. My partner lacks experience," he said, bowing. "Madam and Miss Storm, please follow me. CEO Lyra is expecting you both."
I raised an eyebrow. "Don't bow, sir. You're too old for that. Keep some pride."
Wait. That didn't sound right. I was the child here.
Whatever.
The man's shoulders twitched. Maybe he was laughing. Or maybe my imagination was acting up.
Mum just watched me with that weak smile of hers—the one that meant where did I go wrong with this child?
We stepped into the elevator, and I noticed the two men subtly inching away from me.
Hey, I don't bite.
Guess I wouldn't be making friends today.
I sighed, stepping in with zero expectations. This was going to be a long day. I wanted to stir up some chaos—just a little—but Mum wouldn't be happy.
So much for being a good girl.
The elevator dinged open to the second floor. The men led us down a boring hallway, with me dragging my feet behind Mum.
The place was filled with glass offices and people glued to desks, working on… whatever boring things adults do.
My frustration built. I'd rather die than sit through this. All this trouble just because Mum's friend wanted to meet me? Couldn't she just visit us at home?
Whoever this friend was, she'd made an enemy.
The men stopped in front of an office. Right then, the doors burst open, and a crowd of people spilled out—old men in tuxedos, ladies in dramatic dresses and too much makeup, all chattering about boring things.
My brain worked fast. Fancy suits, boring talk, too many papers.
Business meeting. Yep. I'm a genius.
Then, a young woman stepped out, and the whole crowd practically parted for her.
I narrowed my eyes. Boss alert.
She had to be the owner. The so-called friend Mum dragged me here to meet.
The woman's face lit up when she saw Mum. "Victoria!" she called, rushing forward and hugging her before Mum even reacted.
I scowled. Only Daddy and I got to hug Mum like that. Now I disliked her even more.
Mum smiled. "Lyra, I told you I'd surprise you! Ada wanted to meet you too, so I figured, why not kill two birds with one stone?"
I frowned. This was a test, right? Mummy always said to tell the truth.
"Hey, I didn't—"
Mum clapped a hand over my mouth. "Oops, my hand slipped."
Lyra rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. You totally dragged the poor child here."
She turned to me, curiosity in her eyes. Then, she bent down to my level.
Ugh. I hate when adults do that.
"You're adorable," she said, swiping a finger over my cheek.
I smacked her hand away. "Don't touch me."
Her grin didn't fade. "And sassy."
I squinted at her, then turned to Mum. You're friends with this lady?
I sighed. "You two are going to talk about boring adult stuff, right?"
"Ada…" Mum warned.
"Relax, I just have a small request. No way am I sitting through that."
Lyra gasped, feigning hurt. "But I wanted to get to know you."
I crossed my arms. "Lady, you reek of boring. My life is way too exciting for someone like you."
Her eyebrow twitched.
Did I care? Nope. Mummy and Daddy said to always speak my mind. That means I was being a good girl.
"I'll just look around," I added. "Not like there's much to see here anyway."
Mum sighed, exchanging looks with Lyra. Then, Lyra laughed.
"Hilarious," she said. "How did you—Miss Prim and Proper—give birth to this?"
Mum stammered. "S-she's still my cute little girl."
I hated this conversation. Turning away, I walked off. "I'm leaving."
Lyra called after me, still laughing. "Let the men follow her. Even though it's safe, we can't take risks."
I blinked. The two guys were still here? Wow. They really had no escape plan.
"Whatever," I muttered, heading toward the elevator.
Mum's voice stopped me. "Ada."
I turned. She gave me the look. The one that only I understood.
Don't cause trouble… please.
I rolled my eyes. I'll try.
The two men trailed behind as I reached the ground floor. The restaurant was just as dull as before.
I scanned the room and spotted the open kitchen, where chefs arranged food behind glass. Maybe that could be interesting.
Jogging over, I waved at an older cook. "Hey, what're you making?"
He frowned, then softened when he noticed my guards. "Spicy Tuna Tartare, Miss."
I studied the dish. "Looks kinda bland. Shouldn't there be more pepper?"
The cook chuckled. "Too much spice and the customer might choke."
I tilted my head. "Now doesn't that sound exciting."