Chapter 4 Give Me a Challenge

After a while, Gabriella nodded. "Yes. Think of the challenge as a ticket to get Mia's heart. The bigger challenge you manage to conquer, the easier it will be for you to approach her."

"But, what if she refuses to give me a challenge?" the man asked doubtfully.

"Why are you so afraid of risk, Julian? Don't be pessimistic if you haven't tried yet."

Hearing his sister-in-law's spontaneous words, the man immediately remembered the debate with Miss Secretary. As consciousness rose, the air in Julian's lungs began to rumble.

"Right. Regardless of whether it's honest or not, I need to improve myself. I have to be a brave man."

Hearing the seriousness in her brother-in-law's words, the corners of Gabriella's lips curled up.

"Good! Keep that spirit! Now that you have found a solution, feel free to play with your nephew. Relax and unburden your mind for a few moments. I have to take care of something," the woman said as she handed her son who was neat and fragrant.

"Take care of Max, you mean? Hey, you guys aren't using me to make out, are you?" Julian accused with an eyebrow arched in suspicion.

"Give us your understanding. You'll feel it too someday," Gabriella implied before running out of the room. She knew that her free time was very limited.

Seeing his sister-in-law's behavior, Julian just shook his head in resignation. However, as soon as he saw the round-eyed baby flailing towards him, the man's lips immediately formed the same curve.

"Hi, Little Prince! Are you ready to have a sister?" Julian asked, tilting his head.

Unexpectedly, Cayden clapped his hands cheerfully. "Yayaya ...."

Witnessing the cuteness, Julian took a deep breath. "When will I be able to have children if things continue like this?"

The man's mind was restless. However, after a moment of contemplation, he smiled again. "Pray for me, Cayden. Hopefully, Uncle can get you a playmate soon."

***

"Why is your face bent like that?" Minnie inquired as she had been paying attention to the daughter's behavior.

"Just thinking about work," Mia said with a little smile on her thin face.

A second later, the butler put the knitting onto her lap. With one free hand, she patted the girl's cheek. "Don't work too hard, Mia. You also have a life outside the office."

While widening a smile, the girl nodded. "Yes, Mom."

"If you can, take your time to find a boyfriend. Seeing Mr. Herbert dandling his grandson, Mom wants it too," Minnie said, successfully changing the meaning of Mia's eyes.

The girl was again met with sadness. However, before being detected by her mother, a small snort had erased the stiffness.

"The one who should be looking for is a man, Mom. Girls better wait," Mia said lightly.

Unexpectedly, the butler waved a palm in front of her face. "Since when did my daughter be ancient like this? Women today also have to seek. If you always stay behind your desk, your soul mate will not be able to see."

A second later, the mother and daughter were laughing together. The atmosphere was then warmer.

"Okay, I'll take a day off later. It seems, I also need refreshment," Mia murmured while nodding reassuringly.

"By the way, how are you with Mr. CEO? Does he still have hope in you?" the mother asked carefully.

Knowing the direction of the conversation, Mia automatically put on a serious look. After lowering her gaze, the girl nodded. "Still, Mom."

Getting the dreaded answer, Minnie spontaneously let out a quick breath from her mouth.

"Why is he so persistent? There are many girls out there who are equal to him. Why does he have to look for a wife from a low class like us?" the old woman murmured with furrowed brows.

Understanding her mother's concern, Mia rubbed the woman's arm. "But you need not worry, Mom. I will not be swayed by his seduction. No matter what happens, I will not accept his love."

"Are you sure?" Minnie inquired in a thin voice.

"Sure. If not, how could I have survived this long?"

Seeing her daughter's small smile, the butler breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Mia. You have grown into a very wise woman. Sorry if your Dad and I don't approve of your relationship. We don't want our beautiful daughter to be bullied for marrying a man from an upper class."

"Yes. I understand, Mom," Mia nodded without adding any words. She didn't want her mother to know about the daily life at the office, where people were already busy talking about her.

"Now, what are you going to do, Mia? Do you just want to wait until Mr. CEO gives up? Or take a shortcut?" Minnie asked, interrupting her daughter's thoughts.

"Shortcut?"

The old woman raised an eyebrow and blinked looking for a proper explanation. "Do you mind being introduced to the son of my friend? Maybe, if you get close to other men, Mr. CEO won't chase after you anymore."

Hearing her mother's idea, Mia was unmoved. Silently, she considered the consequences if she dared to agree.

"But, if it turns out that he likes me and I don't, won't there be more problem?" Mia said slowly and flatly.

In an instant, Minnie's enthusiasm waned. The daughter's expression clearly stated an objection. "Don't you want to try first? Who knows, the man will suit your heart's choice."

With a crooked smile, Mia shook her head politely. "No, Mom. I don't want to add one more lunatic to this earth."

Hearing the girl's joke, Minnie finally chuckled. "My daughter is indeed very attractive. No wonder so many men fall in love with you."

"It's useless if no one has managed to get into my heart, Mom," Mia said while shrugging lightly.

"It doesn't matter. Soulmate must come at the right time. After all, you're still young. It's just me who is in a hurry to expect grandchildren."

Knowing that her mother was not suspicious at all, Mia secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Her heart still had to be closely guarded, so that no one stole the secret, including her mother. The secretary couldn't imagine if Minnie knew that her only daughter had failed to control feelings. The girl did not want the old woman to pity her very sad love.

***

"Do you intend to be silent all day?" Julian asked since he was uncomfortable with the freezing atmosphere around him. Mia only spoke up to answer the question, while her lips just curled up to greet other people who didn't even smile at her.

"Yes," the girl answered, carefree.

"Why?"

"Because I've decided to stop misunderstanding you," the secretary replied, successfully making Julian massage his temple.

Having gathered some patience, the man leaned forward and put his elbows on the table. "I'm not in the mood for a fight. But, I have something important to say right away," he said firmly.

"When it comes to work, I'll listen," Mia nodded without the slightest bit of hesitation.

"I want to prove that I can change," Julian said, ignoring the girl's warnings.

Knowing the direction of the CEO's conversation, Mia immediately turned around and walked towards the door. Not wanting to let the girl off the hook, Julian immediately got up and grabbed the secretary's thin arm.

"Please listen to me, Mia. I won't be able to focus on work if you keep acting like this. Do you have the heart to interfere with Quebracha's performance?"

After one snort, the girl raised her chin. "What do you want to say, Sir? Say it briefly, clearly, and concisely."

"Give me a challenge."

Hearing the sentence that was too short, the secretary's eyebrows automatically arched in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I want to prove that I can be the man you rely on. One who has courage, self-control, and unselfishness. Therefore, give me a challenge."

Seeing the seriousness of the CEO, Mia tilted her head. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, of course. If I can complete all the challenges, I hope there is no more doubt in your heart. I really love you and am willing to do anything to live with you."

"Are you proposing to me, Sir?" the secretary asked unexpectedly.

"Don't change the subject, Mia. Just give me the challenge I have to conquer."

Knowing that she would not be able to escape the CEO's wish, the girl furrowed an eyebrow. "Okay, if you want a challenge. Give me time to think about it."

"One day," Julian said, pointing his index finger excitedly. He didn't expect Gabriella's suggestion to be useful. "Tomorrow, you must present what the challenge is."

"Deal."

"Deal!"