Chapter 3 The Heiress, His Worst Nightmare

"Uncle, you did not inform me that the new heiress is Mia Rudge," Manny Sutton rained hell and brimstone when he got to his uncle's apartment.

"You mean Mia Kennedy?" Lucas, Manny's uncle asked as he puffed out smoke from his fat cigar stick.

"Yes, I mean her," Manny said. "I had no idea she was going to be my new boss!"

"You know her?" Lucas asked.

Manny released a hot breath and flopped on the couch. That singular question brought back all the memories Manny never thought he would have to relive.

About three years ago when he had found himself in the same class with Mia Rudge, Manny had hated her instantly after their lecturer declared her as the brightest student already.

"She's here on scholarship," Cole, Manny's friend who knew everyone's story informed Manny.

Manny then looked at Mia and smiled mischievously. He was used to being at the center of attention, so there was no way he was letting go of that privilege to some scholarship kid. Manny walked up to Mia and sized her over.

"Hey, scholarship kid," Manny had said to Mia with a sneer.

"My name is Mia Rudge, not scholarship kid," Mia had corrected him gently with a warm smile as she packed her books from her desk, ready to exit the class.

"Who gives a hoot what your lowlife name is?" Manny said and his friends erupted in laughter. "You must really be wretched for you to dress like a freaking beggar to school. This is college, scholarship kid, not some bloody home for the less privilege!" Manny had sneered, causing his friends to laugh mockingly.

Shame and embarrassment washed over Mia instantly as she felt intimidated by Manny's presence and harsh words. Mia had hastily gathered her books to leave, but Manny stood in her way, glaring at her.

"Aw, the poor kitten is scared," Manny taunted her more.

"I just want to leave," Mia had managed to say, her voice shaking already.

"Do you even have a home to go to? I am sure you live in one of those dilapidated homes for the refugees, and if it wasn't for scholarships, you wouldn't dream of a school such as this one," Manny said. "This is a school for the elite in the city, and you do belong here, you trash," Manny's voice was rude and harsh.

Mia swallowed as tears gathered in her eyes. It was her first day in school and she was already dealing with a spoilt rich kid.

"I got in with my hard work and resilience," Mia said, arousing Manny's hatred and disgust.

"You are poor, ugly, and wretched, and you have no place here," Manny had retorted. "Look around you, scholarship kid, do you see anyone else looking like a miserly being?"

"What do you want?" Mia asked as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Manny saw her tears and laughed heartily, satisfied with himself. "What I want is simple, scholarship kid. All I need you to do is be invincible, including your grades. The next time your name is mentioned amongst the best, I will make your life a living hell. Do we have a deal?" Manny asked staring at Mia.

More tears fell from Mia's eyes, making Manny extremely happy and fulfilled.

"Yes, we have a deal," Mia answered; she had just been stripped off her self-confidence.

"Good kid," Manny had said. Before he turned and walked away, he had brought out some crispy dollar notes and threw at Mia, saying, "Get something to eat, I am sure you are starved."

His friends laughed at Mia as they followed Manny out of the class.

Manny's head fell into his hands in frustration, because never in his life did he ever think that he would come across Mia again, and most certainly not as his boss.

"Her grandfather callously kicked our family out of the empire and sold our shares," Lucas said bitterly as he stared into thin air.

Meanwhile, Manny could not shake off the fact that he was in a horrible situation.

"We have to get everything back, Manny, otherwise we would be living in penury for the rest of our lives," Lucas told Manny.

"You were left with our family's shares in the empire, uncle, how did it slip from your hands?" Manny tried not to sound disrespectful, but he really had to ask, because if things hadn't gone south for them, he would not have faced the worst humiliation of his life today.

"Have you not been listening to the story I have been telling you, boy?" Lucas asked, beginning to get angry at Manny for asking that question. "After building that damn empire with Kennedy for years with both families in alignment, he woke up one morning, ganged up with everyone else and kicked me out," Lucas huffed and puffed, his anger and bitterness palpable.

"Just like that?" Manny asked. He was finding it difficult to wrap his head around the whole thing.

"It is just unfortunate that you never got to meet the old Kennedy, but he was a selfish and cruel bastard. He knew our father would emerge as the sole heir to that empire, and he warmed his way into everyone's heart against us and kicked me out," Lucas said. "And ever since, we have been living by scrapes and peanuts," he added.

Manny knew this all too well. His own anger bubbled to the surface as well.

"She is nothing but a bloody heiress whom Kennedy enthroned. Manny, you must secure K&S Empire and restore it back to our family by all means. This is your chance to get our wealth back," Lucas pushed.

"I hate to serve under her," Manny said under his breath, recalling how humiliating and demeaning Mia had been when she had seen him.

"Then use your position, which I went through hell and high waters to secure for you to kick her out and get K&S for our family alone. Manny, this is your only chance. Either this, or we will remain poor for the rest of our lives," Lucas said and allowed his words to sink in

Manny was born into wealth and luxury, and more importantly, he needed to get everything back to get the sting of Mia's words out of his system.

"I will do it, uncle," Manny said with a strong determination.