Changing the Billionaire's Heart

"Why do you want to buy my land again?" He asked.

I contemplated what to answer. Well, I clearly know the answer, I just don't want to explain it. "This is precious to me. There are many memories that happened here. Plus, I already had a plan. I want to cultivate this land and form it into my own farm and resting house."

He raised his eyebrows at my response. "Just that?"

My eyebrows met, looking at him in the eye. "What? I'm sure you know my grandfather is the past owner of this land and now, I want it back."

At this moment, both of us were standing up now. His eyes were turning dark now. "Well, princess. It's unlikely to happen because as far as I know, I didn't put a 'For Sale sign outside this house. It's mine and I'll decide whether to sell it or not."

I gritted my teeth. Damn this man. Annoying! I thought he was reasonable enough!

I sighed. Calm down, you are an elegant young lady. You are Sereia Philomena Hudson Isolde. You can do everything. Face this.

I blinked and heaved deeply. When I was calmed enough, I asked again, "You're really not going to sell it to me?"

He shook his head. "No."

I met his gaze, not daring to back down. His hazel eyes clashed against my brown eyes. I almost drowned in his gaze, feeling a bit intimidated. He then blinked, and I hatched a plan.

"What should I do for you to sell it? You're a billionaire, right? You're wealthy and can afford any land you want. Can't you just give this up?" I asked.

I swear, I'll do anything, except selling my body or fake pretending to be his wife or something because I'll strongly reject that idea.

He paused, considering my request for a second before grinning. "Well, there is a way..."

My ears perked up at that. "What is it?"

He pointed at his lips, smirking as he looked at my lips. "A kiss...How about you kiss me?

I thought about it for a second before agreeing, "Okay."

His eyebrows raised at that, surprised at my answer. "Wow, you're really agreeing just like that? That easy?"

"I'm not easy. I'm just desperate." I interjected him.

He shook his head. "I see. So you're really that desperate to regain your land. You'll really do it right?"

"Yes," I answered and without thinking, I leaned into him and smashed my lips on his.

A gasp escapes from his lips, watching me do all of that. He really couldn't believe it.

The kiss lasted for only a few seconds and I pulled away from him quickly.

I smirked at him, then winked. "What about now?"

I already gave my first kiss away anyway. It's not like I'm losing anything. And I don't care anymore.

Phoenix blinked, pulled from a trance. He sighed dreamily, touching his lips.

How did we get into this position you ask? Believe me, I'm confused.

I was always the patient one...the type of girl to be goody two shoes and always obeying every command of my parents.

However, this situation is an exemption. I could feel my blood boiling as my temper ran out.

Plus, having to speak to my grandfather is not helping me at all.

I was just shopping at the mall for my bag collection when I received a call from Uncle Adam, which is my mother's little brother saying I have to come home as soon as possible.

I almost dropped the handbag I was holding in shock, my heart beating so fast.

I trembled in fear, knowing it all too well that something just happened, and I don't have to be a genius to know it.

Breathing deeply, I paid for the bag I was getting but stopped when I saw a Ferrari driven by the road.

The door of the car opened and three men in black suits wearing some black sunglasses popped out of it. They looked around, before whispering to themselves.

Just then, a man in a dark grey suit hopped out of the car, checked the time with his Rolex, and looked around.

Like the other three men, he also had an eyeglass that hid his eyes. He looked important, standing elegantly by the sidewalk with the three other men beside him. I'm guessing he's among them.

Well, that's not my business anyway. But my eyes can't help but get glued to the man.

I could sense him looking in my direction and I felt my heart skipping a beat.

I shook my head, snapping out of my thoughts.

Oh, right, I have to get home soon. Waiting for a taxi to drop by, I can't help but steal a last glance at them, seeing them entering the shop I was just in.

The man whom I just guessed as their boss was walking ahead of them while the other three were following him behind. When they got near me, I caught a whiff of their scent.

They smell good, I admit. Opening my handbag to get my phone, my hands trembled, and I accidentally dropped my foundation, and it rolled on the sidewalk.

Seeing that the four men were just in the way, I cleared my throat, hoping to get their attention. "Excuse me?"

They all paused at that, turning their heads in unison. I pointed at the foundation on the ground, just in front of them.

"Can you please get that for me? That's mine." I chuckled sheepishly.

They all seemed to process what I just said and one of them raised a question to me, "Are you ordering our boss to get that?" He asked, like what I just said was a huge crime.

I blinked at them, they were waiting for my reply. The atmosphere was filled with tension as silence passed by for a moment. I chuckled again just to ease the awkwardness I felt.

"Why? I can't? It's just a small favor. Unless you are a mafia boss or something." I joked at them.

And when I saw none of them laughing, I bit my lip, regretting I said that. What if they really are? A mafia group or something....

Their boss in front looked at me up and down, the corners of his lips turning upwards, before silently continuing on walking like he didn't hear what I just requested to them.

His feet then stomped on my foundation, he glanced to see my reaction before motioning for his men to enter the shop.

All the while, my mouth just hangs wide open as I watch the scene. I stumbled on the floor, grabbing my foundation.

My hard-earned money! To think that it was even from a well-known brand. I worked hard for it. That's too expensive for me but I still bought it!

My poor baby!

Glaring at them, I made my way in front of them to block their path. "Stop!" I yelled in the middle of the afternoon. Sunlight was beaming now, and I felt sweat forming in my head but all I could think of was going for revenge.

"What is it again, miss?" One of them asked.

"Do you still have some humanity in you! How could you step on my foundation powder!" I raged.

I don't care if I'm making a scene here. Or the whispers I could hear behind me. I could hear them, but it didn't matter to me.

"I just requested you to pick it up since you're on the way, did you even hear what I said? Or are you deaf?" I continued, breathing heavily.

The man in front of them, who is their boss, put down his sunglasses and I could see his hazel eyes.

"Are you done screaming?" He asked, raising his eyebrows. He seemed irritated as he crossed his arms in front of me and looked at me like I was dirt on the ground.

I huffed. "Yes."

"So your problem is, me stepping in that thing?" He asked.

I nodded, "Yes."

"Then fine. I'll just pay for it." He said, motioning for his men behind him to assist him but I stopped them.

"No, I don't need your money," I said.

He scoffed. "Tsk, then what do you want?"

"I want an apology from you." I dared him.

"Ooh, feisty. I like it. What's your name again, miss?" He asked, now looking at me with interest in his eyes. Before I could reply, there was a loud shrieking voice from a girl.

"Phoenix! Phoenix Mason Hill is here!" Said the girl, pointing in our direction.

Wait what? Who? I blinked.

He muttered a curse under his breath.

"Boss, let's leave this place." His men said to him, now in full alert mode. He nodded at them. "Lead the way."

Some people looked at us in confusion, and the man in front of me gulped, looked at me, and grabbed my hand. He started to drag me away as people started to come closer to us.

He led me to an alley along with the men behind him and rode a car there. I began to panic, thinking of all the bad possibilities he'll do to me.

Gosh, it's bad enough to ride in a car to someone you do not know. A total stranger.

"What are you doing-" My sentence was cut off as he shushed me.

"Just listen to me." He said.

"No. Let go." I ordered. "And what was that? Who was that Phoenix that the girl

said?"

Then it took me, the heir of the Phoenix Corporation, to be named Phoenix. I'm not sure since I only see him on the news sometimes. "No way, are you the heir of the Phoenix Corporation?" I asked. Wow, and here I was thinking they were a mafia group or something.

The Phoenix Corporation is the top leading corporation in the Philippines. I had heard that the CEO of the corporation was an Australian, Mr. Arthur Hill who migrated to the country and settled down with his Filipina wife.

From what I could remember, his full name was Phoenix Mason Hill...He could literally buy my whole savings and house and it would still not be enough. Or he could easily erase my whole being. I shuddered at the thought.

"Sir, shall we leave now?" One of his men asked, taking hold of the steering wheel.

"Yes, Andre." The man seated beside me, now I know as Phoenix replied. So I was right. He is someone important. Well, not just important but he's really really important. The car then took off and we were away from the crowd.

Beside me, Phoenix sighed in relief. He then facepalmed himself. "Ugh, I hate this." He then glanced at me. "Why did I even bring you here with me?"

I shrugged, "I don't know, ask yourself." Then I remembered what I should do. I should get home soon! "And why are you kidnapping me?"

He chuckled at that, "Oh right, I took you here by force."

He seemed too calm for a kidnapper. Well, even I'm too calm with all of these.

One of the men asked him, "What shall we do with her sir?"

"Throw her outside." He replied.

I almost choked at my own spit at what he said, "What?"

The driver then spoke up, "You did the right thing, sir. If your fans were to know that you talked with another woman, then I fear for her fate. The recent woman you talked to was too traumatized by your fans."

"Wow you have crazy fans," I commented. I heard of that news. It was all over the media and I once was disgusted at the fans

I couldn't help but look at Phoenix's face beside me. His hair was jet black and his skin was smooth. I stared at his hazel eyes. They were shining, and I felt like I could be lost in them. His jaw was so sharp that I feared it could cut like a knife. Overall, his strong features were prominent.

He spoke up, and I saw his smirk. "Did you just check me out?"

I instantly shook my head no, denying it. Well, he's right with that. He's handsome and hot. I couldn't deny that. And I'm a bit...weak to handsome people...

Then the reality just hit me. It feels weird to have a chat with a billionaire. I once thought that they were too out of reach. Who knew I could luckily talk with one, and what more, I was just taken in the car with him!

This feels like a dream. I thought this happens to movies only? It's too cheesy. Eww. I feel disgusted.

But then again...it must be nice for a son of a billionaire. And he would be the heir of their company since he doesn't have a sibling from what I heard.

Just then, he handed me a cheque. "Here. For stepping on your thing earlier."

I shook my head, refusing it. I don't want to owe anyone. That foundation was expensive, but I still have some pride left.

He sighed. "Whatever, it's your choice. What's your name again?" He asked.

"I'm no one," I replied. For all I know, he would hire someone to track me down.

My life's in danger now. Great. Way to go, Sereia. Gosh, now I regret what I just did earlier. If only I could turn back time.

He stared at me. "I won't track you down unless you want me to."

I gasped, "You can read my mind?"

He snorted, "No, I can read your expression."

I rolled my eyes. He's quite funny for a billionaire. But I'm allergic to rich guys.

They're all too arrogant, dumb, narcissistic, or manipulative. I should never get tangled with them.

"Sereia. I'm Sereia." I finally said, regretting it the moment I blurted it out.

"Okay, Sereia. Where do you want us to drop you off?"

I told them my nearby address, afraid they would track me down later on. The ride was awkward for me but good thing I held up. It took us half an hour to arrive here.

"It was nice meeting you, Sereia," Phoenix said as they finally dropped me off. When I made sure that their car was far away, I walked towards our house since it was just a minute walk away.

I googled his name and found his pictures all over the internet. Damn, so they really are rich.

Gosh, out of the billions of people in the world, I happened to talk with an heir to a multi-billionaire company? Is everything alright with the universe?

When I arrived at our house, everything was silent. Tension filled the air, and it was suffocating.

Since I don't have any siblings, it was only me, my parents, and my grandparents. I saw my Uncle Adam looking at me grimly. He's probably also called here, hearing the news.

"What happened, Uncle?" I asked, but he just quietly motioned for me to come to the dining room where my grandfather was waiting. I did as he told and saw my grandfather waiting for me.

He had a cup of coffee in his hands and looked at me with gentle eyes. He was calm, but something was wrong with the way he was holding the mug.

He was sitting in the chair in front of me, looking at me with a saddened expression. Then he opened his mouth to say something, "I sold it."

It took me a moment to realize what he said. He just sold...what?

"Sold what, grandpa?" I asked.

"Our land, back in our hometown." He answered, sipping in his cup of coffee. I blinked, realizing it. Oh...before I knew it, I could feel tears running down my cheeks.

My grandfather stood up, seeing my reaction to what he said. "My dear, I just bought it because ..."

"But you didn't tell me before that." I raged, gritting my teeth. I was fuming mad, so mad. I bit my lip and breathed deeply to control myself.

To control my temper. Don't get me wrong. I love my grandfather and I don't want to leave hurtful words to him. Just because I'm mad doesn't mean I have to disrespect him.

But right at this moment, all rational thoughts left me. "Grandpa, you know how much I love that land. And just like that? You just sold it to someone else?"

"It's not like that, my dear. I also love it from the bottom of my heart but we need the money to treat your grandmother."

Yes, money....everything is all about money. Of course, it would be. Why the hell is everything about money? Does he value that more than our land?

Yes I know he loves that land too. At the mansion there, he said it was important because of the woman he loved the most, grandma. He always tells me that he met the woman he loves there. I took a deep breath.

"But what about me, grandpa? You should have told me beforehand! I could have offered help! For goodness sake, I have a job, and I have my savings, grandpa."

And it's true. I had already finished my studies and even got my own job. I am a Veterinarian for goodness sake, even though I did not become that rich, my clinic is doing well.

I earned enough money to support them. But is it not enough? I swore to help my family in all aspects of life.

Silence hangs in the air. Grandpa couldn't argue with me knowing I was right.

He then opened his mouth again and broke the silence, "Sereia, just please understand me-" My grandfather tried to reason out again but I had enough. I cut his sentence off.

"All right, I understand. But I hope you also understand what I'm going to do." I said, and with that, I stormed out of the house.

I remember when I was still in college, my grandfather promised me himself that I would inherit our land in the province. And now that I'm here, I just found out that he sold it to someone else?

I feel betrayed, I had my hopes up for nothing. Despite my busy schedule, I had already made plans for that land. I will never let them sell it. And it's not just that, I value the memories we had there.

Is it that easy for grandpa to sell it to others?

I sighed. I know what I did was disrespectful. But I can't help it. I need to find a solution to this.

I heard Uncle Adam calling me from the door so I stopped, glaring at him, "What?" I asked.

He wiped the tears on my eyes that I didn't know were still flowing. He looked at me in pity.

I breathed in, "I don't need your pity, uncle." I snapped.

He looked at me in shock, not expecting me to say it. But then he sighed, "I know it's hard for you but-"

I shushed him, "Stop, I don't need your reason anymore. I heard it enough." And I turned around to end the conversation but he stopped me, "Where are you going?"

I chuckled bitterly, "I don't know. But I'll find a way to recover that land!"

I caught sight of my grandmother from the window, looking at me with a small sad smile. I gulped, feeling the lump in my throat.

She was sitting in a wheelchair, with her pale skin and white hair showing. She looked weak.

But I couldn't notice the smile she had looking at me. I turned away, not wanting to cry more. Dammit, why does it have to be this way!

Why can't I have that land and at the same time, have money to treat my grandmother? If only I was born rich....then things wouldn't have to be this way.

Hopping on a taxi, I dialed my mother's number.

"Mom?" I called out.

"Yes, baby?" I heard my mom's voice from the other line of the phone.

I hiccuped, and asked, "Where are you?" Was she aware of it? Why is she not in the house? "Do you know about it? About the land?"

There was a pause before she replied, "I'm here with your cousin's house. And yes...I know it, Sereia." She said, calling me with my name.

"Right, you should have told me earlier," I said, feeling sad.

She sighed, "Well, we were scared to break it to you. We know how much you are attached to that land. You'll never let go of that for sure. And I'm just in time, I'll be visiting our land tomorrow."

My ears perked at that, and suddenly, I had a plan. I'll go with mom tomorrow! This is it. "Then let's go together, mom," I said.

"Why?" She asked.

Now I feel a bit better with a plan in mind. "I'll be discussing with the new owner and find a way to recover that land. I have to get that back, one way or another."

Mom chuckled from the phone, and commented, "I knew you would do this. All right. Get ready. Tomorrow at seven in the morning so we can leave."

"Okay, mom."

Pursing my lips, I dialled another number. I have to call my cousin, Eion.

I waited for a few minutes as the phone kept on ringing but he's still not answering. I sighed, dammit. What is that idiot doing?

On my 10th dial to his number, he finally answered my call.

"Stop calling me, Sereia. I'm on a date with my girl now. Just call me back later if that's important." My cousin, Eion said from the other line without even greeting me. He was clearly irritated, I could feel it, judging from the tone in his voice.

"Cuz, this is important-"

"Who is that Eion?" I heard a voice of the girl asking him, cutting my sentence off.

"What? Who?" He asked, he then hung up the phone and I cursed under my breath.

I called him again in annoyance and this time, he instantly answered. "Hello? This is Snow, I just want to say that the man you are flirting with is Eion's girlfriend."

It was a girl's voice. I blinked, my head processing this. Oh, so he's with his girlfriend right now? Haha. So that is why it took him that long to answer, I should have known.

I released a nervous chuckle, "Oh, hello Snow! Of course I know that! Wait, am I interrupting something?"

"Yeah you interrupted our date," I heard my cousin answering. "You just made my girl mad, Sereia. Tell her everything." He demanded and I sighed. Really, he's not changing.

Well, it's partly my fault, I have to apologize. This is the first time I talked with her. He already mentioned her name before and I thought he was not really serious at that time...but I heard many great things about her.

I gulped, "Oh, I really am sorry, Snow! Please don't get mad at me! I'm a harmless creature!" I said, trying to sound as sincere as possible. For sure, if they suddenly fight now, Eion would blame this all on me. No, we should prevent that from happening. I cleared my throat, "I'm actually Eion's cousin!"

"Cousin?" She repeated, stilll not believing what I just said.

"Yep, he didn't mention me?"I asked, feeling betrayed by my cousin. "I'm hurt Eion!" I yelled in pain, cleared my throat, "I'm his cousin on his father's side, if you're curious."

Silence fell from the other line and I heard Eion agreeing to me,"Yes, I forgot to tell you about it, babe."

"Really? I don't believe you." Snow said, disbelief lacing in her voice. "Incest is common these days."

Incest? I scrunch my nose in disgust. Ew. Just thinking abnout it makes me vomit. "Ewww, incest? How did you even think of that? I swear, I only see him as my older brother, Ms. Snow. I just called to request some help from Kuya Eion, that's why I called." I explained.

"You look cute when you're angry, babe." Eion said. "Really, she's my cousin. Why would I even cheat on you? I'm all yours, Snow.and you're the only one for me."

I blinked at that, not used to hearing my cousin say sweet words. He was known as the robot in town. He's expressionless, stiff and really. When was he this lovey dovey?

" I really was jealous.." I heard Snow saying to him and my cousin laughed, "For a minute I was scared you'll kill me, babe."

And in that moment, I never felt so thirdwheel. Goodness, this is why I don't like to stay with couples. They make the third person feel worse. They hung up now and called again to apologize to me, which I just accepted.

"Why were you even calling? What do you need, Sereia?" Eion asked, the sweet tone that he was using when talking with Snow changing into his usual tone that he uses when he talks to me. Psh, this guy.

"Your father, Uncle Adam, and Grandpa, came here earlier to tell me about the hand I was supposed to be having is now sold to another person. Great. Did you know this?" I asked.

"What? I dont know anything about that land for all I care." He answered rudely.

I sighed. "You're really not helpful , you know that? Fine, that's all. I won't disturb your little date anymore."

Abnd with that, I ended the phone call.

I went to my room to prepare. Tomorrow morning I will go to that land. We will be going early, so I have to sleep early tonight. I ended up falling asleep forming the plan in my mind.

***

When morning came, mom came to my room, woke me up, and waited for me to get ready. It was still 6 in the morning when I was already ready.

"Let's go, mom," I said, picking up the suitcase that I packed last night.

Mom paused, shaking her head.

"Oh, I forgot to tell your sweetie...your grandmother called for me earlier. She's experiencing pains so she wanted me to give her a headache, you know the old woman."

"Then what about the plan we talked about yesterday?" Gosh, I was so excited about reclaiming our land that I think I didn't sleep that much last night.

Mom pinched me on the cheek and I rolled my eyes at her. She still treats me like a kid, even though I'm already 24 years old.

She offered me her gentle smile, "Don't be too dramatic my dear. We'll still go, Sereia. Our plan is still going to continue. However, you'll just have to go there first today. I'll follow you tomorrow."

I sighed. "Fine."

"But are you sure about this?" She tilted her head in curiosity.

"With what?"

"Reclaiming our land."

"Yes, I'm sure," I said confidently.

"Is there no other way to stop you?" She asked.

I shook my head, "Nope."

"You're just like your dad. Once you make your decision, no one else can stop it, not even me." She chuckled at that before kissing me on the cheek. "All right then, be careful on your trip. Text me when you arrive there."

This is it. It's time.

I took a taxi to reach the bus terminal towards our province, with my suitcase at the back. Once I was on the bus, I took a small nap. After all, there were still four hours before I got to Glan.

I was groggy when I woke up. Looking around in alert, I sighed in relief seeing that I'm still on the right track and didn't miss my stop.

"Oh, Gensan." Announced the bus driver. Fixing my appearance, I stood up and made my way towards the exit, and got off the bus. I took a tricycle to reach the place and took a single motor into the corner.

I looked around as the wind blew my hair, shivering a bit at the cold. It was already one in the afternoon, and the sun in the sky was glimmering. It was so hot that I felt the heat in my body.

I inhaled the sweet smell of the plants around me. This place is very different from when I was on vacation here.

The road is already paved and there are poles. It now looks modern and nice, despite the fact that it is still considered as a province.

But I can't help but miss the atmosphere when I was just a little here. This is where I spent my summers. This is where I got my scars and wounds from tripping on the ground. Walking towards our place for a bit, I finally spotted a mansion.

My family's mansion. The house where we stayed for a few years. So many memories.

"Diri ra manong." (Stop here) I said to the driver in Bisaya dialect and handed him the payment.

He stopped the motor and I hopped off before he drove away.

I stopped at the mansion in front of me. Everything has changed but it still looks like this. Very classic. It has endured a lot of storms but still retained its beauty.

This is it. I will regain our land. For my family. Whatever the cost it may be.

I dragged my suitcase. Grabbing my phone from my pocket, I texted her saying that I had arrived so she wouldn't have to worry.

My eyes scanned around to look for a person. Inside the gate, someone was facing me with his back wearing a farmer's hat and a scarf on his neck as he pulled the grass trimmed them. I took a deep breath and approached the person.

I cleared my throat. "Manong? Where's the owner of the house?" (Manong? Where is the homeowner?) (Note: Manong is used when you want to call older men like uncles)

The man with a farmer's hat turned around to face me. I can't see his face very well because of the farmer's hat he is wearing but only his eyes.

They were hazel brown colored. He looked at me intently as if angry, then froze, as if realizing something.

"Ahm ... hello?" I said, snapping my fingers in front of him when he was just staring at me blankly.

Weird. Is something on my face?

The wind blew, making his hat fall to the ground and when he took off the scarf on his neck, I gasped in shock at what I saw.

His hazel brown eyes stared back at me in shock, recognizing me. "Sereia?"