The Rebirth of a Scorned Heiress

“Why are you dressed so suspiciously? What tricks are you up to this time?” Alana asked with a raised brow as she noticed Lily, who was dressed in a way that made her gender unrecognisable.

“You talk as if I’m always playing tricks,” Lily replied with a playful glare. “That’s because you are always planning something.

Is this related to the new plans for the store or something else?” Alana asked as she looked Lily over, searching for a trace of her boss.

“Are you wearing a wig and lenses right now?” she asked and Lily nodded. “If you were meeting me for the first time, would you know I’m a lady? Do I give off the perfect masculine energy?” She asked with a subtle baritone voice, making Alana gape at her in surprise.

“What’s the heck? Yes, I would definitely know; your voice sounds fake and unnatural but you do give off a subtle masculine vibe like the transgender kind.

Are you going to commit a crime?” Alana was questioned with a suspicious expression, making Lily roll her eyes.

“I have a business meeting with a client from my side job. It’s an important meeting that I can’t call off and having him know my identity will bring nothing but stress and headaches. Which means I can’t risk it,” Lily explained as she did the final touches of her makeover, making sure everything was perfectly in place.

“Then is your client a bad guy? Is he wanted? Are you in danger? Do you need a tracking device?” Alana continued with a worried frown.

“No, he is not. He is a well-known figure in the country, and for some personal reasons, I don’t want to get too involved with him at this stage,” Lily explained casually, making the whole thing sound mysterious yet simple and casual.

Alana nodded with a knowing expression. She had always known that Lily had some other jobs; how else would she have been able to afford such a grand start-up for the store if she didn’t?This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Even though Alana knew, she didn’t know what it was, and asking about it was out of the question. In the end, the relationship between them was just that of a boss and her employee.

“Do you need me to do anything for you?” She asked, changing the subject from Lily’s suspicious dressing and side jobs.

“I’ve already booked a car to come pick me up; in case anything comes up, I’ll share with you my location for safety reasons. I doubt anything would happen though, so be rest assured and don’t miss too much” Lily replied with a wink making Alana stick out her tongue.

Just as she finished talking, her phone went off, notifying her about the arrival of the driver she had booked for the trip out of the city.

“Alrighty, it’s time to go. Keep an eye on what I asked you to; you have to get everything right and don’t miss any details. The future of the store depends on it!” she instructed and left.

Soon, the driver stopped on a dirt pathway leading towards the reserved forest area. Taking a deep breath, Lily got down and adjusted her mask before walking down the familiar pathway that led to their scheduled place of meeting.

Soon she arrived in a clearing with a lone bamboo house sitting at the centre. The appearance of the lonesome building sent a wave of nostalgia through Lily.

In her past life as Victoria, this place was her get-away, a place where she relaxed to get things done quicker due to the serene atmosphere because the place was not open to a lot of people.

Wang’s tea house only accepts three visitors every day, and the place is booked all year round, making it an exclusive place for the rich and influential people in the country to do business.

The tea house is owned by two old Chinese couples who decided to spend their last days in seclusion and away from the busy life of the city. Victoria was given special privileges to come whenever she wished due to the connection her mother had with the old couple after their chance encounter and their similar love for tea and a serene atmosphere.

“I also fell in love with this place the first time I came here; their lovely tea and the beautiful atmosphere mix with the fresh and clean air of the plants around; it’s the perfect place to forget about one’s problems for a while.” Lily flinched and jumped forward in fear as she heard someone talk behind her.

She got into a defensive pose, ready to tackle whoever it was that had sneaked up on her. She relaxed as she noticed it was Mark. He bowed lightly and smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry for startling you, I did not want to disturb your appreciation of the place so I had to make my steps light,” he apologised.

“It’s fine; I should have heard you coming either way. I guess I was too carried away with my thoughts,” Lily replied as the two walked towards the tea house.

As they entered the tea house, her masculine disguise masking her true identity, she navigated the familiar space with ease.

Despite her outward appearance, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over her as memories of her past life as Victoria resurfaced.

“Welcome to Wang’s Tea House.” Mrs. Wang greeted them with a warm smile. “Please, take a seat.”

Lily nodded in acknowledgement, her voice lowering to maintain her cover. “Thank you,” she replied, her gaze briefly flickering to the woman’s familiar wrinkled face. She smiled and gave a nod as she took the seat offered. The urge to once again feel the warm embrace of the woman filled her, but knowing her situation, she decided to hold back and concentrate on her reason for coming.

‘I knew agreeing with his request to meet here might bring a problem,’ she thought to herself while pretending to go through the tea menu. ‘Who would have thought I’d still get attached to the things of the past?’

“What would you like to have?” Mrs. Wang questioned, “We only have two types on the menu today,” she added.

“We’ll have the house specials,” Mark replied, and Lily nodded in support. “I’ve heard Wang’s special tea is such a wonderful tea that would make you experience the bliss of heaven just like when surrounded by the lovely fragrance of beautiful women,” she compliments, and Mrs. Wang laughs.

“Oh, you flatter me, young man,” Mrs. Wang chuckled, her eyes crinkling with warmth. “Though I must admit, our tea is quite exceptional, it’s brewed with love,” She winked playfully at Lily, who couldn’t help but grin in response.

“Well, I’m sure it’s even more delightful when you’re the one serving it,” Lily quipped, maintaining her low voice but allowing a hint of mirth to seep through.

Mrs Wang let out a hearty laugh, nodding in agreement. “I see you have a way with words, young man. Are you sure we haven’t met before?” She teased, her gaze flitting over Lily’s masculine disguise with a hint of curiosity.

“I can assure you, madam, I am not one to forget such a welcoming face,” Lily replied, enjoying the verbal sparring and the sense of familiarity it invoked. “Though I must say, your tea house has a way of making one feel right at home.”

Mrs. Wang beamed at the compliment, clearly pleased with Lily’s appreciation for her establishment. “I’m glad you think so. It’s always a pleasure to meet a kindred spirit,” she said, pouring their tea with practised grace.

As the aroma of the tea wafted through the air, Lily’s tense shoulders relaxed, making her let go of her immediate worries.

“I do not doubt that our tea will taste even better now, seasoned with your charming words,” Mrs Wang added with a chuckle, setting the pot down and taking a step back.

Lily nodded in agreement, raising her cup in a mock toast. “To the best tea house in town and its delightful host,” she declared, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Mrs. Wang gave a small bow, her eyes shining with gratitude and a hint of mischief. “And to new friends who appreciate the finer things in life,” she countered, returning the toast before leaving them to enjoy their tea.

“I thought people like you were always too focused on work to learn to flirt,” Mark teased, bringing Lily back to reality.

“Haha, I love human society, you know? And a little flirting and flattering get things done faster,” she replied with a shrug as she took a sip of her tea. She let out a hum as the taste exploded in her mouth. “It’s really nice around here. I should thank President Mark for bringing me to enjoy such goodness.” She nodded approvingly, and Mark smiled.

“I’m glad you like it here. If it’s okay with you, we can set this place as our meeting place in the future. I’m sure Mrs. Wang will like to see more of you,” he offered carefully, trying not to be pushy.

“I won’t say no to such generosity. Alright, enough side talks. Let’s get on to the main business. What do you think?”