Dragon Lady

Chapter 1

Charlotte's POV

Stepping into the air conditioned room, I followed the waitress to the table that's already booked by my cousin. " 2 of them has already arrived", she informed me. "Thanks" I said.

I smiled when I saw my favourite cousins Vincent and Victoria, yes, they are twins, and they do look alike, but they have such different personalities. Victoria is a bubbly girl with blond highlights on her dark brown hair. She is sitting up straight, which her legs over crossed and texting furiously on her phone. Where as Vincent is the opposite, he is quiet and laid back, only talking when he wants to. They are both 1 year older than me, but we get on really well.

Vince raised his head after hearing the soft click of my heels, he stood up to give me a brotherly hug, "Hey Lottie! Haven't seen you in a while."

I hugged him back, "Yea, I have been busy, the company takes up most of... no scratch that, all of my time." I grinned at Victoria who looked up, and is now waiting for a hug.

"Don't just keep her to yourself Vince. I want to hug my cousin too!" She pulled two of us apart and engulfed me in a hug, I had to bend down, because she is only 5'3 and my 5'8 figure is looming over her.

3 of my older cousins, Tiffany, Jacob and Liam showed up 5 minutes later. Along with my little brother, Christopher who's in his last year at UPenn, studying Economics and Finance as a double major. These are all of my cousins from dad's side, although Chris is the youngest, but with me being the youngest girl, all my older cousins are protective of me, especially the guys.

We started talking excitedly, chatting up about how things are going and small conversations throughout the meal. I caught "party", "new year", "fun" from my conversation to my left, where Chris and Liam is talking. But didn't really pay attention since it's not my thing.

Liam suddenly spoke up, "Hey guys, there's going to be a New Year Party at Hilton, it's a VIP only, and only people from the guest list are invited and allowed in. Since I'm one of the cousins hosts, you guys are invited." He smirked.

"I think I will pass." I said straightaway. "Me too." said Vince. Me and Vince are similar in many ways, and this is one of the many.

"Oh, no you are not! You are coming, Lottie!" Tiffany and Victoria said at the same time Victoria squealed, "We can go dress shopping and a girl's day out!"

I looked between the two of them, while silently sending SOS signals to my brother, Chris.

Chris knows how much I hate parties, because they really don't suit someone like me. Although we are siblings, Chris is the outgoing one, with great socialising skills, he fit in everywhere he goes. 5 years in the prestigious school- Le Rosey really suited him well, he made loads of friends from our circle, the elite of the society.

Whereas I was much more reserved and kept to myself. Only very close friends and some family relatives know how crazy I can be sometimes, otherwise I've been described as "uptight".

However, he smirked at me and said, "Yea sis, you should go, it will be fun! Who knows who you will meet!" Wriggling his eyebrows, oh the nerve of him!

"I mean, it's New Year, we should all go out and have some cousin bonding time." He said a bit more seriously just for the sake of it.

"Okay it's set then, we all will go. I'll get 10 VVIP tickets just in case our friends or dates might come." Liam said enthusiastically. Victoria and Tiffany picked up on the topic about the dresses and heels and what to wear to the New Year party.

I turned to Vince, "Dude, I don't want to go man! It's going to be awful...I don't drink much anymore and I have better things to do than finding someone to kiss for New Year." I pulled a face, parties, alcohol and grinding are not my thing, I've passed that stage during my university years where I would party till the sun comes up. But after I started working I just wanted time to myself, stay in with my sweatpants and curl up on the big comfortable sofa in my apartment.

"Me neither, but we don't have a choice, do we?" Vince grimaced. It came out more like like a statement.

I sighed, there is no way out of this I guess.

Alexander's POV

After nearly 23 hours of flight and 2 transfers. I've finally landed at Yangon International Airport. Now that I've caught up on my sleep, I am craving some breakfast, as everyone knows, the airplane food is disgusting, even business/first class.

Going through immigration quickly, I looked for my luggage, there's around 5 suitcases, since I had to bring everything back, and they all weigh around 25 to 30 kg, which will take a toll on my back. For now I am only focused on food, what can I say, a grown man needs his food!

Gazing out of the window, I let out a contented sigh, I am officially back! Taking out my phone, I called my best friend from university, Liam. He left a few days before me because one of his cousins called him.

"Hey, what's up man?" I talked loudly into the phone.

"Having lunch with my cousins." Came the reply, "And tone down your voice god damnit, I am not deaf!" He said annoyed .

"What? No greeting for your beloved?" I feigned hurt, "Besides it's only morning, I am hungry, can't I join you guys?"

"Oh shut up! And no you can't, this is a private family lunch, doesn't include you! And I know what you are aiming for Reynolds." He said in a knowing tone, "You just want to meet my sisters and my cousin sisters. And hell no, you are not meeting them." He told me before I could open my mouth to deny it.

"Damn, busted. Fine, I'll eat my brunch alone!" Making my voice as pitiful as possible.

"There's a party at the Novotel for New Years..." I cut him off with, "Say no more. Hell yeah I am coming! You know I never miss a good party!"

"Okay I am going back to the table. See ya man."

"Adios amigo."

In the end, I had to turn eat Singapore Kitchen alone, since my other friends will still probably be sleeping like a dead on their beds. They never wake up before 12, spoiled 2nd generation rich kids, most are so superficial, I only consider a handful as my true friends.

Dropping off my luggage at my parents house, yes I still live with them, since I was in the US for the whole year I didn't get an apartment. Making a mental note to hunt for apartments later this week, I slid into the leather seat of my red Ferrari, feeling the familiar wheel of it.

It's good to be back home, I thought. Pulling out of the drive way, I head towards the Reynolds Headquarters, smack in the middle of the bustling city of Nay Pyi Daw.