Never Judge



"No, no, sir." Al said, placing an emphasis on calling the executive sir. "We just came from school and decided that a movie was what we needed after a long day." 

"Well, that's very commendable." Emilio said with a grin. 

"Sir, your aunt has arrived." Hendrick said as he walked up to Emilio. 

Emilio smiled and secretly signaled for Hendrick to turn and face Al. 

"Would you and your friends like to meet our vice president?" One of the executives asked, this one seemed to be newly promoted because he didn't recognize Al or his siblings.

"I don't think that would be-" The first executive said as he tried to lessen the inconvenience to Al. 

"Nonsense!" Emilio suddenly exclaimed as Al resisted the urge to glare at his cousin. "I'm sure they would love to meet my Auntie Ayanna!" 

"Please, introduce yourselves and your friends." The second executive said as he waved the group over.

Eric walked up to Al, giving him a concerned look, before turning to Emilio who was carrying a mischievous smile.

It seemed that Emilio wanted to mess with Al today. 

"Guys, these are the executives from the Reyes Group, the company that owns Elisia Malls." Al introduced, shocking the second executive and a few others. 

No one had mentioned who they were or what group they belonged to. 

It also wasn't common knowledge that the Reyes Group owned Elisia Malls. 

"Nice to meet you, sirs." Ismail said as he nodded towards the executives. 

"We were just conducting a routine check of our flagship mall." Emilio told the group of students.

Routine check? Al wanted to scoff. 

What kind of routine check included the CEO's son and sister?

"What do you think of our facilities?" Emilio added as he looked towards Cara.

"Oh, sir ummm. . . Reyes, Mr. Reyes, it's very nice. Everything is so tastefully done." Cara fumbled with her words as she tried to figure out how to address Al's cousin.

"Miss, I don't think our boss introduced himself." The second executive said as he gave Cara a confused look.

"We've seen his photo on the internet." Eric quickly answered. "His identity was recently revealed, yes?"

The second executive was taken aback by Eric's answer. He was stunned but nodded anyway. 

What Eric said was true, Emilio's photos were all over social media.

People were quick to stalk and investigate small information on Emilio, he was after all the heir to the biggest conglomerate in the country and the most eligible bachelor. 

"Vice President Lawrence!" One of the executives greeted, making everyone turn to see Al's mother, walking up to them in a very intimidating manner.

Even after having three children and being in her forties, Ayanna Lawrence still looked like she was in her late twenties. 

She carried herself with a unique grace, one that her children actually could imitate. 

"Ah, Emilio, have they finished showing you around the cinema? This is my favorite part! It was built to mirror the one we have at home, the one you and your cousins absolutely adore!" Ayanna exclaimed as her eyes landed on her son and nephew.

Al was not surprised when his mother was able to hold back whatever expression or words she wanted to show when she saw her children in the mall, hanging out with their friends.

"It's gorgeous, Auntie Ayanna." Emilio told her with a charming smile, making the other girls in Al's group swoon. 

"And who are these young people?" Ayanna asked as she looked at Al and his friends.

"Ah, Vice President Lawrence, these are some students we bumped into while inspecting the cinemas." One of the executives who were unaware of who Al and the others were, explained. 

"I hope you are enjoying the place?" Ayanna said.

To Al's surprise it was one of Ismail's and Cara's female friends that replied.

"Yes! It's fabulous! My parents and I always come here. I really adore you Madam Lawrence!" She exclaimed, clearly excited to meet Al's mother.

Al made a mental note to introduce them to one another in the future, when Al's identity was revealed to the public.

It wouldn't take long now anyway, Al was guessing that the longer they waited the harder it would be to keep who he was a secret. 

He would probably go through university, work for a bit, then his father would introduce him to the public.

His poverty training would not be as strict as Emilio's was meant to be.

"Would you like a further tour?" One of the executives asked the excited young woman.

"Actually, we might miss our movie." Eric suddenly said, as he tried to end the meeting before anyone's real identities got revealed.

"Don't be such a party pooper, man." One of the other guys in their group grumbled. He was clearly enjoying interacting with the richest and most successful people in the country. 

"No, no, he is right." Emilio said. "It was great meeting you all, but we still have meetings and we still need to inspect other areas."

"Thank you for patronizing Elisia Malls." Ayanna said as she winked at her son. 

Emilio whispered something to Hendrick. The man nodded and rushed off to do whatever Emilio asked him.

Al raised an eyebrow at his cousin, who only smiled in response.

"Enjoy." Emilio added as he and Ayanna led their group away.

"Oh my gosh I'm so starstruck!" One of the girls said as she fanned herself. "That was Emilio Reyes and his Aunt, holy shit!" 

"Why are you acting as if you've seen the hottest man alive?" Cara asked in an annoyed tone.

"He isn't just handsome and charming, but he's fucking rich too!" The girl exclaimed. "Don't tell me you aren't impressed by the Reyes Heir, Cara." 

"He's alright, I guess." Cara said with a shrug as she walked next to Al.

"Please, don't pretend like you are above someone like him!" The girl said in a mocking tone. "There are very few men who can hold a candle to him. Most of them are his relatives and we don't even stand a chance of meeting them."

Cara looked up at Al and grinned.

The girl didn't know that three of those men that she was talking about were standing around her. 

"Let's just enjoy the movie." Eric said with a smile as they entered the cinema.

"It's oddly empty." Al commented as he looked around. 

There were a few attendants, but no other movie goers.

"Is it supposed to be full?" Angelica whispered to him as she held his hand.

"Not full, but not empty either." Al explained.

"Maybe because it's still early?" Ismail thought out loud.

"No sir." One of the attendants said. "Mr. Reyes asked his assistant to book this cinema privately for you and your group. You can order anything and everything you want. Mr. Reyes will pay for it."

Everyone's jaw dropped in shock, who knew they would be so lucky.

While Al on the other hand rolled his eyes, annoyed at his cousin's actions.