Disclaimer: Tut, tut, tut! You really don't have to tell me I don't own CCS. So please don't sue. I don't own them.

A/N: Wow! Two chapters in one update? I'm impressed with myself. Anywy, you might notice that this chappie is... a little BIT shorter than the previous. But... (Yes, I know it's crappy, onii-chan!) this is one of the chapters I liked! Why? I won't tell! (Hint: It's really funny!) Really, it is! Even my laconic, walking snowman of a second older brother smiled when he read this! HE SMILED, not laughed, not grinned, not smirked. JUST SMILED. You have no idea how difficult it is to make him smile! It's like using a match to melt a glacier. (Tee-hee!)

CHAPTER 3: GIRL MEETS CEO

Eriol allowed himself the luxury of a grin as he sat in his office, placing back the handset of his phone in its cradle. He had just received a call from Nakuru that Tomoyo Amamiya finally said yes and agreed to come back with them. She's finally going to London and he's finally going to meet her. And he can finally sigh a relief, sit back and wait for them to arrive. Finally. He picked up his flute of red wine and gazed at London smilingly. From the 38th floor of the Daidouji towers, the scenery was absolutely breath-taking.

Being a young CEO, Eriol was certainly criticized by many of the high-ranking executives and stockholders in corporation. After all, he was just a few years younger than 29 when he had assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer, an action that raised many brows in the corporation. Many believed that the reason he became the CEO and Li the Vice President of Marketing was that the late President was very fond of them.

Of course, that was not true and the two young men would only smile whenever they would hear that rumor. The issue died down a long time ago but there were still others who continued to talk behind their back, questioning the legitimacy of their authority. Not that it mattered anymore. After all, only they knew why the President trusted them so much.

The two were students of the London School of Economics at the London University, such a prestigious and famous school, known for their rigorous training for their students. They both got scholarships from the Daidouji Group of Companies, not because they were financially-handicapped. No, the two belong to a wealthy clan in China. They wouldn't have a problem with money. They got scholarships because of their performance in class. They were the best the school could ever present, one could say, receiving straight flat ones. And because of this, Sonomi Daidouji was entirely impressed and immediately hired the two after graduating. The older woman trusted the boys like they were her own sons.

Obviously, Eriol had no idea about the President's daughter. Only after the funeral did he find out from the President's trusted lawyer. He guessed one of the reasons why Sonomi trusted them was because she might've been missing her real child.

" Sir Hiiragizawa, you have a board meeting in fifteen minutes," Colleen, his secretary, called through the phone speaker.

"Yes, thank you, Colleen." He smiled to himself again. This day couldn't get any better.

"We're leaving already! I though next week!" Tomoyo protested as Syaoran dragged her into the airport, followed by Nakuru and several guys carrying their luggage to the private jet of Sonomi Daidouji. "You haven't even stayed here for a week! C'mon!"

"The CEO is quite impatient, you know," Syaoran replied matter-of-factly, walking stiffly to the gate. "I myself don't want to test the limits of his patience. They say it's barely a kilometer long."

Tomoyo planted her feet firmly in the ground, stopping Syaoran as well. "I want to stay here for another week," she declared. "Will he object to that?"

Syaoran muttered something about demanding girls under his breath while Nakuru smiled brightly at her. "Tomoyo-chan, Eriol is expecting us. It's not a good idea to upset him."

"Oh, really! Well, it's not a good idea to upset me either!"

The amber-eyed young man muttered something again inaudibly and sighed. "Okay… Now that we know what upsets who, shall we go now?" he snapped, his voice oozing with edginess. Tomoyo glared at him. "Hai, hai! Stop it with the daggers already. I know what you feel but I really can't do anything about it. I wish I could but I don't have the power yet." The lilac-eyed lady said nothing and continued to glare at him. "Amamiya-san, we must go. We must stay to the schedule."

Tomoyo frowned. "Okay! Fine!" she huffed and they started to walk again. She knew she wouldn't win against them, not when a hoard of bodyguards are watching like hawks over them. "Why don't you tell that great CEO of yours to come here personally next time he needs something? Geez…"

"I'll be sure to tell him that," Syaoran muttered darkly under his breath and earned a questioning look from Tomoyo. "I mean, he's quite busy with important things back in England. And everything happened on such short notice." A minute after saying that, he regretted it when Tomoyo suddenly stopped again. "What I meant was—"

"I'm not important!" she finished dryly for him. "And don't you dare tell me what short notice is! You have no idea!"

Much to Syaoran's relief, Nakuru interjected, trying to cool down the frustrated girl. "What Syaoran meant was that our CEO is quite busy handling the corporation. It's really difficult handling the corporation by yourself, you know, and he needs all the help he can get from us. I do hope you understand out situation, Tomoyo-chan."

Tomoyo didn't object and so, they kept walking. Syaoran reminded himself to thank Nakuru later.

When they got into the jet plane, Tomoyo sat on a seat beside a window, bucking her seatbelt on and staring outside. Her seat was fairly large, just like the seats in the first class area of a passenger plane. The jet was also completely furnished: several couches and side tables, a small conference room further at the back, a kitchen, a bathroom with a shower and a few twin-sized beds. Everything was carpeted, polished, cleaned thoroughly and in the color scheme of lavender and ivory.

Syaoran sat opposite her, folding his hands on the mahogany table between them. Nakuru had proceeded almost immediately to the kitchen to prepare something. "Is there anything you want to ask about?"

Tomoyo placed her chin on her palm and gazed out the window. They were already taking off. "What caused my mother's death?" she asked quietly.

"She had breast cancer. We found out too late that even chemotherapy could not remedy it anymore," he answered evenly. "She didn't suffer much."

"What about my father? What happened to him?"

"He died a few years before I went into the corporation. I never met him."

She nodded. "Right… I see…" She bit her lower lip. "Did… Did my mother ever tell you why she had me adopted?"

Syaoran shook his head and could see a flash of pain inside the girl's lilac eyes. "Your mother never mentioned it to us," he said. "We were so surprised when we saw your name on the will."

"What was she like?"

"Your mother was beautiful, smart, kind and brave. Many people loved her and grieved when she died. She was a great woman."

Tomoyo hung her head, a rueful smile on her face. "Too bad I never got to meet her… She must be wonderful…" She rubbed her bare arms. "Now I'm really getting nervous… What if I don't pass up the standards of the people? I'm not anything like her…"

Syaoran gazed at her for a while then smiled assuredly. "Sure you are! You're a Daidouji, don't forget that," he told her. "Your cousin, Sakura, told me so much about you and I tell you, you're just like her."

She looked up and smiled slightly at him. "You think so?"

"Yeah! And I bet Hiiragizawa would say the same if he sees you." After a while, she grinned at him and Li could tell the girl's gears inside her head were working overdrive. "What's so funny?"

"You know, Touya-kun told me that you and Sakura-chan seems to be getting along pretty well," she replied, giggling, and Li blushed darkly. She patted his hand in a sisterly fashion. "And to tell you the truth, he doesn't like guys who get along well with the Cherry Blossom."

Syaoran rolled his hazel eyes. "Isn't it so obvious?" he said sarcastically. "If looks could kill, I probably would've died, reborn then died again over ten times already."

"That's okay. I'm pretty sure Sakura-chan would cry on your funeral if that happens."

Their plane landed at Heathrow Airport nearly 9 in the evening, the moon already high up in the sky and the city lit up like a Christmas tree. A black limousine was waiting for them at the private hangar to take them to the Daidouji estate on the outskirts of the City of London where the CEO was waiting for them.

"What's he like?" Tomoyo asked as she gazed out the tinted windows. The city still looked lively even though it was already night time. Not that it was different from Shibuya or Ginza.

"He's annoying, irritating and frustrating," Syaoran replied heavily as if already bothered by it. "Oh, and did I mention exasperating, as well?"

The young woman smiled at him. "No, what's he really like?"

"He's smart and good looking, if that's what you're asking. A ladies' man, to put it simply. Although, he can sometimes overlook and ask about the most obvious of things," he answered matter-of-factly, rolling his eyes. "He also has a volatile temper that I'm trying to avoid. They say it's horrible."

Nakuru shuddered inwardly as she listened to their conversation, remembering how the young man yelled at her through the phone. Even though they were several hundred miles apart, she could still feel his rage emanating from the phone. "You could say that again!"

They drove into a large estate with sprawling lawns, beautiful gardens and a large pond that almost resembled a small lake filled with lotuses and lilies. The car slowed down and stopped on the circular driveway in front of the large stone manor and several maids came out to meet them. Tomoyo got out of the car and admired the place, breathing in the sweet scent lingering in the air. It smelled like roses. She had never been to a mansion as grand and luxurious as this.

"This was your parent's home," Syaoran told her, getting out as well. "So technically, it's yours now."

"Mine…" Tomoyo said breathlessly, her eyes scanning the entirety of the estate. It was absolutely stunning that she already wanted Sakura and the others to see it. Her gaze then landed on a young dark-haired man standing on the entrance steps, flanked by the maids and butlers. "Who's that?"

"That is Eriol Hiiragizawa," Li replied, his voice sounding unexcited. "The corporation's CEO."

Tomoyo gazed at the young man for a while. He looked so young, as young as Syaoran, yet he had this imposing and authoritative aura that made people want to respect and obey him. No wonder Li looked pissed off about him.

They walked up the steps and reached Eriol who was expressionless. Syaoran was right, Tomoyo thought. He is good looking.

Eriol was dressed in a dark blue suit with gold cufflinks, looking crisp and clean as if it just came from the dry cleaners. A pair of wire-rimmed spectacles was perched on his perfectly chiseled nose, hiding his deep blue eyes. His ivory complexion was flawless and pale that any woman would envy him for it. He looked every inch a CEO.

"I'm glad to meet you at last, Miss Tomoyo Daidouji," he said pleasantly to Tomoyo, holding out a hand for her to shake. Tomoyo, on the other hand, ignored his hand and bowed slightly, a sign of courtesy in Japan. He pulled back his hand. "I'm Eriol Hiiragizawa, the current CEO of the Daidouji Industries. Your mother, Sonomi Daidouji, has entrusted me the task of looking after you."

"Okay!" Tomoyo smiled at him impeccably. "I'm pleased to meet you as well, Hiiragizawa-kun!"

"Shall we go in? It's almost November and the air is getting chilly," he said, taking her hand gently and leading her inside.

If the manor was breath-taking outside, that would be an understatement if you used the word to describe the inside of it. Everything looked like it came right out of the pages of a leisure magazine about mansions. The decorations were Baroque mixed with Victorian and almost every bit of furniture and decoration looked antique. Even the doors were ornately designed. Tomoyo had learned these styles while they were learning history in Fine Arts, especially when they were studying the style of the Palace of Versailles, a classic example of Baroque, and she was fascinated at almost everything she laid her eyes on.

When they stepped into the parlor, Tomoyo really looked awed. The entire room was even larger than their living room and kitchen back in Japan combined. The color combination seemed to be gold and red, considering the colors of the curtains (wine-colored satin and silk) gold-gilded upholstery (crimson velvet), even the top of the pool table. High above them, a large crystal chandelier lighted the whole room, its crystal charms diffusing the light into several colors.

Tomoyo sat on a gilded Victorian couch in front of the enormous marble fireplace, still looking around like a kid in a candy store. A uniformed maid came in, carrying a silver tray of tea, and politely curtseyed at Tomoyo. She placed it on the marble-topped coffee table and bustled with the fine china.

"Now, Miss Daidouji," Eriol started as he sat down on an armchair opposite her, taking the teacup offered by the maid. "I heard from Nakuru you were very reluctant in taking your inheritance."

"Actually I still am," the girl replied casually, causing the young man to frown. "I've been thinking of trying it out for just a span of time, let's say, six months."

"Six months?" Eriol echoed dully, flashing Li an inquiring look. The young man just shrugged. He obviously had no idea about this. "Do you have any idea what you're doing, Miss Daidouji?"

"Of course, I do. I am not dumb, Hiiragizawa-san," Tomoyo shot back, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "I really don't care about the money and the fact that my real mother, whom I have not known since birth, suddenly gave me 15 billion dollars didn't help at all. That's why I wanted not to accept it since it is not illegal to turn it down. Li-san even said that he's not forcing me to take it but since he had asked me so politely, I couldn't help but not refuse."

Eriol threw Syaoran another sharp look. "Is that so?"

"Imagine it as a bargain, Hiiragizawa-san. If everything goes well, then I'll think about staying for long. But if it goes out of hand, I'll be back in Japan before you can say 'Chief Executive Officer'." Tomoyo smirked at him as his frown deepened, cupping her chin with her two hands. "After all, from what I've heard, you were trying so desperately to find me, only I didn't want to be found. So please be considerate also that I've left my life and my studies just because of this."

"See here, little girl, if you think that the reason why I had you searched is because I wanted to use you, then you're wrong," Eriol said in a dangerous voice, sounding very unpleased. He never liked it when he was being insulted. And especially by a stranger like Tomoyo.

But Tomoyo didn't seem perturbed. "Please do not call me a little girl," she interjected. "I know I may be a few years younger than you but it is not a valid reason to call me a little girl."

"Pardon me for mistaking you as a child then," Eriol said sarcastically. "I just couldn't see the difference."

Tomoyo said nothing, merely glared at him. From that moment, a tensed atmosphere hung inside the parlor. Nakuru was glancing from Eriol to Tomoyo then back to Eriol, as if expecting them to suddenly attack each other. Syaoran, on the other hand, looked amused. It was really a sight to see the usually unruffled CEO get shaken up. And by a girl, at that. No one had ever tried and succeeded in annoying the "Snowman" in just a few minutes. It seemed No one already has a name and she goes by the name of Daidouji Tomoyo.

"Fine then." Tomoyo shrugged indifferently. "Since I'm such a mature person, I will not resort to throwing insults."

Syaoran bit down his laughter as the CEO just realized what she had said. Sometime in the future, he should try asking her help in further annoying the equally-annoying CEO.

Gathering every bit of dignity left in him, Eriol stood up stiffly and turned to Tomoyo who was putting up an innocent look. If he was to put up with that kind of attitude every single day of his life, then he might as well get ready for it. He tossed a small silver cell phone to her direction. "That will be your new phone. My number, as well as Li's and Nakuru's, are there. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call."

"Cool! Can I try it?" Tomoyo pressed a few buttons cheerfully and Eriol's phone, located in his breast pocket, rang shrilly. The young man pulled it out and rejected the call. Tomoyo shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly and kept the phone in her purse. "At least now you know it works!"

"Of course it does or else I would've sued the company who made it!" he retorted then collected his composure. For the first time in his life, he lost his composure over some impolite Japanese girl who just learned that she's a billionaire. "I suggest you get some sleep. We'll start the lesson tomorrow morning so be at the office at the 8 o'clock sharp. I'll tell the chauffeur to drive you there."

"I can drive as well as him, Mr. Smarty-pants, so I don't need a chauffeur."

Eriol scoffed. "Fine then! Drive if you want. Just call us if you finally arrived at the office lobby." With that, he swept out of the room, leaving the three.

Tomoyo pouted at Syaoran. "He doesn't take jokes very well, does he?"

"Nah! He's just annoyed that a girl could make him look stupid!"

"Hah!"

Reviews, reviews, and reviews... Onii-chan, I told you to wait, didn't I?... And yes, you really don't have to criticize it! It's confusing as well as crappy! Till next time!