Charlotte's brow furrowed. "Ma, why are you saying this? What's wrong with--""I won't repeat myself. I know you as a warm woman, but your heart is very cold toward the opposite sex.""Mind your behavior and don't go overboard with people who have nothing to do with you. Keanu is your friend, right? He's also an employee in your company, so act professionally!""I don't want Jarvey and his family thinking you're toying with them because you can't manage your conduct!"Charlotte was stunned. She stepped forward slowly, but Catherine's voice stopped her from getting closer."Your father and I have allowed you to be friends with anyone, even inviting Keanu to dinner with us... but your behavior today makes me want to cancel everything. I don't want my beloved future son-in-law to be disappointed in the future."Charlotte was taken aback, her heart racing, her eyes stinging with tears, and she quickly turned and left her parents' room.She couldn't comprehend why her mother thought she ha
Keanu felt anxious. Ever since Charlotte appointed him as one of the key people in the body lotion bottle redesign project, he had become the talk of many people because the project was worth hundreds of millions. Charlotte had promised a big bonus if the project succeeded, was well received by the product lovers, and managed to attract a larger market.Everyone wanted to be involved, but Zakaria had no choice but to recruit Keanu at Charlotte's request. Now, Keanu was trying to contact the woman, even waiting at a café as they had arranged yesterday. However, even as the lunch break was almost over, there was no sign of Charlotte showing up.Keanu felt slightly disturbed; he had never felt this intimidated before, although he also felt honoured to be able to contribute some of his ideas. However, the pressure he was receiving was more significant than expected, and he suddenly felt afraid that some people might dislike him or even set him up just because of this project.The man stoo
Charlotte slammed the car door, followed by Catherine and Svarga running behind her. They hurried together towards the ambulance that was loading a body into the vehicle."Wait a minute!" Charlotte shouted, her chest pounding; she felt weak and almost fell. Luckily, Catherine caught her."I'll do it," Svarga said, then asked for permission from the medical personnel. His hand trembled violently as he touched the edge of the blood-stained white cloth and slowly uncovered it.Charlotte screamed hysterically, and together with Catherine, they cried and embraced each other.What was supposed to be a solemn, peaceful, and laughter-filled dinner turned into a tragedy and disaster for their family. The number that had been repeatedly calling Catherine belonged to a civilian and a police officer, trying to inform her that a man had been found lifeless on the side of the road.That man was the driver of Charlotte's car, who had replaced a flat tire just hours before. He was found dead a few me
Svarga wanted to discuss what one of his employees had mentioned in the car earlier to Catherine, but he was afraid of worrying his wife.Lately, Catherine has been visibly anxious about Charlotte's social circles. He had also overheard his wife forbidding Charlotte from spending too much time with Keanu."This is too sensitive, I'm worried about Catherine—""What are you worried about?" Catherine asked as she caught her husband monologuing just as she opened the bathroom door.Svarga shook his head, giving a faint smile and hugging his wife. "It's nothing.""Don't lie, Svarga. Are you still hiding important things from me?" Catherine pouted."There's nothing, nothing at all that I'm hiding. Trust me."Catherine sighed; after 20 years of marriage, she had always trusted her husband. "There's a lot on my mind, to the point I'm even considering transferring Charlotte to the branch office in the Netherlands, so she can be closer to Jarvey."Svarga frowned slightly. "Why so suddenly?""I
Liam toured the company accompanied by Charlotte. The woman introduced him to several areas of the company that she had revamped since joining it. Starting with the production factory, whose building stretched widely behind the main office, she showed him the processes from production to finishing."The last time I visited here was five years ago. Sometimes I stop by, but not to look inside," said Liam."In that case, Uncle, you must see everything." Charlotte took his hand and pulled him along to the graphic design room.People who already knew Liam warmly greeted and treated him respectfully, like employees welcoming a long-time senior. Charlotte informed Zakaria that Liam would be helping guide their new project. Zakaria felt delighted to have a senior helping out, especially since this large project required a large workforce and resources."In that case, let me introduce the team to you," said Zakaria."With pleasure," Liam responded, genuinely eager to come face-to-face with the
"I was the one who called you," Liam said, showing a pen that belonged to Keanu, which he had accidentally kept in his suit pocket."This is yours, right?"Keanu nodded and then took the pen from Liam's hand. "Thank you. In that case, I'll excuse myself," he said as he prepared to leave.Charlotte watched the man, feeling like a stranger had joined her project team. "Sit down first; you're here for a reason. You look strange and confused. Sit down, Keanu," she instructed.Keanu's eyes met Charlotte's, and then he glanced at Jarvey before sitting beside Liam."Would you like something to drink?" Liam asked."Nothing," Keanu replied. "I came here because Mr. Zakaria said that Charlotte was looking for me, but you called me because I left my pen behind.""Alright, Keanu, in that case..." Charlotte shifted her tone to ease the awkwardness."Let me introduce him. This is my boyfriend, his name is Jarvey. And Jarvey, this is Keanu, my former college friend."Jarvey snapped his fingers. "Ah,
The plate in Catherine's hands almost slipped, but she managed to steady herself and adjust her expression to remain calm and composed. She smiled naturally, then slowly placed the plate on the table. She walked toward Charlotte, her almond-shaped eyes fixed on Keanu's figure, who looked no different from her late ex-husband in his youth."Welcome," Catherine greeted wisely.Keanu stood stiffly, feeling a connection to the woman. For some reason, he had the urge to hug her right now. He bowed briefly, his movements rigid. "Good evening, Ma'am." He glanced at Svarga and greeted him as well."Come on, sit down and have dinner," Catherine invited.Keanu, with Jarvey's assistance, sat beside him. Catherine served food onto their plates, and they began to eat dinner."Charlotte didn't tell me she was inviting a friend," Catherine said.Keanu couldn't respond; his lips seemed sealed."I invited him spontaneously. It's his punishment," Charlotte said."You! Who punishes someone by inviting t
Charlotte put her clothes back on, feeling somewhat annoyed with Jarvey's behaviour, but she was too tired to demand an explanation for why her boyfriend had just left when things were starting to get intimate. She adjusted her pillow and pulled the blanket over herself, deciding to sleep now while waiting for Jarvey to come home.However, just as she was about to close her eyes, her phone rang, and Jarvey sent her a message."I'm at your Uncle Liam's house. I promise I'll be home before midnight. I'm sorry. I love you, Charlotte."***"This is the file you can study. I managed to get some copies of past cases that have been resolved, and I think there's no need to bring them up again," Liam said as he handed two stacks of folders to Jarvey."Where did you get them?" Jarvey asked."Catherine used to have someone hiding behind an anonymous account, and that person helped uncover the criminal case that led to Keanu's father and his mistress being sentenced to death, while Arsila was sen
After three days of being hospitalized, Keanu was allowed to go home. The doctor also provided several therapy schedules to ensure he received optimal care until his shoulder was fully healed.As for the house gifted to him, Charlotte and Jarvey gave Keanu a house in Les Halles and another to Karletta in Louvre so she could be closer to Glass Glory for her work.On Charlotte’s advice, Devon accepted Keanu as his business partner. He had known Keanu for a long time and recognized his integrity and outstanding intelligence.“My heart is pounding,” said Karletta as she helped Keanu button up his jacket.“Why?”“Tomorrow is my first day as a grade A trainee at Glass Glory. I thought Mrs. Catherine would put me in grade C with the other newcomers. I didn’t expect her to assess my performance and all the awards I’ve received,” Karletta said.“That means you’ll debut faster, right?” Keanu asked.“Exactly, which is why my heart is racing. But what makes it beat the fastest is… Mrs. Catherine
Svarga visited Keanu after Easton mentioned that Keanu was awake and ready for visitors. Svarga's smile made Keanu lower his head, and he felt embarrassed in his presence."I thought you'd be asleep again," Svarga said. "How are you feeling now? Did Easton mess with your head after talking to him?"Keanu nodded. "A little. He almost confused me."Svarga didn't press further. "Charlotte and Jarvey will visit you this afternoon. They had to go to the police station to settle some matters from last night.""Will Emily be imprisoned?" Keanu asked, lifting his head slightly."With all the evidence you provided, it's inevitable. Emily and her family will face punishment in the Netherlands, not in this country," Svarga replied.Keanu sighed with relief. "I thought they might use their power to cover up their crimes.""It's not simple, son. You have given us a lot of information, much of which we don't even know. The evidence you presented shows there were many flaws they were trying to hide,
Keanu slowly opened his eyes. He had just woken up after eight hours, his first time regaining consciousness since the operation. His gaze immediately shifted toward the window, where he saw Devon and Karletta talking with their arms crossed.Keanu smiled softly, straightening his body, which felt sore and painfully stiff. The sound of the creaking bed drew Devon and Karletta's attention toward him. They both rushed to his side, their faces beaming with relief because Keanu was finally awake."Hey," Karletta greeted as she wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye.Devon adjusted the bed's headrest to a 45-degree angle to make Keanu more comfortable. "Should I call the doctor?""No need. I'm fine," Keanu replied. "I just want something to drink."Karletta quickly grabbed a water bottle and handed it to her older brother. "I've heard everything. How are you feeling now? I've been avoiding a lot of people outside asking about your condition. Thankfully, Mrs. Catherine has been watchi
"HEY!" Jarvey shouted a bit loudly. "YOU'RE AWAKE?!""Annoying...." Keanu replied, then shifted his aching body. "Ah, this is such a hassle." The man slowly opened his eyes and looked at his shoulder wrapped in thick bandages.Charlotte stood tall, her eyes shining with tears streaming down her face. She pressed the emergency button, and shortly after, a doctor and a nurse entered the room."KEANU IS AWAKE!" Charlotte shouted excitedly, then she and Jarvey were asked to leave the room at the doctor’s request.Outside, Catherine, observing them all along, smiled with satisfaction, relieved that Keanu had finally opened his eyes after hours of sleeping post-surgery."Mama, you were right! Keanu is so strong. Look, he's awake now!" Charlotte exclaimed.Catherine hugged Charlotte back, tears in her eyes, too, eager for the doctor to let them see Keanu.After 15 minutes of examination, the doctor permitted them to enter but on the condition that they be quiet, as the effects of the anesthe
Emily and her parents were taken into custody by the police, and their case will be forwarded to a Dutch court. Today, they are being held in detention and waiting to be collected. They have been stripped out of these clothes and put into detention uniforms, each in an isolated cell — comparatively more comfortable than those where other detainees are lodged.Lucius instructed some colleagues to stand guard until the Dutch legal team arrived for mediation. "I have to go and check on the other guests. Some people being questioned have confessed that they were paid by Emily to support their engagement event and to prepare the plans they had in place if the event had gone successfully."Lucius then said they were all still planning on setting Noah up to ruin his career as well, and he wanted Lucius there in case something went south with being able to pin a significant failing of Noah's that goes right back around through him onto Emily’s parents.“Liam, you take him, and the rest of us
Everyone screamed hysterically, including Charlotte, who instinctively shouted and hugged the person protecting her."KEANU!" Charlotte's voice trembled violently, one hand pressed against the blood gushing from Keanu's shoulder.Charlotte cried almost hysterically, calling out for anyone who would help. People rushed over to her; some hurriedly called for an ambulance while Lucius moved Keanu's body to a chair, using the thick fabric of his coat to cover the bleeding.The Chandra family guards restrained Emily, preventing her from escaping, and blocked access to ensure none of her accomplices could flee. About ten minutes later, the ambulance arrived, and Keanu was quickly rushed to the hospital.Charlotte, overwhelmed with emotion, held back sobs as she glared at Emily, her blood-stained hand pointing at her without saying a word, making Emily utterly terrified.Charlotte's gaze then shifted to Emily's parents, filled with an unbearable grudge, before she spoke, "I will make your da
Emily was terrified, and so were her parents. The couple accompanying Emily knelt before Catherine, begging for forgiveness like sinners fearing the gates of hell. Their actions, however, only raised questions among everyone present—what were they hiding that caused them to be so afraid?But Emily's reaction was different. She refused to beg Catherine for mercy like her parents had done. "You think you can do anything to me? I’m already engaged to Jarvey. Now ask my fiancé whom he will choose."Jarvey pulled Charlotte close, holding her hand tightly and showing everyone his answer. His actions naturally stoked Emily's fury even more."Fine, you're challenging me, huh? Then I’ll make your parents pay for everything!" Emily screamed in frustration. She grabbed Havella by the hair and dragged her away, prompting Noah to rush after his wife.Emily’s actions shocked many, including the media crew that Catherine had allowed to cover Emily’s event.The onlookers were horrified as they watche
All eyes were on the figure in the red dress, flaunting her beautiful curves. She wore matching red gloves that only covered her palms, and a black fascinator adorned her straight, flowing hair. Charlotte embodied the definition of luxurious beauty in the eyes of the wealthy elite. She smiled kindly at those who recognized her, while some deliberately hid, not wanting to be labelled as traitors for attending and supporting Jarvey’s wedding to another woman."Miss Charlotte, it's a pleasure to meet you," a man greeted her. He was the event moderator and a businessman whose company had Svarga as an investor."Hi, Karlos. Nice to see you, too. I guess you successfully united the couple today. Where are they?" Charlotte asked, her eyes scanning for Jarvey and Emily.Karlos didn’t answer. Sweat dripped down his body, his face pale. Soon after, Jarvey came running down from the second floor, tears streaming down his face upon seeing Charlotte. He rushed toward her and embraced her tightly.
Charlotte stood in front of the mirror, spending hours in this boutique, clearly excited despite her incredibly chaotic emotions. She could remain calm because Keanu and Devon were with her, offering comfort without hesitation.“Hey?” Devon greeted her as he entered the dressing room after the boutique staff called for him, allowing him to see Charlotte.For a moment, Devon was stunned by seeing the woman in a knee-length red dress. Charlotte had purposely chosen a bolder colour as a symbol of defiance against her heartbreak.“Devon, what do you think? Is my appearance enough? Do I look beautiful? I feel like the stitching around the waist makes me look a bit thinner,” Charlotte rambled.Devon exhaled and shook his head, feeling satisfied with Charlotte’s appearance. The undeniable aura of wealth radiated from her; Charlotte always looked luxurious in whatever she wore.“You’re beautiful,” Devon said, a simple sentence that never seemed to satisfy Charlotte.“Ah, I’m not sure.”“You’r