“What a trial this was,” Albert said with a satisfied tone. This was immediately met with words of approval from his team. Helena, who was walking beside Albert, chuckled.“You're right. I also feel the same way as you, Mr. Albert. And thank you, you did your best for the trial this time.”Albert shook off his hand but the blush on the man's face could not be hidden. A hue of pride and a feeling of being relied upon by Helena, his important client. Albert was used to handling the Edison family's various legal matters, especially those related to contracts. But to handle the case that Helena was experiencing, was the first time in the Edison family. That's what made him feel he had to work as hard as possible to win this case.“You're overreacting, Miss Helena,” Albert said. “But I think this trial will take a long time.”“No problem. As long as I get the result, Tiara ends up in prison. Separated from her son so that he can feel what I feel.”Albert nodded immediately. “I'll try my be
“We'd better avoid the crowd of reporters, Miss Tiara,” Hendry advised. Before they walked down the connecting corridor to the area where their cars were parked. There were already a lot of journalists waiting there so that they could find bits of information that could be immediately disseminated to the online media.Even the results of the trial, which have not yet been confirmed, have been spread everywhere. The public response also continued to speculate about whether Tiara Jacob had actually masterminded Helena's accident. Tiara was reluctant to open her cell phone because the first news that appeared on the main search page was her case.“Is there a shortcut that doesn't have to go through them?” asked Tiara with great reluctance. “Huh... I'm like someone who's already been named a suspect.”Hendry didn't know how to respond other than to keep his smile and start thinking about which way to go so they wouldn't run into reporters.“Do you mind if we detour a little?” asked Hendry
“Damn it,” muttered Tiara who couldn't contain the annoyance and disappointment in her heart. Oh, her annoyance was nothing compared to all the disappointment and heartbreak Tiara had just felt. She didn't expect her husband to say that to her. In fact, Tiara had expected this to happen but didn't expect it to be so soon.“Arslan is an asshole,” she cursed under her breath. She tried to stay on her feet even though she was staggering a bit. The series of events today made her feel dizzy.After Arslan left her, Tiara stood in the corner of the room. Her body felt weak as if it was powerless to support the burden of her emotions. Everything that happened in her life with Arslan, one after another, flashed in her mind. Starting from the beginning of the introduction to the point where Tiara felt she had Arslan completely.How Tiara was very happy when Arslan removed the only barrier in her love life. They ended up happily at the wedding altar despite a little incident. But it seemed, sin
“Ma'am, would you like something to eat?” asked one of the waiters who looked worried because the owner of the house-Tiara Jacob-had been in a very bad mood for the past few days. She often skipped her meals. Only spending time in the study for hours on end, then with Andy never for long either.Tiara's face also looked depressed as if what had happened to her had really frustrated her.“I don't know, I want to get some fresh air.” It seemed like Tiara really needed a different atmosphere from her home.While at home, most of her activities were monitoring social media, which was suddenly filled with her name. At first, there were only a few stories about Tiara Jacob's life, but as time went on, the news pressured Tiara more and more, especially in relation to her case.The news of Tiara Jacob's alleged role as the main perpetrator of Helena's accident continued to make headlines in various media outlets. The news seemed to be relentless, attacking every aspect of Tiara's life. From t
“I don't know why I'm tense about this second trial,” Wilna said as she rubbed her hands together. Her eyes had been looking around the courtroom where many people had arrived-most of them journalists. Apart from the paid journalists Thomas had recruited, some also came from different media circles.It didn't matter, the more the media covered, the more interesting it would be, right? Especially if they published the latest photo of Tiara Jacob who was scared because of what was going to happen in this trial? Wilna became impatient even though she didn't know what was going to happen, but her feelings told her that something exciting was going to happen.“I feel the same way as you,” Helena said with a bright smile. Entering the courtroom area that was packed with people, and most of their eyes were fixed on one point-Tiara Jacob, and waiting for what would happen during the trial made her feel happy.Helena was sure Tiara felt the same way. The difference was that she welcomed the fe
“What the hell is all this?” Tiara asked herself. She felt like every eye in the courtroom was looking at her. With a sharp gaze, full of judgment, also feels piercing and as if she is a very disgusting person.“Hendry,” Tiara called in a half-whisper.The voice made Hendry turn his head. The woman beside him really didn't look okay. “You... alright?”Tiara rolled her eyes in exasperation. “Do I look like that?”Hendry sighed softly. “I didn't prepare for something like this, Miss Tiara. We have to see this trial through to the end and listen to what Rudi has to say. What Sean said earlier, there were a lot of notes from the public prosecutor. And the judge seems to match a lot with the evidence given,” she whispered softly while massaging her temples tiredly.“If things are like this, what should I do, Hendry?”Giving advice at a time like this would not do. Hendry's head was also full of many things related to this case. Including what Rudi would say in front of the judge. If you lo
At home, Tiara doesn't watch the news at all. Even her servants are not allowed to access the latest news. Tiara was terrified of the news on any social media homepage.News about Tiara Jacob's alleged involvement in Helena Edison's tragic accident filled every media channel. It was not only a hot topic, but also the subject of wild speculation. Journalists deliberately added confusing information, making the situation even murkier. Headlines like "Jacob Group's Daughter Stumbles into Fatal Case? ‘ or ’Tiara Jacob's Dark Secret Begins to Reveal ” became public consumption that heated up discussions on various social media.“What else are they writing about me?!” Tiara shouted, pounding on the large wooden table in her office. Trembling hands held a tablet displaying the latest article about her. Tiara's eyes scanned the comment section, which was filled with blasphemy.She had avoided looking at what was written on social media. But why is it that when she has to finish her work, the
That morning, the courthouse was packed. Reporters crowded in front of the entrance, carrying cameras and microphones, ready to capture every moment that happened inside and outside the court. Tiara Jacob's name had now become a magnet for public attention, and this latest hearing was the culmination of a long drama that had captured everyone's attention.A black car with tinted glass pulled up in front of the courthouse. Tiara stepped out with a pale face, wearing large sunglasses to cover her puffy eyes. A tight escort of security guards surrounded her, trying to prevent the reporters who kept pressing closer.“Are there that many of them now?” asked Tiara with a look of disbelief.The crowd of journalists who immediately swarmed her made her feel attacked from all directions. Hendry immediately asked for help from the court's security guards so that no one would disturb Tiara. But still, as soon as Tiara got out of the car almost everyone pointed their cameras and microphones at he
The next morning, Helena woke up feeling much lighter and calmer. In fact, if Helena were to be honest, it was one of her best mornings ever. Waking up to a window with a beautiful, serene view of the city. The air was cool and made Helena feel at home on the balcony of her room.Today Helena planned to visit a museum that exhibited some famous artworks and if she was lucky, Helena wanted to bring one of them (if it sold) for her collection or to gift a client who loved artworks. It was for the benefit of her company as well since Helena did not rule out gift-giving as a strategy to make the partnership work.“I think it's time for me to go,” Helena said as she organized her small bag. She didn't want to leave anything behind. Today her father was not accompanying her. There was an invitation to lunch with an old acquaintance and of course, they discussed some important matters. It wasn't that Helena didn't want to be involved but she wanted to make the most of her time in Switzerland
“Good evening, Mr. Hanry and Helena,” Alaric greeted in a polite tone. He was waiting for Helena and her father to come out of the hotel for dinner. As per his promise to take them to one of the recommended restaurants not far from the hotel where they were staying.“The police chief isn't as busy as I thought,” Helena said with a laugh. She thanked Alaric for his concern just before he invited her to get into the car. Her father was already inside and sitting comfortably.“I've been busy but I've put in a lot of time to entertain you. When else will you visit this place?” Alaric laughed lightly. “Or are you planning to visit again?”“I don't know yet.”“Or... you, Mr. Hanry? I feel very honored to meet you in person. Many of the things I've heard about the Edison Group being what it is today are all thanks to you.”Hanry laughed. “I haven't kept up with the Edison Group for a long time. My son is doing well, I'm just an old man waiting for my bank account to fill up with the company'
Helena stood in the room with her suitcase open in front of her. Some of her clothes seemed to be scattered on the big bed, as well as some other necessities that she had to put in the suitcase. Occasionally, she looked out the window, where the mansion's garden looked green and beautiful.“Miss Helena, what else do you need?” asked Vania, the maid who assisted Helena during her stay at the main house.“I don't know, I'm confused,” Helena chuckled in disbelief. “I haven't traveled like this in a long time.”“I'll help you and make sure you don't leave anything behind while you're abroad.”“Thank you Vania.” At least Vania's words relieved her. “Don't forget my hairdyer. In case it's not provided there, I'm too lazy to find a new hairdryer.”“Yes, Miss Helena.”Hanry entered after knocking on the door.“Papa?” Helena looked surprised not by her father's arrival but by what was in his hand. “Let me carry it. Why don't you ask the servants to bring it here?” Helena grumbled. Hanri brough
“What's got you in such a mood?” asked Wilna after returning from lunch. In her hand was the cup of coffee Helena had ordered. At first, she thought she would hear an exciting story from Helena about her meeting with her future in-laws. But there seemed to be something wrong here.Helena, who was originally cheerful, looked somber.“Nothing,” Helena said with a fake smile.Wilna raised one eyebrow, not believing Helena's words. She sat on the sofa in front of Helena and offered her the coffee she had brought. “Oh, come on, you can't fool me. How long have I known you?” Wilna asked as she savored her cup of coffee. “Your face looks more pathetic than any tragic play I've ever seen.”Helena just sighed as she took the coffee and sat next to Wilna. The heat that the coffee cup brought to her palm made Helena hold it tighter. She hoped Wilna would give up and stop asking questions. But who was she trying to fool? This was Wilna-the friend who could always get her to talk, even when she di
Six months had passed since all the drama.“Is there a follow-up meeting?” Helena asked Wilna who was still going through some files. Because of Helena's question just now, Wilna looked up and stared at her best friend and boss. She seemed to think before she finally spoke.“I don't think so. Besides, all your dealings with the production and marketing teams have been handled by Gio. He's reliable.”Helena chuckled. “But afterward, he must have complained about a lot of things, especially that he couldn't go back to his apartment because he had too much work at Nakia.”Wilna spluttered. “Who told him to live so far away from the office?”“Sometimes I feel sorry for Gio. He's adapting a lot to his surroundings but there's no denying it, if that's what you have to do. Right?”Wilna nodded enthusiastically. “Should we ask him to transfer? Gio is a potential employee for Nakia, Helena. Do you know how much of an impact he could have on Nakia's survival?”“I know,” Helena replied immediate
I really wanted to get rid of this uncomfortable feeling. Even though the vibe was quite relaxed and the song I was listening to was pleasant, it still felt awkward.“Where are we going, sir?” I asked. For the longest time. His answer? Just a big smile and a mischievous grin. Typical of a man named Thomas Edison. More often than not, he was annoying with his multiple desires, dizzying with so many detailed things he wanted, not to mention that sometimes he acted like a sulking five-year-old.I don't understand why so many people admire him. I know he has extraordinary capacity as a leader. But... I guess that's a performance Thomas often gives in front of many people. In front of me? It's a different story.Just like this afternoon. Even though his meeting schedule with Sofie had been arranged in such a way. It was a little difficult to contact the woman in the middle of her busy schedule with the launch of the new product she was managing. Sofie Ansela, the daughter of a rich family.
“Why is this happening to me?” I grumbled with a grumpy face. Really, dinner this time made me sick. Plus, Lily hasn't come home yet because she has work to finish immediately. At least if Lily joins us at the table, I can hold my temper a bit.What exactly is this asshole doing?“You don't have to bother bringing us a lot of food like this, Charles.”I heard my aunt speak in a friendly tone that was so sincere. Charles brought two large paper bags with the logo of a famous restaurant as gifts. I saw them as useless items in this house. Aunt Merry had prepared a separate dish for dinner.I stirred the food on my plate with no intention of actually eating it. Several times Aunt Merry offered me various delicious dishes at the dining table, but I refused. Really, I didn't want to eat the food Charles had brought for dinner this time.Uncle's voice talking about the house renovation plan sounded like the buzzing of mosquitoes in my ears. I only replied as needed, one or two words that I
Thomas really made me do a shitty morning activity. I had to wake up early, missing breakfast with Aunt Merry just to pick him up at the apartment. Ridiculously, I couldn't refuse not because I didn't have the courage. I saw that Thomas was really busy with his files. So... what that man was asking for wasn't just an excuse.He needs my help.So here I am now. Choosing a suit that suits him-tie, cufflinks, watch, and shoes. It must all match, or else I will get him angry. That's also why I had to take the time to study colors. It must be because the stuff in Thomas's clothes comes in a variety of colors.“Your clothes are ready,” I half shouted. I couldn't possibly talk in front of Thomas' bathroom door. Ugh! After sorting the clothes, I glanced at the dining table where there was nothing but a slice of bread with no jam on it.“How can he have so much energy with just two slices of bread?” I said as I opened the fridge. I took out the eggs, sliced beef, lettuce, tomato, and cucumber
“Damn,” I grumbled with an annoyed step. The encounter with Charles had completely ruined my mood. I was hungry but because of the argument, my taste buds just disappeared. I had to fill my stomach immediately because my job as Helena's replacement could not be taken lightly.Along the way to Helena's room, I kept thinking about that shameless Charles. God, he showed me a very bad side. And I felt that the sadness and disappointment that my marriage had failed was not as bad as it seemed. I was indeed sad, because what I wanted and longed for had come to an abrupt end. With an affair that I never expected.But the more days I pass, the more grateful I am that the failure happened.Including the incident this afternoon.Perhaps because I was too busy with thoughts that didn't lead to work, I had unknowingly stepped closer to Helena's office. The elevator that took me to my floor destination also seemed to be moving quickly. Unfortunately... I haven't put anything in my stomach as food.