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
“We can go home now, Miss Helena,” Albert said as he tidied up each of the files still scattered across the table. The man had often felt the euphoria of victory in the trials he participated in but this time, Albert felt that his victory really felt perfect.Helena's face, which had been watching the perpetrator who finally admitted everything without exception, not even denying anything that was shown as evidence of his crime, was completely satisfied. Maybe because the loss Helena felt was big enough to make her keep moving forward, no matter there were many things that had to be sacrificed including her time and activities managing the company.But it was all worth it for what she got today.“Ah, you're right.” Helena smiled slightly. She glanced once more at the bench Tiara had been sitting on. The woman had been led out of the courtroom with her face down. There would be a further hearing for the verdict and the fate of Andy and Rudi as much of their testimonies had to be studie
Their journey back to the office was uneventful. In fact, if Helena could be honest, this trip felt good. Perhaps it was because the biggest burden had been passed despite the drama. Helena could plan her life much more clearly than before.One thing was for sure, she wouldn't look away from Nakia Group. For her, Nakia is like her lifeblood. She would not waste the many things that had happened there, including the enthusiasm of the staff working under her instruction.“I've booked the restaurant,” Wilna informed as she put her tablet into her bag. “Please make sure Mr. Albert and the team come to the banquet, Helena. You have no objection to this, do you?”“Why would I have any objections?” Helena chuckled. “Their help is really reliable. And I think Mr. Tommy Andreas deserves an invite, too.”“You invited my father?” asked Michael, shifting his seat slightly. He looked at Helena quizzically.“Yes. Thanks to him, everything Tiara was hiding was uncovered in time. Although it could ha
Deny Jacob's hands were shaking. All the files Hendry had given him had left him speechless. Including how Rudi and Sean suddenly appeared at Tiara's final trial.“So... nothing can be done for Tiara?” asked Deny in a shaky voice. “At least appeal? So that her sentence can be reduced?”“You can't, Mr. Deny. Everything has been decided and the trial is reserved for Sean, Rudi, and... You.”Deny let out a long sigh. If those two names were presented in the trial, it was unlikely that he would not be implicated. It was also impossible for him not to move to protect his daughter but what power? Deny was already in the detention center before he could come up with a plan to save his daughter and granddaughter from prosecution.“Did you talk to Tiara after the verdict?”Hendry shook his head slowly. “I haven't had time to meet Miss Tiara yet. I have a lot to take care of, especially regarding the Jacob Group. As your company's legal counsel, I'm responsible for taking care of some things. I
“That's what Mr. Deny suggested, Miss Tiara,” Hendry said with a long sigh. His days behind him were really tough. Apart from having to accompany Deny Jacob to attend further hearings related to his daughter's case, Hendry has also been involved with the mass media several times. Revealing several things that he felt were sufficient to defend his client. As well as taking care of the Jacob Group so that it can continue to run.The only person who could be asked for help after all this happened was Deny Jacob's sister. She was very difficult to ask for help. It wasn't so much about getting paid for taking care of the Jacob Group, but also how Luna Jacob was approved as the temporary guardian of Andy Tan, Tiara Jacob's son.Plus Tiara and Arslan's divorce, which should have been hidden from the mass media but instead had been spread and used as material to continue to top the search rankings in many social media. Beating the political issues that were heating up, as well as some quite s
The story begins three years in the past. The moment Helena left the Edison residence and handed over the leadership of Nakia Group to Wilna, her most trusted assistant and friend.***“Are you sure?” I asked once again. I had no problem with Helena leaving Nakia for something important-continuing her graduate studies. But Helena leaving to catch the love of a man who came from an ordinary background. Oh, really. I have no problem with any man having a relationship with my best friend. It's just... to make Helena leave home and hide her identity?Isn't that too much?“Why am I not sure?” Helena smiled widely. “I don't just let Nakia out of my sight anyway.”“That's not the issue, Helena,” I said with a long sigh. "It's about you releasing Edison's status in favor of a man named Arslan Tan. Are you sure you've made sure he's a good man? Treats you well? Loves you sincerely?” I really had my doubts about this but what else could I say when Helena's eyes really radiated great love.“Take
“Looks like you're already drunk.”I looked at the person who said that nonsense sarcastically. “I'm not drunk yet,” I retorted, putting down the glass rather rudely. It was filled with vodka, which I had downed without a trace. But I wasn't satisfied yet. I don't know how long I've been in this bar, but this place is quite pleasant. It's not like a noisy bar that makes my head spin.Golden Bar is where Thomas usually goes when he has business meetings. I used to make reservations here for him. I read on some websites that Golden Bar is one of the few exclusive bars that offers a place to enjoy alcohol in a quiet atmosphere. The safety and privacy of this place is guaranteed. And because I made reservations for Thomas so often, I got a lot of vouchers. And now, I'm using those vouchers. If I used my own money, I don't know how much money I would have spent just to enjoy a glass of vodka.“You've already finished almost five glasses.”I scowled. “Who are you to tell me to stop?” I pour
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.