"How did the Intel factory inspection go, Wilna?" someone asked. His voice was firm, so Wilna gave a clear and simple explanation that matched the facts."As far as we can tell, the program was processed with high accuracy, and we didn't run into any major issues, Mr. Thomas. "Everything's under control, and I think the extra responsibility Arslan Tan is taking is why we're able to keep such tight control over the chip creation process.""Good, then," he said. "Give me a full report and don't leave anything out.""Yes, sir." Wilna let out a soft sigh. Her workload was increasing day by day, but she was happy to get stuck in. This was part of the job she loved. If you love what you do, it's not work. That's what Wilna believed."Just make sure Helena doesn't talk to that man for too long. I'm still concerned that Arslan might try to contact Helena again."Thomas Edison was very close to his sister. Wilna was certain that Helena's situation was also affecting Thomas's feelings. Thomas'
"Miss Helena, we've arrived," the driver announced as he pulled up to the hotel lobby. The auction was held at a five-star hotel in the city center tonight. It was exactly what Helena expected an auction event to be like—a bunch of people from different businesses. In the past, Helena had gone to events like this with Thomas or with her father to meet with his business partners. But she wasn't looking to stick around and mingle with other people for too long. It wasn't that she didn't like it, but Helena felt there was no sincerity, only a desire to support each other's businesses.Eventually, Helena realized that this is how people who play a big role in the economy operate. They meet, see eye to eye, and form new partnerships. They exchanged greetings and kept an eye on each other. If you're not careful, you'll get overtaken by a company with more authority and a bigger role. And it's all thanks to the connections made at meetings like this."Thanks, Hans. Pick me up in about an hou
[Wilna: The name of that diamond is Immortal Red. You've got to have it, Helena. I'm sure you'll love it. I'll send you some interesting info about Immortal Red. I didn't think Mr. Darius would have it.]Helena read the message carefully. The auction was still going on, with lots of rare items on offer that would be expensive for many people. But with so many guests invited, it was clear that everyone would go home with something. Tonight's auction is arguably raising the social status of those in attendance because it features one of the collections of jewelry up for auction.Helena sometimes checked the bidding board, but it was obvious she wasn't that interested in the items up for sale. She was after one item in particular: the Immortal Red. She was looking for the best item, which would be auctioned off at the end of the event."I had a great time at tonight's auction," Darius commented. He looked at most of the attendees with a keen interest. "And that wraps up the program for t
"Oh, no!" Tiara grabbed the edge of the sink and started to pull herself together. Her eyes were filled with emotion. It was clear from her gaze and her flushed face that she didn't want to be disturbed."Damn Helena!" she muttered as she banged her fist on the sink, which was covered in luxurious ceramic tiles. Tiara stood in front of the sink, her breathing coming in short, rapid gasps. She was seething with rage. She couldn't accept that Helena had won the diamond at such a high price—something she couldn't possibly match."And why did that woman show up tonight?" Tiara grumbled, clearly annoyed. "She's just Thomas's mistress, not what everyone says." That was indeed the case. Tiara checked her thoughts to make sure she was right. She just couldn't accept the fact that Helena was the youngest daughter of the Edison family. In her mind, Helena was just Thomas Edison's mistress, not someone worthy of respect.Some of the guests were pretty concerned about Helena's presence. Including
"Helena."Helena turned her head slightly to answer the call. She knew immediately who was calling her: Arslan Tan. What can this man possibly want from me here? Of course, Arslan could show up at a party like this. On top of that, her fiancé was attending this auction, right?"You're here?" Arslan said, looking surprised to see his ex-wife at the event. "If you were planning on coming here, I could have picked you up."Helena was so surprised by this that she had to face the towering figure in front of her. Her eyes met Arslan's, but she looked questioningly, but dismissively, at him. Helena had her hands folded across her chest. "You want to pick me up?""It's not a bad thing to build a good relationship with a client, right?" Arslan gave a little smile. A smile that had once fascinated Helena. But tonight, Helena thought it looked pretty gross."Really?" Helena gave a little grin. "If I wasn't your most important client, would you still do that?" The woman didn't react at all. Inst
"How was the auction last night?" Hanry Edison asked in a voice that still sounded a little weak."Papa," Helena said, looking annoyed. "I told you not to stress about anything other than your health." She made sure her father was comfortable. "The doctor said you should get plenty of rest. As for Edison Group and Nakia, Thomas and I will take care of that."Hanry gave a little smile. "What's wrong with me wanting to know what event Darius is attending?" The middle-aged man gazed at his daughter with a longing look. "I'm also happy to have your back, Helena."Helena gave a little smile. Her eyes were a little teary. The man she respected and loved so much had finally regained consciousness. After a critical period that was enough to make Helena's heart pound with fear, Hanry Edison finally came to his senses. God still gave Helena a chance to meet again."I'm sorry, Dad. I was too wrapped up in my own world. I didn't care about you," Helena said, her voice breaking into tears."Hey,"
"I wasn't expecting to see you today, Helena." The middle-aged man, who was one of Edison's family doctors, was delighted to see Helena sitting in his room. "To be honest, I was quite worried about your father's condition. But I'm sure Doctor Samuel is doing his best. He's a very competent heart doctor."Helena gave a little smile. "You're right." She made herself at home in her seat. "Please stop by and see Papa when you get a chance, Doctor Adi. I'm sure Papa will be happy to see you.""I will, Helena." Adi adjusted his glasses. "Any issues with the pregnancy? You've been taking all your vitamins and medicine, right?""Not at all." Helena gave a big, warm smile. "I'd like to know how things are going. I don't feel like this pregnancy is a burden at all. Wilna says I should be grateful. This baby gets that I've got a lot on my plate."Doctor Adi let out a chuckle. "Wilna's right. There's no need to worry. Some women don't feel anything during the early stages of their first trimester
"Thanks," Helena said to the guy who showed her to the lobby door. She didn't deserve to be treated like this, but without realizing it, they were chatting about light but pleasant things. Maybe it was Michael's friendly and polite manner that made it okay for Helena to talk about the hospital."I hope we can meet again soon."Helena let out a laugh. "Well, I'll let you get on with your day, Doctor Michael. "It was a pleasure talking with you."Michael nodded and gave a bright smile. Helena was driven away from the hospital area in a black luxury car.Michael didn't want to leave just yet, but he wanted to make sure the car she was in actually left the hospital.Michael was ready to get back to work, so he reached for his cell phone to give the person watching Helena a quick update."Yes, Mr. Michael. I'll stay away from Miss Helena's car and let you know what's going on as soon as I can.""Good." Michael ended the call. He gave the orders to his team pretty quickly. But before he got
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.