“What did your ex- mother-in-law come and talk to you for, Helena?” asked Wilna in a whisper. She didn't want to disturb Helena's concentration, who was focused on the main stage area.“As usual, talking as if we had an overly close relationship,” Helena replied with a faint smile. “I don't know where she got the information, but she knows I'm pregnant with Arslan's child."“WHAT?!” Wilna squealed in disbelief. Her voice even made some people at other tables look at her in surprise. Wilna immediately covered her mouth while grimacing in embarrassment but then focused her attention on Helena. “You... aren't joking, are you?”“Do I look like I'm joking?” asked Helena who still had a smile on her lips. She tried to look calm even though Mirna's last words made her wary.“You have to be careful, Helena. They could do anything to get you back into that family.”Helena chuckled. “Not likely. I wouldn't want to share the same man with another woman anyway. Do they think I'll beg Arslan to co
Arslan walked around in his office. The launching event that he imagined could make his name skyrocket, and the impact that Cyber Corp could get to reap big profits ... was just destroyed. More than just destroyed, Arslan had to face many questions and demands for explanations from the many reporters who had gathered in the lobby of Intel's office.The man felt like his head was about to blow off. He had so many things on his mind and couldn't believe what happened during the event. Arslan left the event with some difficulty but was grateful to the security guards who immediately asked the reporters to give him some space.“It was only temporary,” muttered Arslan who was now starting to slow his pace. “I can't stay still.” He opened the door to his office as wide as he could. He ordered some of his staff to find out how someone else had hacked into their system.There was a strong speculation that what had happened was the work of Nakia's team. Since the arrival of their Quality Contr
Arslan can't back away from what happened. The only thing he can do now is explain. Although explanations are also of little use because what they need is a solution. But how can Arslan solve if the pressure that comes is so crushing as if there is no pause just to breathe.The man took a deep breath and tried to calm down. The five commissaires who came with cold looks and did not want to get any welcome, only glanced at Arslan's existence. Without any desire to return the greeting Arslan had just given. Also when Deny Jacob greeted them with a faint smile.Everyone looked tense and just wanted an immediate solution to what had happened today.One of them, Mr. Raymond Anderson said before closing the door to Arslan's office. “We need to talk, Arslan,” the man said in a heavy voice. “And make sure you have a reasonable answer ready for this conversation.”Arslan swallowed nervously but there was no way he could avoid it. The man nodded. He hurried to his office with hurried steps. Nor
“You should focus on your pregnancy, Tiara,” Deny Jacob said carefully. When they were on their way back to his house. Tiara was not with Arslan because her husband still had something to take care of. Actually, she didn't have that kind of heart to leave Arslan like that, but remembering the conversation on the phone with someone there, and always discussing Helena, made Tiara lose her compassion.“Yes, Pa.” Tiara nodded obediently.“Although there is something you can do, but remember one thing, Tiara. Don't be a fool for loving a man.”Tiara looked at her father. A middle-aged man who was her role model and the only family she had. She frowned slightly but began to understand the direction of the conversation and the warning. Tiara looked out the car window, her mind filled with doubts and guilt. Her father's words kept ringing in her mind. “Don't be a fool for loving a man.” Despite the urge to argue, something inside her felt that what her father said was true. She was caught up
The sound that came out of Mirna's mouth made Tiara glance over. Since a while ago, the atmosphere at the dining table had been different. But Tiara didn't care. Although there was no desire to eat the food served, her stomach needed to be filled. Last night, for the first time since she was confirmed pregnant and spent the day with her body changing, there was nothing to worry about. But last night, she felt her stomach aching, tensed, and very uncomfortable.However, there would be no complaints coming out of Tiara's mouth especially after what Arslan told her directly. With confidence, her husband said something that really set Tiara off. She gave her husband a hard slap on the face. It didn't matter if Arslan went berserk, what was clear ... Tiara left the room. Grabbing a long cardigan to warm her body from the cold air that hit.“Rani said you didn't sleep in your room?” asked Mirna with a curious look in her eyes.Arslan wasn't at the table, and Tiara didn't really care. Althou
“Is it all ready?” Helena asked for confirmation. Today was going to be a long day. The letter that his legal team sent to Intel Corp's office received a quick response. But before fulfilling the summons for further investigation, Arslan personally requested a meeting with Helena.Did Helena agree immediately? Of course not.For Helena, there was no need for a meeting between the two of them. After all, the remaining business between Helena and Arslan was only limited to a work contract. Which was actually being broken by Arslan without thinking about the risks. Making Helena suffer both material losses and wasted time.“We're ready,” Wilna said, carrying a document she had collected to prove what Arslan had been doing to Nakia, and just in case the man made an annoying excuse. “But you're sure you'll see him in person first?”Helena seemed to think for a moment and then nodded. “I met her at a café not far from the Intel Corp office. Anyway, he was just delaying his responses to Naki
They were already on their way back to office after an almost three-hour meeting to discuss Nakia's losses. Before going to judicial channels, the Intel Corp commissioners requested a meeting in person to negotiate in case they could find the best way out. At least this could reduce the level of public distrust of their performance. And one thing is certain: Intel Corp's credibility in the eyes of other business partners.If Nakia has submitted the claim file to the court, then there is no safe way out for Intel Corp. Unfortunately, what Nakia asked to be fulfilled did not get a signal of approval because they felt that Nakia was blackmailing them. In fact, from any side, the most harmed is Nakia. It seems that this is very much utilized by Intel Corp to slightly reduce their sense of responsibility.Arslan has argued several times about the program and technology he designed for Nakia, claiming to be similar to Cyber. But this time, Thomas explained in great detail what kind of cheat
“I'm still wondering what Michael was really doing at Helena's side?” Tiara looked back at the file Rudi had handed her this afternoon. She was already at Jacob Group's office, not yet eager to go to Intel Corp just to find out the progress and what steps Arslan would take to deal with the problem at hand.“I can't trace further, Ms. Tiara. Only about his family background and work."Tiara rolled her eyes in annoyance. “If that's all you can find out, I already know who Michael is without your help. But why is he by Helena's side. That's a big question because no matter what, Michael is a famous doctor. He has a lot of good reputation in the medical world. And now? Always by Helena's side? Not even a husband would do that.” Tiara chuckled in disbelief. “Is he blinded by Helena? Or working as Helena's personal bodyguard? Gosh, why didn't I think of that?”The woman chuckled with satisfaction at her thoughts. Once again, s
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.