Michael took a moment to consider the words that should leave his mouth. Although Hanry was staring at him with a friendly gaze, it still had a rather dramatic effect on Michael. He knew that if Hanry Edison had questioned him directly, it was likely that his father had already spoken to Hanry about his wishes.Wouldn't it be better if they knew? But why did it feel like such a burden to Michael this morning? Was it the way Hanry Edison looked at him? Or did the voice of the middle-aged man who had questioned his decision sound uneasy?“You are right, Mr. Hanry.”“It took you long enough to give me the answer to that question.” Hanry smiled slightly. He chose to sit back on the sofa. “Can we talk about this? It may seem that I should have chosen a much more convenient time than this morning, but given what you've been through and what you can see for yourself about Helena, I couldn't resist."“I understand,” Michael said as he followed Hanry's lead. He took a seat directly opposite th
Helena looked at Michael with a curious look on her face that could not be hidden. Ever since they got into the car and headed for the trial, Helena had been observing Michael's movements, which seemed much calmer than usual. However, there was something nagging at her heart. She was sure that the conversation between Michael and his father was not just a simple conversation. She wanted to know what really happened in the living room today."Are you sure you don't have anything to tell me?" Helena asked once again, this time in a slightly demanding tone.Michael, who was focused on the road ahead, glanced briefly at Helena with a faint smile on his face. “I promise, Helena. I'll tell you after the court hearing is over. For now, isn't it most important to focus on the court proceedings? You need full concentration, and I don't want to disturb your mind with anything else.”Helena frowned, her forehead furrowed, clearly not satisfied with Michael's ambiguous answer. However, she knew t
“This can't be allowed,” Michael thought with his hands clenched tightly. It seemed that the glasses man wasn't the only one who seemed annoyed and disgusted by the figure in front of them. Wilna was also displaying an obvious look of dislike, which she had no intention of covering up or getting rid of quickly.“I won't let this man bother Helena again,” he murmured to himself. Michael had to do something. The man's gaze sharpened on Arslan, who was still standing in an annoying manner in front of them. His eyes hardened, showing just how displeased he was with the presence of Helena's ex-husband. Not only because Arslan had a bad record with Helena in Michael's eyes. But also, because the man continued to be manipulative and ruthless."You don't need to take what he says so seriously, Helena," Michael finally said, his tone casual but also firm and caring. He didn't want to see Helena dragged back into Arslan's cunning game. “He's just trying to get your attention as usual.”Helena l
Although Helena's words just now were quite disturbing to him, but the message that came to Arslan's cell phone made the man calm down a little. The expert witness brought in from Jacob Group was reliable. He should have subdued his ego in front of Tiara and asked for help from his father-in-law-Deny Jacob. So he wouldn't have to waste so much time and have such an annoying argument with Nakia's side.However, Arslan was the one who benefited the most from the problems he created. Tiara could be back in his hands and immediately in front of him, the woman who could give him the highest position and power at the top of the business, he must be able to control. He must not let his meeting with Helena go to waste.Arslan immediately ordered various dishes without really asking Helena if she wanted anything. Glasses of juice, coffee, and appetizers began to be placed on the table by the waiter, making the table full of food that Helena had absolutely no interest in eating.“You must eat a
Arslan fixed the collar of his jacket with a quick movement. He tried to smile immediately and get rid of the discomfort caused by the conversation with Helena. Although it was a bit difficult, Arslan could not continue to focus on Helena's words and his ex-wife's attitude.“I think this is enough,” he said trying to calm down. Although there was really nothing that needed to be improved from his appearance. He was always well-groomed. Whatever the situation, Arslan always tried to keep his best appearance. Although there was one time when he ignored his appearance-during the chaos at Intel Corp related to the lauching event of Cyber's unit some time ago.So why did he bother to make sure his appearance was still well maintained? Actually, it was just a distraction from the nervousness that suddenly enveloped him as he exited the restaurant. Across the street, not far from the gate of the court building, Tiara stood waiting for him. Her face was flat, but her eyes were full of questio
“Are you... okay, Helena?” asked Erick with a worried look. He was already eager to show off his latest findings - contrary to what they were discussing. Hoping that Helena would feel more optimistic about her victory.In Erick's eyes, Helena was not just a boss who paid him for the work he did. If it wasn't for Helena, he might not have wanted to leave the rental house that he had transformed into a space he loved. Working odd jobs but making much more money because of her intelligence. Helena Edison was her best friend during college. And the dark-haired woman never hesitated to lend Erick a helping hand when the orange-haired man got into trouble.So when there was a chance to return the favor, Erick would not hesitate to do so. After all, what Helena had to offer was far more than enough. Because of that too, Erick tried his best to support Helena in the part they had agreed on together.“I'm fine, Erick,” Helena said with a faint smile. “You don't have to look at me like that.”E
“You look like someone who just won the lottery, Erick,” Helena could no longer contain her laughter. Since the hearing was dismissed, they were asked to prepare for the final hearing. The sentencing hearing for Arslan Tan and the people involved. And Helena wasn't going to miss that opportunity because really, this day was very unexpected for her.There were many questions that arose in Helena's mind. Especially where did Gio get the CCTV footage that was so valuable and exhibited at the most opportune time? Ah, Helena couldn't wait to find out all the things she seemed to have missed. However, there was no way she could ask Erick or Gio to explain right now. Wouldn't it be better to celebrate this small victory with a meal together?“You know, I didn't expect that kind of response. I thought they would come back and refute the video that Gio got. But I guess I had high expectations for the way they work. Especially when it comes to security.”Helena wanted to ask another question, b
There was nothing Helena could do but smile cheerfully. Her heart felt relieved that she could fight for Nakia until she got this answer. At the very least, she could prove to herself that she was capable of taking on the huge responsibility of leading Nakia Group. And also as a big warning that if she's going to work with other parties, she should be much more thorough than before. If necessary, find out the company's track record before deciding whether to continue the cooperation contract, or if there are some additional agreements.Besides having Erick who is good at finding information, no matter how detailed it is, it seems that if he recruits Gio, it could be even better for the IT team. Maybe he would talk to Wilna if all his business with the court was done.Because this was only one of the two cases he wanted to drag until he got real justice. But for now, he had to hold back. As soon as the time was right, he would move until the people who had made him have such intentions
The school hall was filled with the noise of the students who were busy preparing for Olin's farewell event. That day, Olin stood in the center of the hall in his neat school uniform. Although he tried to smile, the heaviness of leaving this place was clear on his face.“Lin, are you sure you want to go?” Jihan stood beside him, her eyes glazed over. “You know we're all not willing to let you go.”Olin took a deep breath, then looked at his best friend. “Jihan, I have to go. I can't stay here.”“Why not? We can face this together. You don't have to run away from everything.”Olin smiled, but didn't answer. He knew this decision was the best for him and for his family.One by one, his friends came up to Olin, saying goodbye. Adel, Maria, and Rihanna had been crying since the beginning of the show.“We'll miss your chatty voice in class,” Adel said as she wiped away her tears.
“Dad, I need to talk,” Olin's voice was soft but full of anxiety. She stood in the doorway of her father's study. Michael, who was busy reading a document, looked at his daughter. There was something in her tone of voice that made Michael immediately close the document and wave a hand, inviting her in.“Sure, honey. What's wrong? Sit here,” he said, pointing to the chair in front of him.Olin stepped in slowly, sitting with her back straight but her face downcast. She clutched the hem of her sweater tightly, a clear sign that she was agitated.“Pa... I'm confused. I don't know where to start,” she said finally, her voice trembling.Michael smiled a little, trying to offer some comfort. “Try starting with what's bothering you, Lin. Papa is here to listen.”Olin lifted his head, looking up at his father with teary eyes. “It's about Andy, Pa. And about what Mama said yesterday at the festival.&rdqu
“Olin, what's wrong? You're not usually like this,” Jihan opened the conversation in a quiet but worried voice. They were sitting on a bench in the school garden during recess. Olin just sighed, his eyes fixed on the grass in front of him.“I'm fine, Ji,” Olin replied briefly, without turning his head.Adel, who was sitting beside him, rolled her eyes. “It's okay? Seriously, Lin? If you're okay, why do you look like you've lost something? Even your voice isn't as loud as usual.”“Yeah, Lin,” Maria added as she leaned forward, trying to find Olin's gaze. “You didn't even respond when we teased Rihana earlier. You're usually the most excited when there's something to joke about.”Rihana nodded in agreement, though she was a little disturbed by the discussion. “That's right, Lin. You didn't even laugh when I almost fell earlier. Are you sick? Or... something wrong at home?”Olin s
All the way home, Helena chose to remain silent. The atmosphere in the car was eerily quiet, filled only by the sound of tires rustling across the road. Occasionally, Olin glanced at her mother, hoping for an explanation, but Helena kept her eyes straight ahead, focused on the road stretching out in front of her.Helena was being deliberate. She knew that if this conversation took place in the car, she would not be able to convey everything calmly. The mixed feelings she had been bottling up for so long were now coming back to the surface, hitting her hard ever since that encounter at the festival.“What are you really thinking, Helena?” she muttered to herself. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, while her mind went back to the past that she wanted to forget.Helena knew the look Andy had given Olin earlier. It wasn't just a friend's look. There was something there-a feeling she recognized all too well. It made her chest tight, not because
“Olin, are you ready?” Jihan's voice broke the silence in the preparation room. She looked up at her best friend sitting at the piano, seemingly practicing the last notes.Olin let out a long breath, trying to compose himself. “Not sure, Jihan. I don't know why our homeroom teacher chose me to perform. There are many others who are better.”Jihan chuckled and sat next to him. “Olin, you're really good. They chose you because you're the best. Besides, you're not alone. We're all here to support you.”“But my family will come,” Olin rolled his eyes. “I told them that Mama was enough. If they all came, I'd be even more nervous.”“Your family is fun,” Jihan patted his shoulder. “Think of them as hard-core fans.”Meanwhile, on the main stage, Andy stood in the center of the crowd, monitoring the festival. His face serious, he occasionally spoke into a walkie-talkie to ma
“Who are you looking at, Lin?” Jihan's voice suddenly broke the silence in the cafeteria, making Olin startle and almost choke on the orange juice he had just gulped down.“Huh? Who?” Olin hurriedly turned to Jihan with a panicked face, trying to hide his nervousness.Jihan narrowed her eyes, giving Olin a probing look. “Don't pretend, I saw you just now looking at Andy from a distance. What's wrong, huh?”Olin let out a long breath, then shook his head quickly. “Nothing, Jihan. You saw it wrong.”However, Adel, who was sitting next to Jihan, immediately chimed in. “Oh? Andy? Isn't he that cold guy who rarely talks? How can you be interested, Lin?”“I'm not interested! Gosh, what's wrong with you guys?” Olin tried to deny it, even though his face was starting to turn red. He knew Jihan wouldn't let go of this topic easily.Vina, who was usually more reserved, suddenly ch
“Helena, you look a little tense,” Michael said in a soft tone as they sat in the living room after dinner. He looked at his wife, who sat staring blankly out the window, her eyes seemingly glazed over.Helena took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. “I'm fine, Michael. It's just... earlier, when I met Jacob's family, I felt that there was something evocative of the past. Especially with that young man present... I feel anxious.”Michael looked at his wife with concern. “Are you feeling anxious because of him? Or is it something else?”Helena shook her head slowly. “Not because of him, Michael. It's more about the complicated past... which is long forgotten, but not completely gone. I know I've forgiven everyone, including Tiara and Arslan. But seeing their son, seeing him next to Luna... it's like I'm reminded of everything that happened.”Michael sighed and sat closer, taking Helena's hand gently. &l
“Ah, Olin, you finally came too!” Vera greeted Olin with a warm hug, her eyes shining with excitement. “Grandma's been waiting a long time.”Olin smiled and returned the hug. “Yes, Grandma, I'm sorry I couldn't make it. I had a little business earlier.”Helena, his mother, greeted Vera with a warm smile. “Thank you for inviting us, Vera. We're glad we could make it.”Meanwhile, Michael, Olin's father, who was rather quiet, just smiled and greeted Tomy who was busy in the kitchen. “Grandpa, how are you?” he said as he sat down at the dining table.“Ah, Michael! I'm fine, my son. Come, sit, sit. Lunch is ready,” Tomy said with a big smile, his eyes radiating warmth.Olin nodded, followed him into the dining room, and sat next to Vera. Vera immediately grasped his hand with great concern. “Come on, sit down first, son. I want to hear how you're doing.”Olin smil
Andy sat on the living room sofa, scrolling through his phone without really paying attention to the screen. His lips formed a small smile, recalling the moment when Olin bravely chased after his cell phone thief. The girl was completely different from his first image-there was no fear, only genuine courage.However, her smile did not go unnoticed by Luna Jacob, her grandmother who was knitting in a rocking chair not far from her. The old woman knew her grandson all too well. Andy, who was usually serious and quiet, was often seen smiling to himself these days.“What's wrong, Andy?” Luna's soft voice broke the silence.Andy looked up, a little surprised. “What, Grandma?”Luna stopped knitting, looking up at her grandson with concerned eyes. “You seem different lately. Is there something you want to tell me?”Andy smiled slightly, trying to distract her grandmother. “Nothing, Grandma. Probably just a lot on