4. Man Behind Suite

Nicholas looked serious as he read through several neatly stacked documents on his work desk. His eyes were busy scanning, occasionally nodding, and then directing the pen he held to sign a few papers he was reading.

"Am I interrupting you?" a man entered the room. Without waiting to be invited, the tall and burly man immediately took a seat directly in front of Nicholas.

"In your opinion?" Nicholas asked with a flat expression.

"For God's sake, Nick, I've missed you," the man said.

"Edward Martin, do you want to die?!" Nicholas retorted.

Edward chuckled at his friend's response. Then, a moment later, he smiled wryly and sighed.

"I came all the way from London, and you didn't even welcome me? Seriously, Nick!"

Nicholas grumbled in annoyance and said, "Nonsense, Ed!"

Edward grinned. "If it weren't for Kenzi forcing me, I wouldn't have bothered coming to Indonesia. Do you think the distance between England and Indonesia is short? What project do we need to handle that I had to be involved?"

Nicholas closed the file he was reading and shifted his gaze to the man sitting in front of him.

"Obviously, Kenzi coerced you. Among the three of us, you're the one famous for your negotiating skills with investors. That's why your presence is required, especially since Alma, who usually handles cases like this, can't participate. So, I hope you can cooperate."

Kenzi, Nicholas, and Edward had been friends since their college days in England. Edward, a master's graduate in business, possessed the ability to analyze project profits and negotiate skillfully. He could convince clients just like Alma Maximilian often did. That's why Kenzi asked for Edward's help to assist Nicholas in handling several Alpha Beta projects in the near future.

Edward nodded in understanding.

"So, during my time in Indonesia, will I be your subordinate or your partner?"

Nicholas took a deep breath.

"Well... it's up to you how you want to see yourself, but what's clear is that the company will pay handsomely for what you do."

Just then, a knock on the door was heard, and Kimberly entered, holding a document in her hand.

"This is the employment agreement document from the Royal Group. Could you please check it, sir? And beneath it, there's an invitation to a dinner from Namsan Houlding," Kimberly said.

Nicholas reached out to receive the document and invitation that Kimberly handed him.

"There are some documents that I've already signed in there; you can take them directly," Nicholas said, pointing to the stack of documents on the guest table.

Kimberly nodded and then started to leave the room.

"Kimberly," Kimberly's steps halted when Nicholas called her name. A moment later, she turned to face Nicholas.

"Please make a drink for my guest."

"Ah, yes, of course, sir."

Not long after, Kimberly returned with a tray carrying two cups of coffee, Nicholas's order. With politeness, she served them on the table.

Edward didn't take his eyes off Kimberly. He seemed captivated by what he was seeing.

"Are you Nicholas's personal secretary?" he asked.

Kimberly nodded softly. "Yes, sir, I—"

"Just call me Edward. Oh, by the way, my full name is Sebastian Edwardo Martin," he interrupted as he extended his hand for a handshake. "But don't get me wrong; I'm not the Edward Martin from the Twilight Saga movies. When it comes to handsomeness, it's clear that I'm the most handsome," he joked without hesitation.

Seeing his friend's behavior, Nicholas quickly leaned forward and rejected Edward's extended hand, making Kimberly chuckle softly.

"Oh, come on, Nick, I just wanted to get to know your secretary!" protested Edward.

Nicholas sighed in frustration and waved his hand, urging Kimberly to leave his office.

"Don't bother my secretary, Ed!"

Edward laughed heartily at Nicholas's antics. He had expected that his friend would try to prevent him from teasing his secretary.

Unlike Nicholas and Kenzi, who weren't particularly fond of playing with women, Edward was known for his ability to charm women. The label "playboy" had long been attached to him. And being of Scottish nobility descent, he couldn't be underestimated.

Edward picked up the coffee cup and took a slow sip. "Your secretary is beautiful, Nick. From what I remember, she wasn't the one I saw the last time I visited."

"She just became my secretary a month ago, replacing Salsa, the woman you saw before," Nicholas explained.

Edward nodded, still sipping his coffee. "You're good at choosing secretaries. I can guarantee that you'll fall for her in no time."

Nicholas shook his head repeatedly. "No, that's highly unlikely. I've never even considered getting involved with a colleague, especially not my secretary. Such a relationship would clearly disrupt our professionalism."

Edward smirked. "Are you sure that's the only reason? Not because you still can't forget about Briana?"

Nicholas stared at Edward for a moment and then closed his eyes. He hated to admit it, but Edward was right; he still couldn't completely forget about Briana, even though she had clearly betrayed him.

"How long are you going to keep yourself closed off, Nick? You and Kenzi are equally terrible when it comes to women."

Nicholas gave Edward a sharp look. "What do you mean?"

Edward smiled broadly. "I mean... it's a waste for both of you to be wealthy and good-looking but not put it to good use. You might as well donate it to those who need it. Don't be wasteful."

Nicholas clenched his jaw. His patience had worn thin this time.