Chapter 1: Disguised as a Security Guard

A handsome young man walked calmly into the grand office courtyard bearing the nameplate "Anugerah Langit Corporation." Clad in a plain security guard uniform, there was nothing particularly remarkable about him except for his strikingly handsome face. His clean and well-groomed appearance seemed out of place in the uniform he wore. The name "Kemal Halim" was embroidered above the pocket of his uniform. However, no one knew that behind this simple facade lay someone crucial who could shake the very foundation of this company.

Upon arriving, he observed how quickly the employees streamed into the office. They bustled about, ignoring him entirely, as if his presence was of no consequence. Some even muttered cynical remarks as they passed by.

"New security guard, huh? Decent looking, but I doubt he'll last. Probably just like the others," one employee remarked mockingly, followed by a smirk from a colleague.

His real name was Darren Harison, the son of the wealthiest man in the country. Given his father's grave illness, Darren assumed responsibility for the entire family business.

Darren took a deep breath, letting the comments slide. Anger simmered in his chest, but he chose to restrain himself. While he could easily retaliate, Darren knew maintaining his disguise as a security guard was far more important. It wasn’t the right time to reveal his true identity as the sole heir to the largest corporation in the nation.

He kept quiet and continued his duties. Yet, every employee interaction served as a stark reminder of how much the company needed change. For Darren, this was merely the beginning of a long journey to uncover the truths hidden behind the grand facade of Anugerah Langit Corporation.

After a grueling first day, Darren returned to the small apartment he had rented. Sitting on the bed, his body felt exhausted not just from the physical demands of the job but from the mental toll as well. A company that seemed robust on the outside turned out to be riddled with arrogance, antipathy, cynicism, and hidden internal problems.

The next morning, Darren stood in front of the mirror in his apartment. The security guard uniform now felt familiar on his body. His hair, deliberately left slightly unkempt, was a stark contrast to the neat and formal style he usually wore. He stared into the mirror, as if trying to convince himself that this disguise was the right decision.

Before leaving, Darren called Vina, the woman his family trusted most to manage the company.

"Ms. Vina, there's a board meeting today, right?" Darren asked over the phone.

"Yes, Mr. Darren. Everything is prepared. Will you be attending?" Vina asked cautiously.

Darren sighed. “I’m not ready to introduce myself just yet. I have my own plans for the company. For now, let me remain undercover. I want to see firsthand how the board members and managers operate without knowing I’m watching. Arrange for me to attend as a security guard without drawing attention.”

"Understood, Mr. Darren. Leave it to me."

At 9am, the company's top executives began arriving. The office atmosphere changed dramatically. Employees appeared more serious and busy, ensuring everything ran smoothly ahead of the crucial meeting. Darren stood in a corner, observing from afar, monitoring every movement with sharp yet unobtrusive eyes.

In the boardroom, the tension was palpable. The long mahogany table was filled with directors and managers, each dressed in their finest formal attire. The seat at the head of the table remained empty, the seat reserved for Darren as the company heir. However, Darren stood several meters away, pretending to be a security officer.

Soon, Vina entered the room with a commanding presence. Everyone stood to acknowledge her. Her confident demeanor made it clear why she was highly respected within the company.

"Please, have a seat," she said, her tone concise yet firm.

Everyone sat down promptly, none daring to challenge her authority. She took a seat near the empty chair meant for Darren. Some in the room showed visible disappointment, especially those hoping to meet the company’s heir directly.

"I am representing Mr. Darren in this meeting," Vina said, breaking the silence. "He is attending to important matters, and all decisions made in this meeting will have his prior approval."

The meeting began. Financial reports, project performance, and the company’s condition were discussed in detail. Vina listened attentively, responding decisively in line with Darren’s instructions. Meanwhile, Darren stood silently, absorbing every word and every gesture, trying to discern who truly cared about the company and who was driven by personal interests.

But the meeting’s calm atmosphere shifted when Baron, a powerful branch director, spoke up.

"Ms. Vina," Baron began in a tone that was almost confrontational. "This company is in crisis. We’re short on funds, and many projects are delayed. I think it’s time we revised the budget and replaced some incompetent executives who are dragging the company down."

The room grew tense. Darren scrutinized Baron closely, sensing there was more to his words than met the eye.

Vina fixed Baron with a sharp gaze before replying, "All decisions are under Mr. Darren’s authority. He will thoroughly review every report and make the best decisions. For now, we are here to present our reports."

Baron narrowed his eyes. "But we don’t have much time. A slight delay could jeopardize this company’s future. Frankly, I’m a little skeptical about Mr. Darren’s ability to make such critical decisions."

The words stung like a dagger. Darren felt a burning sensation in his chest but maintained his composure. He wanted to see just how deep Baron’s doubts ran.

Vina turned to Baron calmly, though her voice carried a warning. "I suggest you choose your words carefully. Mr. Darren may be young, but his intelligence is unquestionable. And we all know his position is beyond dispute."

"But..." Baron began, only to be interrupted by Vina’s sharp retort.

"Let me remind you, even as a branch director, you are not the owner of this company. If Mr. Darren decides to make changes, it is entirely his prerogative even regarding your current position."

From his spot, Darren continued to observe. He was beginning to understand the dynamics. “Baron was one of my father’s trusted confidants, but he seems to crave dominance. This man deserves special attention. It seems he’s been behind many of the company’s decisions,” Darren thought to himself.

Baron fell silent, though his expression showed defiance. For a moment, tension filled the room. Vina’s piercing gaze bore down on Baron, who stared back unflinchingly, as if challenging the woman before him.