Chapter 43

Moments later, after reading the news that his assistant handed over to him, Samuel's cell phone kept ringing. I don't know who contacted him at that time.

Turning to Randa and Axton who were still in his office, the three of them looked like they were racking their brains. Think carefully and carefully. Of course you want to determine what steps to take considering that the news will definitely cause a big stir.

"Axton, please call Ariana and ask her to immediately gather with us here."

Axton immediately carried out what Samuel ordered. Only a minute later, Ariana was standing in front of Samuel.

"What's the matter, sir?" asked Ariana curiously. Seeing the tense faces of the three men around her, Ariana naturally wondered what exactly was going on.

"There is bad news. I'm sure this is not good for us and the company."

Ariana's eyebrows knit together. Without needing to be invited, the woman pulled up a chair and then took a sitting position.

"Actually, what is this?"

Randa, who was right next to Ariana, immediately reached for her cell phone from her coat pocket. Opens the online news feature, then shows one of the news headlines that is currently being discussed.

"Try to read it," said the man while holding out his cell phone.

Ariana glanced. Pay close attention, then read one by one what is written there.

"Big businessman Samuel Walters is involved in a contract marriage scandal with one of his secretaries."

"In order to make big profits, Samuel Walters deliberately tricked the Pakuwon Group with various kinds of intrigue."

"Involved in the contract marriage scandal, businessman Samuel Walters deliberately tricked the Pakuwon Group in order to make big profits."

Ariana immediately widened her eyes. He couldn't believe what he had just read. Even if this news were released and accessible to all, then Samuel's and Palma's reputation would definitely be at stake. Ariana was sure that after this there would be big problems.

"Jeez, Samuel. How is this? What should we do?" she asked. The woman's beautiful face which was originally calm suddenly turned into panic.

Samuel closed her eyes briefly. It seemed like he was thinking, then soon he heard Randa speak.

"Actually, is this news serious or just defamation?" asked the man. Naturally, Randa was also confused because of the four of them who were in the room, she was the only one who did not know anything about the contract marriage that had been carried out by her cousin.

"Long story, Ran," said Samuel.

"Yes then, tell me as much as you can so I can help. At this rate, I can't give any advice on what we should do in the future."

Samuel took another deep breath. Thinking quickly, then tried to give a brief explanation so that his cousin would understand what was happening to him and Ariana.

"I'm sure you know about the relationship I had with Valerie before marrying Ariana, right?"

Randi nodded. Even though so far he has never shown off or shown it in person, almost all of his male cousins know that Samuel is in a relationship with a model. Besides that, because Randa was the closest and closest to Samuel, the two of them also often exchanged stories, both personal and work problems, and of course about love.

That's why, on Arabella's birthday, Randa and Rama were confused. As they know, Samuel is in a relationship with Valerie. But why did that night introduce another woman to Arabella.

"Yeah, so what?" replied Randy.

"Because at that time Valerie was abroad for quite a long time and it coincided with Mama's birthday, whether I wanted to or not, I asked Ariana to make a costume for being a boyfriend and future wife for one night. I did all this so that Mama wouldn't be disappointed because at that time His position was that he put forward the condition that I had to come with my partner or future wife. Long story short, Mama actually liked it even unexpectedly, Mr. William from Pakuwon also liked Ariana's personality. What was even more astonishing, he invited and urged us to work together because he knew clearly that Ariana was my future wife. That's why, like it or not I made a temporary marriage scenario with various kinds of agreements with Ariana, whose initial goal was ----"

"To please Aunt Arabella and also to get the ambitious tender that you've been pursuing?" Randa cut in, simultaneously guessing Samuel's train of thought.

"That's right," nodded the narrow-eyed man. "At first everything was according to plan. It just flowed. Without even a hitch. But, once I was in the middle, I felt giddy. There was a feeling of guilt because I had lied to Mama and other people closest to me. Apart from that, I felt like something was different. "

Randa's brow wrinkled deeply. What kind of difference was meant by his cousin.

"Different what do you mean?"

"I think I'm really in love with Ariana, Ran."

Ariana, who was sitting beside Randa, immediately felt uncomfortable. There is a feeling of pleasure, embarrassment, flattered, when hearing the husband confess to someone else that the man now loves him so much.

It was as if there was something that added to Ariana's confidence that Samuel was really serious and had loved her with all her heart.

"Gosh, Samuel. What about the agreement?" asked Randa with a probing look. He thinks all these problems must be immediately unraveled so that they can be resolved properly

"Yes, initially I wanted to revise some of the clauses in the agreement which were burdensome for both of us. But after reconsidering and because I didn't want any more lies in this relationship, I asked Axton to go to a notary to cancel the contract as well as the marriage agreement that I and Ariana did."

"And finished?"

Samuel nodded repeatedly. "That's it, Ran. So my current marital status and Ariana are normal like a husband and wife in general. There is no longer a binding agreement or contractual agreement or separation period as we made and agreed before."

Randi nodded in understanding. He began to find important points in this matter.

"Ok. This means one clear problem, in essence, now you are no longer a contract partner, but a normal couple as usual. Now, try to remember, who knows this secret?"

A few seconds passed, Samuel seemed to think then soon the man gave an answer.

"Just me, Ben, Ariana and Notary."

"Chacha knows too," interrupted Ariana and distracted Randa and Samuel simultaneously.

"You told about this problem to your office mates?" asked Samuel in disbelief. The man really regretted what Ariana had done without his knowledge.

"But Chacha can't be evil or spread news that is currently excited," Ariana was sure. He knows Chacha very well. The two of them have been friends since college days. "I can assure you, he is not what you imagine."

"Okay... okay..." Randa intervened again. Then take over the conversation as before.

"You remember first, Ken. Who knows, maybe someone has heard of or maybe seen your marriage agreement document. Because it was reported, a photo of the agreement between you and Ariana was clearly shown."

"Sir..." called Axton suddenly. Like there was something Samuel's assistant wanted to convey. "Documents from the notary that I gave you, have you destroyed them or not?"

Samuel tapped her forehead lightly. He finally remembered the chronology that had passed from his mind.

"Gosh, Axton. I even forgot to put the document on the table. Yesterday, when you delivered it, I immediately put it on this table," the man pointed at his desk, which was now filled with various files.

Ben let out a long sigh. One mistake was finally revealed and it was the negligence of his own boss.

"And yesterday, you had Mrs. Valerie in this room, right?"

Samuel nodded. As if he got a breath of fresh air, the man looked at Axton as if he had the same thought. Then after that, he immediately focused on an order that must be carried out immediately.

"After this, check the CCTV in my office. You can see clearly whether Valerie took the old document. If he is right, just collect the evidence."

Then Samuel's eyes immediately turned to Randa. "Then what about the media? Some of my colleagues, clients, and other investors must have read this, Ran."

Rand thought for a moment. Don't want to be hasty so you don't make the wrong decision. Weighing all the possibilities, the man finally gave a response.

"As for the media, I will handle it as much as I can and ask them to immediately take down all the news related to this scandal. My advice, find the perpetrators immediately. Don't forget to immediately contact the notary who previously handled the marriage agreement or contract between you and Ariana. Make a notary This is the witness at the press conference later so I can clear your name."

"Then, what should I do myself?" she asked. The woman was certainly worried because she also had a hand in the current problem.

"For now, you must prepare yourself and mentally beforehand to face the public. There must be pros and cons to this problem," said Randa.

"You don't have to go anywhere," Samuel continued. "Stay by my side, so no one dares to touch you."

Ariana nodded in understanding. Choose to obey what Samuel ordered.

"And most importantly, you have to prepare yourself too, Ken," continued Randa. "I'm sure our extended family will be excited. Not to mention the investors, especially Pakuwon, will ask for clarification on this case. That's why you have to act quickly to solve everything. Whatever you need, I'll try to help as much as I can."

Samuel said thank you. Even though he was a bit depressed, he felt a little relieved because Randa, Axton, and Ariana also wanted to work hand in hand to help him. Now, it's just a matter of setting a strategy, which step should he take first to clear his and Ariana's good name.

***

From behind the blanket, Rama seemed to smile broadly when he read the series of news that had just been released today. After making an agreement and signing the agreement, he immediately mobilized his men to spread the news about the contract marriage scandal between Samuel and Ariana.

The bait was successfully thrown in the crowd. And now, he just has to wait for which fish will prey on the bait and then eat it until it runs out.

"What are you smiling to yourself for?" asked Valerie who had just woken up from sleep. Still in a state of innocence, the woman seemed to cling intimately. He put his hand on Rama's stomach, while his face was kissing the crook of the man's neck.

"I'm waiting for the excitement that will happen today."

"Have you spread the word?"

Rama nodded.

"It has. All the online news portals are probably running Samuel's wedding scandal right now."

Valerie smiled too. Satisfied because once his plan and Rama succeeded, he was sure to get a lot of money from the man.

"You believe this will succeed in ousting Samuel from her current position of leader."

"Very sure. The board of commissioners will definitely consider the position he currently occupies. They can't possibly let Palma's leadership get involved in a big scandal. Not to mention the vendors and other investors will definitely ask for clarification. This will be a complex problem for Samuel."

"So? What's my fate? I just thought about taking Samuel's file in her room, surely all of this was recorded on the CCTV there."

Valerie suddenly felt worried. He just remembered, all the movements he made yesterday were of course recorded on the CCTV in Samuel's room.

"Relax, don't worry. Even if Samuel has a recording about you taking her important documents during a visit to the office, she still can't go around accusing you of spreading this news. There's no evidence to show you spreading this news, right?"

Valerie nodded and smiled in relief. What Rama said is also true. Why was he too scared let alone dizzy.

"Then what are we going to do after this?" asked the woman curiously.

"After this news spreads, I want you to hold a press conference. I'll arrange everything later."

"Press conference for what?" asked Valerie confused. He didn't know about this plan.

Rama smiled broadly. While gently stroking Valerie's body, the man explained his plans one by one.

"To reinforce the news that has been spread in the media, you must appear and introduce yourself as Samuel's lover whose position was replaced by Ariana."

"Ah, I see what you mean." Valerie nodded her head. "That means I have to make a statement as a hurt lover?"

"That's right," said Rama. "You have intimate photos with Samuel, right?"

Valerie immediately nodded. Luckily, while in a relationship, even though they are not exposed, the two of them often capture togetherness in a picture or video.

"There are many."

"Then print it for evidence that you can show later to the media. We make Samuel unable to move in the slightest. Even if she cleans her good name, her name will still be tarnished."

Valerie laughed too. Can't wait to do what Rama ordered. The suit was rejected twice and even got humiliated by Samuel's wife, right now her mind is to repay all of these actions. If possible, he wanted to see Samuel and his new wife separate or if necessary be devastated because he dared to play with and treat her so badly.

"Don't worry, Rama. I will be total during the press conference later. Now, how about we go back to having fun until we are satisfied, before starting the next war."

Rama nodded in agreement, pulled Valerie's body into the blanket to touch again. Back to having fun, repeating what they did last night.