Chapter 44

After news of the scandal circulated widely until it was finally partially withdrawn by Randa's men, it was no longer possible to avoid the furor in Palma. Each employee and employee busy gossiping. The office whatsapp group has even discussed at length the problems that have occurred with their superiors.

When Chacha himself heard this big news, during a break from work he immediately approached Ariana. Even though he knew the true story from the start, he still wanted to meet his best friend. He must hear firsthand what really happened, as well as provide all the support or maybe help so that Ariana can get through this problem.

"The Lambe Turah group is already very excited about this issue." Chacha immediately reported when he was in Ariana's room. Participate in feeling annoyed with the various oblique reports that were accused of his best friend.

Then he handed his cell phone to Ariana. Invite his friend to read for himself anything that employees gossip about in the office chat group.

Andre: From the start, I also had the feeling that Mr. Samuel and Ariana's marriage was an arrangement. How is it possible for a boss to suddenly marry his own secretary?

Silvia : Yes, it's weird. Why don't people as rich as Pak Samuel marry women who are orphans and from ordinary people? Impossible feeling. There are no other candidates. As it turned out, all this time there was a shrimp under the stone.

Dinda: Besides, Mr. Samuel is not a good candidate or what? Even if you are tight and need a wife from the office, why should you choose Ariana. There are a lot of prettier or more popular girls. Like me for example.

Riko : Don't be shy, Dinda. It's also impossible for Pak Samuel to be interested in a matre and julid girl like you.

Silvia : But can you imagine, because of this news Palma's reputation could be threatened.

Andre : Yes, Palma's shares can also go down if the investors withdraw their tender from the company.

Dinda: Gosh, because Mr. Samuel and Ariana made a scandal, Palma could go bankrupt and then we'd lose our jobs, right?

Riko : Hus don't talk like that, Din.

Dinda: Yes, basically if the position of the employees is threatened, it's all because of Ariana. She is also tired of being the pretend wife of Mr. Samuel, everything.

Ariana was silent for a moment. Sighing deeply, the woman tried to relax as usual. From the start after knowing about the uproar that was happening, he advised himself not to panic and get rid of all bad thoughts. Try to keep thinking clearly and rationally so you don't take the wrong step when making decisions or determining steps.

"I'm already sure that the office people will be excited. Not a few of them will definitely blaspheme or talk about all sorts of things."

"Yes, you are right, Una," Chacha nodded. "I've even been angry many times in the group. I asked them not to discuss something that the news wasn't clear about. Mr. Axton, who turned out to be in the office group, even spoke up. He even warned employees not to spread news hoax let alone adding spices which in turn fry the topic of conversation to make it even hotter."

"But if I'm being honest, I don't care one bit about what people in the office say, Cha," said Ariana. A worried look appeared on the woman's face. "I even thought about Pakuwon, other big clients and also Palma's commissioner. I was really scared because of this news, they all attacked and thought Samuel was deliberately lying to the public or worse, breaking off cooperation."

Ariana returned to silence. Various possibilities immediately flashed in his brain. He was really concerned about this problem.

"Okay, you don't have to think too far. I'm sure Pak Samuel can handle all of this. We'd better think about what steps can be taken to help solve all of this."

Ariana nodded this time. He agreed with what Chacha said. Instead of overthinking something that hasn't happened yet, it's better to think of a way out so you can solve the problem immediately.

"I'm also preparing myself in case Mr. Samuel is needed for clarification or to provide other assistance."

Meanwhile in his office, Samuel has just received a memory card containing CCTV footage recording all the events in the leadership room. Hurry up and check. Until not long ago, he saw a recording of where Valerie suddenly came to visit. From the first time you enter the room. Offer food. Until the woman finally left after being asked by Axton.

"Take a look, sir," Ben pointed at the laptop screen while Samuel was watching the recording he had previously given. "Miss Valerie's movements from here have started to become suspicious. When I turned around and was walking towards the door, Mrs. Valerie was seen taking her cellphone and then acting like someone who was in a hurry to take a picture."

Samuel immediately leaned forward slightly. Back to watching carefully. Then understand what Axton said.

"Let's wait, is it true that Valerie brought my marriage agreement document on the table?"

The two of them soon noticed each other. Looking forward to what else Valerie will do after taking pictures.

Tensely waiting while watching the movements of his ex-lover, the CCTV footage suddenly stops. As if intentionally cut or sped up. Until all of a sudden Valerie was already in front of the door of the room and left at the same time as Axton.

"Gosh, why did the recording turn out like this, Bim?" Samuel asked confused.

"I don't know either, sir. It looks like someone cut it on purpose."

"Who?"

Axton shrugged his shoulders because he did not know. Then before long, Samuel's assistant returned to speculating.

"There must be a Palma person involved too, sir. If Mrs. Valerie is the one giving the order, it doesn't make sense."

"You mean?"

"It seems that someone else was involved and deliberately threw this hot ball to the surface so that there was an uproar like now."

"Oh my God, Axton. Just talk to the point. Don't use terms," complained Samuel. Have a headache. His assistant even said words that made him think for a long time.

Axton scratched his forehead which actually didn't itch. One also mentions words that are difficult to understand.

"Look, sir. I mean, even if Mrs. Valerie is involved, it seems that there is someone else above her who has power and may be close to Mr. Samuel. This person deliberately threw this issue with the aim of undermining your credibility."

Samuel finally understood. Rubbing his chin, the man thought again.

"So you're saying that the person closest to me is the mastermind in this matter?"

Bimbo nodded.

"Yes, sir. I'm not sure if it's just Valerie who has a grudge against you. There must have been other triggers."

Samuel took a deep breath. He thought for a moment, then gave the order.

"In that case, please investigate everything, Bim. Don't forget to also convey this matter to Randa. I don't want to know, how do you have to find out who is the mastermind behind all the problems that have occurred. Let me focus on preparing myself to face the board of commissioners, representatives Pakuwon and also hold a press conference as soon as possible."

***

Ariana could clearly see how tense Samuel's face was right now. All the way back to the house, the man was unusually quiet.

Maybe you're dizzy thinking about the problem that is happening. Or it could also be thinking hard about what method or strategy to take to resolve the current uproar that is happening.

As soon as she got home and finished eating dinner, Samuel chose to go straight into her study. The man immediately busied himself preparing everything. Not infrequently receive several telephone calls from several clients.

Most of them want to make sure about today's exciting news. Not infrequently there is giving moral support. But there are also those who, without further ado, immediately terminate their employment relationship because they do not want to tarnish their good name.

Feeling the need to provide more support, Ariana especially followed up with Samuel who was in the study. While carrying a cup of hot coffee, the woman approached her husband who was sitting in his work chair.

"What are you doing?" asked Ariana when she handed over the coffee she had brought. Then stood for a moment right next to the man.

"I'm responding to emails from clients asking for clarification about today's news," Samuel answered briefly. His eyes never left the laptop screen in front of him.

"Can all this be resolved?"

"Sure you can, Ariana," Samuel said. "There are no unsolvable problems in this world."

Ariana nodded. Choose silence for a few moments before finally speaking again. Convey her worries to her husband.

"Honestly, I'm scared, Ken. I'm afraid your position will be threatened because of this matter."

Then Samuel's eyes turned. Turned towards Ariana. The man grabbed his wife's wrist. Squeezing it gently while smiling as if giving a sign so Ariana didn't have to worry about what was going on.

"Don't worry about it. I'm fine. Even if my position is taken back by the board of commissioners, I don't have a problem. This is all my fault. So, I should be held accountable. You don't have to worry. I'm sure I can solve all of this. Most importantly, you are always by my side."

Ariana nodded. It was fine for him to continue to be beside Samuel. Provide any support or assistance so that she and her husband are free from this problem.

"But, if you step down, you'll become poor later," said Ariana suddenly.

"Then, what if I'm poor? You don't want to live with me? Or are you not ready to be my wife?"

Ariana chuckled. Her husband casually accuses her of being a materialistic woman.

"Recklessly! I'm used to having a hard life, Ken. How about you? Can you live a hard life or not?"

Samuel laughed. Not angry when his wife said that she was the type of person who always had to live in luxury.

"Relax, I have a lot of savings. If it's not enough, I'll sell all my assets, including some of the luxury car collections that I have."

"Too bad it's for sale."

"Yes, what then?"

"Pawn it."

"Would the pawn shop accept me if I pawn a Ferrari car? What's wrong is your suggestion."

For a moment Ariana and Samuel laughed. Then the man pulled Ariana. He brought his wife's body to sit on his lap.

"Whatever it is, I will try to finish all of this. I just ask for your support and prayers. Later, I will announce to the whole world that our marriage is a real marriage. Not an arrangement. Not pretending. Or just a timed contract. the media accuses."

Looking at Samuel's face, Ariana nodded. He also believes that his boss and boss can overcome all the problems that are happening right now.

"I'm not going anywhere. I will help you as much as possible, Samuel. The two of us started it. So, the two of us will also finish it."

Samuel flashed a smile. Pulling Ariana's face and kissing his wife's forehead briefly affectionately. Then not long after, there was a knock on the door several times from outside.

Rising from his seat, Ariana immediately walked towards the door. Opened it, and found the household assistant standing there. Not alone. But with two other people he recognized as Samuel's parents.

"Mama, Papa," said Ariana.

"Where's Samuel?" she asked. The woman's voice was cold. His gaze was even completely different from usual.

"Samuel is inside, Ma, Pa," said Ariana and then invited her father-in-law to immediately enter the study.

"Mama." This time it was Samuel who reprimanded her. The man got up from sitting, then changed position to approach Arabella and Alfonso who were already sitting on the sofa.

"You have to explain all of this, Samuel! Mama didn't expect you to do all of this."

Before she had time to sit down, Arabella was already shooting at Samuel with piercing words. Trying to stay calm, the man slowly gave an explanation.

"Listen up, Ma. Samuel can explain all of this."

"Yes. You do have to explain everything to Mama," said Arabella.

"It's not what Mama imagined. Ariana and Samuel ----"

"Shut up!" scolded Arabella while Ariana was in the middle of speaking. Not in the least let his son-in-law continue his sentence. "I'm not talking to you."

Ariana pursed her lips tightly. He swallowed back all the words he was about to say and then chose to remain silent. This was the first time he saw his mother-in-law angry and even unfriendly.

"Ma! Don't snap at Ariana like that," Samuel defended. He was not willing to see his wife until he was speechless because he got yelled at from his mother.

"Mom, don't be too loud," interrupted Alfonso, who had chosen to be silent.

"They both really need to be hardened, Pa." Then Arabella's focus returned to her son. Stare sharply. As if asking for more explanation of what happened.

"You also owe an explanation to Mama Samuel. Oh, not you. But you two really need to give Mama a more explanation. What's happening now has really tarnished Walters's good name."

Samuel and Ariana fell silent. Admitting their mistake, both of them chose to no longer respond before given the chance.

It was hard that night Samuel explained. Tells the entire chronology of events from the beginning until finally the news comes out obliquely as it is now. Don't forget to ensure and convince Alfonso and Arabella that his marriage to Ariana is currently proceeding as it should.

While Ariana only spoke modestly. He didn't want to say the wrong thing before actually being given the chance to speak.

"Samuel knows, from the start Samuel was wrong. This is purely Samuel's fault, Ma. Ariana is just a victim of Samuel's selfishness here."

"But still. You two have lied to the Walters extended family, especially Mr. William. And now? How will you two solve this problem?"

Samuel quickly answered. Communicating all the plans he has made to his mother.

"Samuel will clarify all of this at the press conference tomorrow. Samuel will also bring along a lawyer and notary who yesterday made and canceled the marriage agreement between Samuel and Ariana. They can be witnesses, if the marriage Samuel is currently undergoing is no longer pretending or just a setting ."

"But still, your good name won't be fully recovered, Samuel. Especially in the eyes of the higher-ups of other companies," protested Arabella.

"At least, Samuel has given a real explanation honestly. The problem with the board of commissioners will continue to give sanctions or even revoke the position that Samuel has been holding, that's not a problem."

Arabella took in several breaths. The woman's face was red with emotion. Instead of grumbling and venting anger again, the woman chose to speak modestly before deciding to leave.

"You have to solve all the problems that arise and never ask Mama or Papa for help. All of this happened on your own. So, get things done quickly."