Chapter 46

After finishing the press conference, it was only around three in the afternoon that Samuel returned to her room. Even though there is no certainty about what will happen to him after this, he should still be grateful and maybe breathe a little easier. The important point, there are no more lies or secrets that he needs to hide from everyone.

Shortly after entering the room, Randa, who had been waiting before, immediately approached her cousin. The man who served as vice chairman wanted to return to discussing and evaluating the steps that Samuel had taken in order to dispel and clear her good name from all kinds of skewed news that had circulated.

"I hope Pakuwon will be kind and not be hasty in canceling their collaboration, Ken," Randa said as the man sat down in a chair that was right in front of Samuel's desk.

Of course there is concern in one of Walters's descendants. He knows very well that the ambitious tender that Palma and Pakuwon have just agreed to is the biggest tender they have handled in the last 10 years.

If Pakuwon withdraws or cancels the cooperation unilaterally, it is certain that Palma will suffer losses. Not to mention the company's stock estimate that they might decline or drop. That's why Randa was really worried and needed to take action.

"Supposedly, the problem you are facing can be resolved internally in the company," continued Randa. I don't know how many times this man repeated and recited this sentence. As if he still regretted what had happened to Samuel. "Whether it's your business to get married for real, pretend, contract, or whatever, that's a personal and private matter. Why would a competitor join the magic while making noise even as if they want to bring us down?"

Samuel, who was sitting slightly relaxed in her chair, chuckled softly. He actually felt funny with the fate that befell him at this time.

"It can't be helped, Ran. This news is an uproar and has become material for public consumption because it was deliberately spread to the wider media. If it's not spread, maybe it can be resolved within the scope of the company. But, because it's already widespread, we can't help but want the company to be affected too." "That's why I understand that the board of commissioners is taking action like now," said Samuel.

For a moment, the man chose to sip the coffee that was already available on his table. Enjoy a few moments while continuing to think. Then after that he continued his conversation with Randa.

"Here, my status is the leader. And even though this scandal is relatively insignificant, it still ends up affecting the credibility and image of the company. Not to mention what you said. The competitors, who have always been looking for loopholes, finally got material to bring me down."

Rand took a deep breath. Even though this case didn't happen to him, he still felt annoyed and didn't accept that Samuel was being treated to the point where she was put down like she is now.

"But you don't need to worry, Ken. Even though there is definitely a digital track record, at least for now I have silenced all the media. So, the splashy news that came out yesterday has been handled properly. And now, the news will not be able to no longer accessible to anyone."

"So, you used power to handle all of this?" Samuel inquired while pulling the corners of her lips high. He knew what type of person Randa was. If it's deadlocked, that man must rely on power or insider strength to solve the whole problem.

"Not only power," said Randa. "Obviously use money too. Nowadays, if you want it fast, you have to spend a lot of money too, Ken."

"That means, I owe you the same money?"

Randi nodded. The man confirmed what Samuel said just now.

"And the number is not small."

"In that case, just bill Axton. I'll pay for it later."

Rand shook his head. Instead of agreeing to have the money reimbursed, Samuel's cousin arrogantly refused.

"No need. I know you're in danger of becoming poor now. So, it's better for you to keep your possessions safe. It's a pity for Ariana to be asked to live a hard life."

"Damn it! This is a big insult."

The two of them laughed together for a moment. Then it didn't take long to continue the conversation that was considered not completely finished.

"Are you sure this matter will be resolved quickly?" asked Randa again. No matter how convincing Samuel was, she still felt worried.

"Yes, I'm optimistic that it will be finished soon. Whether you want to remain a leader or not, I'll just leave it to fate and destiny. The important thing is that I won't give up on my and Ariana's marriage. I've also tried to provide the clarification and evidence needed. Now, I just have to pray as hard as I can so that Pakuwon doesn't have the slightest intention of letting go or canceling the agreed tender. Because to be honest, I'm also worried about this problem."

Rand nodded briefly. Before long, the man thought. Even though Samuel had made clarifications, her cousin still had to find out who was the person who had the courage to throw fire at the surface like now.

"Then, is there a clear point who did all this to you? Do you have any proof yet, that Valerie was the culprit?"

Samuel shook her head. Even though the CCTV footage had shown the woman taking pictures of the documents that were on her desk, this cannot be used as evidence or a benchmark if Valerie was the one who started this uproar.

Samuel, we still need to collect a lot of evidence to reveal who the main culprit is. Because as Axton said, there must be another figure who is also strong and is now standing behind Valerie.

"It's not certain who did it, Ran. But I don't know why, I'm still sure Valerie is indeed involved in this matter. Now, it's just a matter of finding out who the partner or backing is behind my ex. Axton is still trying to find out and investigate all of this. It seems that there really is Insiders are also involved in this case."

Randa sighed lazily. Excited to hear the information that Samuel just conveyed. However, the man was also grateful because Samuel did not marry Valerie in the end.

"From the beginning, I personally felt uncomfortable with Valerie, Ken. From the looks of it, it looks like a material and flirtatious girl. How could you have dated her before. Even if I had a troublesome ex like Valerie, I would have kidnapped her and threw her away at the pole north. Just having her presence is troublesome!" Samuel's emotions.

"Yeah, I didn't expect him to be like this either."

While in a relationship with Valerie, Samuel felt that the woman was acting normal. Not excessive. It's just that they are often selfish and don't want to budge.

"But speaking of the mastermind behind this riot, I think I have an idea you could try, Ken," Randa said suddenly.

Samuel frowned. Rand has always been like that. Very often spontaneously giving ideas or ideas in every problem that befalls them.

"What kind of idea do you mean this time?"

Randy waved his hand. Gesture for Samuel to advance position to approach him immediately. After that, he explained to his cousin what plans Samuel could try.

***

Ariana had finished all her work. Because tonight Samuel's permission to do something out there, they both have to go home separately.

Walking to the lobby, Chacha immediately called. Then pulled his best friend to sit for a while before going home.

"Tumben yourself, where is your husband?" asked Chacha.

"Mr. Samuel had business with Mr. Randa. So, I was asked to go home first."

"The news issue is not over yet?"

Ariana nodded. Leaning her shoulders against the chair, the woman tried to be relaxed. Even so, tension and anxiety still surround him.

"He said Mr. Randa and also Mr. Axton had resolved it. The rest of the problems were with the board of commissioners and also Pakuwon."

"Oh my gosh, Ariana. This is really a trial after marriage. I just want to have fun too," Chacha said. Of course he was concerned about what happened to his best friend.

"It can't be helped. Just think of this as a test to go up a grade," sighed the woman.

"But, if you look at Pak Samuel's struggles, it seems like he's really serious about solving this problem. In fact, he's like someone who protects you and doesn't want you to get involved too much."

"Really," Ariana nodded. "He's that considerate. I didn't even expect all the effort he'd put in to protect me."

"You are really lucky to have Pak Samuel, Una. So, don't waste it."

Had a brief chat with Chacha, Ariana's cell phone suddenly rang. Seeing the name displayed on the screen, he immediately picked up.

"Hello?"

"Where are you? Can we meet and talk one-on-one right now? Remember, only one-on-one."

"C-yes," said Ariana nervously. It's so nervous to face someone on the other side.

"Then wait five minutes, my driver will pick you up soon."

As soon as the call was cut off, Ariana immediately stood up from her seat. Get ready to wait outside the lobby because soon someone will pick him up.

Chacha, who saw the change in attitude and the unusual expression that Ariana showed, naturally wondered. Actually, what happened to his best friend.

"Una, what are you doing? Such a stuttering person."

Ariana didn't answer. The woman's eyes instead focused around the outside of the building.

"Una!" Chacha scolded once again until his best friend

It dawned on me.

"Huh? What, Cha?

"What's wrong with you?" repeated Chacha.

"I have to go now."

"Did Mr. Samuel pick you up?"

"I'm not going home with him, Cha."

"Loh, then who's going home with this?"

"There is the point," said the woman, glancing outside the lobby glass as if waiting for something. "Okay, I'll go first. Tomorrow I'll tell you again."

Ariana then walked a little ran out of the building. Chacha himself could see how his friend looked like he had been picked up by one of the luxury cars that Chacha didn't recognize before. Because he knows Samuel's or Randa's car is not like that.

While Ariana after being picked up just kept quiet in the car. Nervousness and fear made him unable to say anything. Then when she arrived at her destination, Ariana was immediately led to enter one of the coffee shops which was so exclusive in the middle of Jakarta.

"Sit down," Arabella ordered when she saw Ariana's figure already in front of her. It was indeed the woman who had contacted and asked her son-in-law to come over to her.

"Y-yes, Ma," said Ariana nervously. It's like dead fleas. I was really afraid that Arabella would scold him like the other day.

A few seconds later after Ariana sat down, Arabella seemed to cast a scanning gaze. Paying close attention to the appearance as well as the movements that Ariana showed, then before long she finally spoke again.

"Have you seen the press conference Samuel held this afternoon?"

Ariana nodded. He was even present at the moment.

"Yes, Ma," Ariana answered slowly, nodding.

"Did you know that the press conference meant nothing?"

Ariana immediately looked up. Bracing himself to look directly at Arabella.

"Meaning, Mom?"

"Even though Samuel is desperately giving clarifications, defending herself, or even defending you, you still have a bad name in the eyes of the commissioners and clients, especially Pakuwon. Do you know, there is little hope for Pakuwon to continue the tender agreed with Palma."

"Ariana knows, Ma," the woman responded weakly. He has surrendered to God what his future will be like.

"You must know too, right? How much loss will Palma receive if Pakuwon really leaves this big tender? Not a little Ariana. Not a little. And all this happened, because of the fruit of your fraudulent actions."

Ariana swallowed hard. He knew that from the start he was wrong because he agreed to participate in all the games Samuel proposed. However, everything has already happened. Regretting now isn't the least bit helpful either. The only thing he could do now was find a way to seduce Pakuwon so he wouldn't cancel the partnership.

"So, according to Mama, what should Ariana do?"

Arabella swallowed a smile. Looks a little cynical. For God's sake, where had Ariana ever seen her mother-in-law's face like that.

"You think for yourself! Dare to act, dare to take responsibility. I have emphasized it. I will not interfere in the slightest, let alone intervene in the mess you have made."

Ariana gasped again. There was no longer any hope that Arabella would help him. Now, it was his turn to think hard.

“Even…” continued Arabella. "I've been thinking about what punishment you and Samuel deserve for having dared to lie to the entire extended family. What you and Samuel did was fatal."

This time Ariana raised her head again. He heard clearly what Arabella had just said.

"Punishment?"

"Sure," Arabella nodded. "Don't think that after all this is over, the two of you can just get away with it. Remember! What you two have done has really disappointed Papa and Mama."

"But, Mom----"

Arabella raised a hand in the air. Signaling for Ariana not to defend herself.

"There are only two choices, Ariana Grey Walters. Follow and do what I order. Or you may leave Samuel as soon as possible."

Ariana was no longer able to speak. The difficult choice Arabella had just presented to him.

Meanwhile elsewhere, Samuel was seen driving her car at moderate speed to quickly arrive at one of the luxury apartments located in the East Jakarta area.

As soon as he arrived, he immediately brought his feet to one of the rooms to be able to meet someone. Right in front of the door of the apartment unit, Samuel immediately pressed the bell.

In just a few seconds, the door opened. There was a beautiful woman in slightly sexy clothes welcoming him with a kind and yearning smile. Without even needing to be awkward, immediately pulled Samuel to enter immediately.