Chapter 50

As Samuel recalled, she first met Valerie at a birthday party. Become acquainted. Exchanging cellphone numbers, until finally in a relationship.

After years of being in love, Samuel admitted that she had never succeeded in bringing Valerie to meet Arabella and Alfonso. There are always obstacles that prevent him from introducing Valerie to his parents.

Now, in the meeting room when previously hearing Valerie's babble that seemed far-fetched, Samuel was taken aback. Not only him, maybe everyone else in the room must have felt the same way.

Arabella, who had been silent, finally spoke up.

Even more surprising, the woman who is often nicknamed the Empress of Palma is the figure who is responsible for all the good and bad luck for this woman who works as a professional model.

"Just so you know, I'm the one who's been controlling all of your work and career lately."

For a while Valerie tried to digest every word Arabella had just said. With a questioning face, the woman tried to ask the mother of her ex-boyfriend for more explanation.

"W-what do you mean Aunt?"

Arabella smiled mockingly. Without a burden, the middle-aged woman replied, "Yes. Valerie Anastasia. I am the person who has been arranging and paying for all the big brands for contracts and taking you abroad. If you ask for what purpose? Yes, of course so that my son can go far away. -stay away from a snake girl like you!"

Valerie shook her head. Struggling to refute what Arabella had just said.

"No... this is impossible!"

"Oh come on, Valerie. Open your eyes!"

Arabella rose from her seat. Standing up, then walked deliberately closer to Valerie's position.

"You should also know that all this time, I have always been watching Samuel's movements out there. As soon as I found out she was close to a woman, I immediately asked my confidants to investigate what your background was like. And boom! Turns out you're not a woman who deserves for a great heir of Walters."

Arabella smiled a smile. Judging from the expressions showing, it seemed that there would be a lot of truths that the woman wanted to show everyone.

"You should realize why every time Samuel plans to bring you together with her parents, there are always work-related obstacles. And finally, when it's my birthday, you actually get the big job you've been dreaming of, right? That's all. I set it that way."

"Auntie is too much!" Valerie snapped. Her face flushed. Feeling completely humiliated, especially now that there are so many people watching. Instead of cornering Samuel or Walters's family, now he is the target. Bad luck!

"This is not too much. But the maximum protection that a mother does for her son. How could I be willing that my only son whom I love so much, has to be side by side with a slut and materialistic woman like you!"

"But Auntie doesn't have the right to play with my life," argued Valerie, not wanting to lose. His eyes stared. A gesture of annoyance that had reached the top of the head.

Meanwhile, Arabella was still relaxed. The woman didn't care one bit that everyone in the meeting room knew what happened to her family.

"Then I just let it go when you tricked Samuel? Made her a lover as well as a walking ATM where you can use her wealth as you please? Okay, you may be happy because I let you have a relationship for several years. But to be a wife let alone part of the Walters family? No ! Never dream!" said Arabella emphatically. His face that looks cynical, really depicts that he doesn't want his son to have the slightest relationship with Valerie.

He thought, painstakingly educating, raising Samuel wholeheartedly. Give the best. But his son was even wrong step. Establish a relationship with the female incarnation of the snake. Arabella was of course not willing.

"Don't tell Samuel's future wife even once, did the aunt prepare it?" guessed Valerie and was immediately met with laughter by Arabella.

"Of course. Ariana is the chosen person that I have prepared to assist Samuel. In fact, I even prepared tenders with Pakuwon for them."

Not only Valerie, Samuel in her seat even felt shocked. He never thought that his mother had too much power and role in his life.

Not only Valerie, Samuel in her seat even felt shocked. He never thought that his mother had too much power and role in his life.

Even at a very mature age, Arabella managed and guarded her life in such a way. Trying so hard to give whatever is best for him.

"Ah, one more thing, Valerie. You must know this one."

Valerie thought the surprise she was about to receive was over. In fact, as if she didn't run out of words, Arabella kept bombarding him with many unexpected things.

"Your attempt to bring down my child by spreading skewed news to the media a few days ago, in fact, had no impact or had any effect."

Valerie hastily shook her head. Knowing that his position was being threatened, he immediately denied the accusation.

"Who do you mean aunt who spread oblique news? Me?" pointed Valerie to herself. "Don't slander! Auntie, I can sue you for defamation. You can even do something unpleasant because you've been playing with my life all this time."

Just like before, Arabella was still relaxed. Meanwhile, the other participants in the meeting kept silent. As if natural even just enjoy the feud of two different generation of women in front of them.

"I hope, having heard the evidence myself, that you will be able to offer a rebuttal."

Arabella then turned towards Axton. Nodding his head, motioning for Samuel's assistant to do what he should do.

So Axton immediately rose from his seat. Walk towards the room operator. Bring a laptop that he had prepared earlier.

Deliberately listening to one of the recorded conversations that Randa and Samuel had secretly obtained from Valerie's apartment.

Everyone, listened to how in the recording Valerie and Rama were involved in a serious conversation. The two of them were heard plotting in such a way as to bring down Samuel.

It's not finished there. Axton also displays several photos in the overhead project and is seen by all meeting participants. Where the photo shows how Valerie and Rama appear to have met many times. Not to mention the video recording of the confession of one of Palma's security officers who was bribed by Rama to sabotage Samuel's CCTV room.

"How?" said Arabella, smiling broadly at Valerie. Seconds then threw the same gaze at Rama who seemed to be sitting restlessly in his chair.

More than that, unexpectedly the first grandson of the Walters family rose to his feet. Intend to get out of the room. Tried to run away, but fortunately Axton, with all his calculations, had prepared some security which in fact he had been assigned to guard since the door to the room was closed.

"Don't try to run, Rama Adiaksa Walters. You must be responsible for all your actions."

Arabella said that with full confidence. Turning to Valerie, before speaking again, Samuel Walters's mother smiled a mocking smile.

"You should have obeyed your manager's request to continue to settle abroad. After all, I gave you a good career, right? But because you were greedy and ungrateful, you went home and even worked with Rama to bring down Samuel. And now? Please enjoy what you've done. I'll make sure you're accountable for your actions to the authorities. Don't forget too, accept the fact that after this the career you worked hard to build will just be ruined."

Valerie shook her head. The woman then screamed hysterically. Not accepting what Arabella had just told him.

Together with Rama, both of them are in the midfield to leave the room. Picked up by the authorities, they were both arrested and immediately taken to the police station.

Meanwhile in the meeting room, the meeting resumed. According to the agenda, the board of commissioners and a representative from Pakuwon read out their decision whether to continue to sentence Samuel or to give the man sanction as what had been discussed previously.

***

Samuel left the meeting room feeling uncertain. He should be happy because Palma's board of commissioners only gave him a three-week suspension from office.

In fact, fears about Pakuwon canceling work have not been proven at all. William, who was also present at the meeting, gave a conditional apology by asking that the large tender they were undertaking must be completed on time without the slightest delay.

Still with a myriad of questions in her mind, Samuel chose to go to Arabella's special room. According to the feeling, the mother and her assistant were already there talking about something.

"Mom, we both have to talk seriously."

Arabella, who was talking to Axton at that time, reflexively turned around. He got up from his chair and moved to sit on the sofa.

"What else do you want to say?"

"Everything. Mama owes Samuel a lot of explanations."

Arabella leaned her shoulders against the couch. Folding her arms across her chest, the woman spoke again.

"What other explanation do you want to clarify and ask?"

"About Valerie, Ariana, Pakuwon, and all of them."

"Okay, you can ask Mama one by one."

"About Valerie first," continued Samuel. "So, all this time Mama has been watching Samuel's movements?"

Lilliana nodded. "Even up to this moment Mama is still watching over you, Samuel Walters."

"Jesus, Mom! Samuel is not a child."

"But you still act like a child. If only Mama didn't keep an eye on you. Maybe by now the imitation Snake would have become your wife."

"Her name is Valerie, Ma. She's human. Not a snake demon," joked Samuel innocently.

Arabella chuckled. It's no wonder that his son replied carelessly.

"It's up to you who you want. To be sure, from the start Mama didn't like you having anything to do with her."

"So, every time Mama asks me to bring a boyfriend or partner to come to the house, Mama also arranges for Valerie to be absent?"

Lilliana nodded. He did not refute his son's guess.

"Mama is just testing Valerie. If she really loves you and is serious about you, she should turn down any job offers that come her way. Really, you are nothing compared to work? In fact, Mama knows about you who asked her to marry. And what? She still choose a job over you, right?"

Samuel took a deep breath. Everything that his mother said just now was indeed undeniable.

"And Ariana? Did Mama also prepare it? Or maybe Ariana was also involved in Mama's game?"

Lilliana laughed. After that the woman gave clarification.

"No. For this one, you can say Ariana and you both don't know anything."

"Wait... Wait..." Samuel interrupted her mother. "Samuel wants to clarify Axton's status first. Actually, he's Samuel's assistant or Mama's assistant, anyway? Why does it seem as if all the tasks are confidential, he's the one doing them."

"You think Axton's presence in Palma is a coincidence? Oh my gosh, Samuel. It's clear that Mama is the one who arranged everything. She deliberately made Mama your assistant so she can watch over you without needing to suspect anything. She was also the one Mama ordered to take photos of you and Ariana at the gathering and spread them out with deliberately in the office group so that everyone knows your real relationship."

Samuel was speechless. More than that, it turns out that everything that happened to him was really within the scope of his mother's supervision and interference.

"Then, back to Ariana. Why did Mama have to choose her?" Samuel looked curious and confused. According to her, there are many other women that her mother might be able to offer. "Mama can give Samuel a future wife from high society who is on the same level as us. It can be a child of a business partner, a child of a close friend, or the children of other wealthy people."

As before, Arabella smiled back a broad smile. For God's sake, Samuel was scared herself to see the mysterious expression that her mother was showing.

"Honestly, Mama had thought about setting you up with the son of a fellow business partner. However, those plans disappeared from the first time Mama met Ariana at a birthday party."

"Gosh, Ma. Samuel really doesn't understand Mama's explanation."

"I see," Arabella continued. He was so annoyed to see his son did not understand what he was saying. "When Mama gave me the task of taking my future wife to a birthday party, I was sure that you would have a headache yourself, and time was running out. Then, Axton told me that you had the chance to confide in him. He deliberately improvised by giving advice on finding a future wife last night who could used to accompany you to come to Mama's party. And Ariana, who Ben deliberately chose at that time with various previous considerations."

"So, from the start, Mama actually had no intention of making Ariana Samuel's future wife?"

Lilliana shook her head.

"Not at all. It was purely Axton's improvisation. But..." Arabella paused her sentence for a moment. "Mama was amazed when Ariana easily attracted the attention of almost all of Mama's business partners with the ability and intelligence she had. Not to mention Mr. William openly praised her, even asked permission from Mama to want Ariana to be part of Pakuwon."

"Is this also where the business between Palma and Pakuwon started?"

This time Arabella nodded.

"Mr. William personally came to Mama to convey his intention to recruit Ariana. Seeing the opportunity and again, Mr. William also knew that Ariana was your future wife, OK, Mama, just take this opportunity to invite him to work together. Fortunately, Mr. William agreed on the condition that Ariana should be the one." directly involved in this big tender."

Samuel digested the lengthy explanation that her mother described. At least, now he understood, the mastermind of all the masterminds that had governed his entire life was Arabella, the woman who gave birth to him.

Ending the conversation because she was too dizzy, Samuel decided to go home immediately. After all, while serving a sentence or suspension, he was released from all work.

Samuel thought, maybe this is the right time to take Ariana for a real vacation or honeymoon. Impatiently Samuel chose to go home immediately.

Arriving at the house, full of enthusiasm Samuel stepped into the room. Once inside, he did not find the figure of his wife was there.

Check almost all corners of Samuel's room. Believing Ariana was not in their room, he decided to go down to the first floor. Looking for a household assistant, intending to ask where Ariana is.

"Mba Tia, can you see where my wife is?"

Tia, who was preparing lunch at that time, shook her head. Stopping his activities, the woman immediately replied.

"I saw madam go. But where she's going, I don't know, sir."

At that moment Samuel chose to return to the room. Sitting in front of the dressing table, the man grabbed his cellphone intending to call Ariana.

However, many times trying to contact, Samuel to no avail. Never mind picking up, the call is completely disconnected. Either intentionally turned off or maybe because the signal is blocked.

Samuel took a deep breath. Just keep thinking positively in case Ariana is out of the house but forgot to give you the news. It wasn't long before his eyes caught something stuck.

There was a piece of Tosca-colored paper, as if accidentally tucked in between the piles of make-up that were on the dressing table. Grabbing it, Samuel immediately read it immediately. Indeed, there was Ariana's writing that he knew so well like sending a message to him.

Samuel, I'll go first.

Sorry I can't say goodbye directly.

I don't even know where I will be taken and whether I can meet you again or not in the near future.

To be sure, you need to know, I love you. Until whenever I will love you.

.

Ariana

Samuel crumpled the paper she was reading right then and there. Paying close attention to what was written on it, the man immediately understood who had done this.

Running down the stairs, Samuel immediately walked towards the car. Driving his vehicle at a speed above the average, he steered the black Ferrari he usually used towards the residence of his parents.

Arriving there, taking big steps, Samuel looked for her mother. It wasn't long before he found Arabella sitting in her study reading a book.

"What's wrong, Samuel? Why did you enter Mama's room without knocking on the door first.

"Where's Ariana, Mom?" asked Samuel matter-of-factly. He is sure that his mother is hiding his wife's whereabouts.

"Ariana? You asked Ariana and Mama? Aren't you Ariana's husband? Why did you ask Mama instead?"

"Mom!" Samuel exclaimed. The man's voice sounded raised. "Samuel knows for sure that Mama took Ariana away. Where is Ariana, Ma? Why did Mama even separate Samuel from her!"

Arabella closed the book she was reading earlier. Throwing a glance at Samuel, the woman finally gave the answer her son wanted.

"Yes, indeed Mama did this. But, Mama did not separate you."

"Then what? Why did Ariana write a letter that seemed to have been taken far away."

Lilliana nodded.

"Mama did deliberately take him away for a while. As punishment for you two for lying to Mama."

Samuel frowned. Now he was confused, what kind of lie was his mother referring to.

"Lies what else, Ma?"

"Lied about your marital status with Ariana. Even though Mama had an indirect hand in your relationship, Mama still didn't accept it because you two had a plan to lie to Mama and Papa by pretending to be married. Yes, even though Mama already knew all of this from Axton, but you still have to be punished."

"Mom, Samuel admits that she was wrong. In fact, she has repeatedly apologized. This is indeed Samuel's fault. But now the two of us are in a serious relationship as it is. So, please, tell me where Ariana is now."

Samuel kept begging. But still Arabella was not the least bit moved by her son's request.

"If you really love Ariana, you just have to look for where your wife will find you. If successful, Mama promises to grant whatever you wish."

Arabella then left. Leaving Samuel just like that, who was dizzy herself, she had to find Ariana, who didn't know where she was now.