[93]
Everyone in Robby’s office stared intently at the sheets of paper in their hands. Occasionally, frustrated grumbles and bewildered expressions could be heard due to their discoveries. They would exchange glances and shake their heads in disbelief at all these findings, especially Leonel.
It needed to be more apparent how often Leonel had slammed his cluttered desk with numerous papers. His face was filled with suppressed anger, and his ears turned red from holding back his urge to curse. Although he sometimes let out rough expletives, Leonel still made an effort to control himself.
“This can’t be left unnoticed,” Robby asserted, forcefully throwing a large bundle of reports he had just studied.
“Yes, sir,” Leonel agreed. “This can’t be left unnoticed. We all know that if it continues to be ignored, Mountain will suffer the most losses.”
Robby nodded quickly. “Handle it immediately, Leonel.”
“Yes, sir.”
“When is the big meeting with the Layson Group? Do they seem relaxed about everything that’s happening? I’ve doubted my steps,” Robby rubbed his face roughly. “Damn that kid.”
“It’s my fault, sir. I failed to manage Mountain properly.”
After everything that had happened and the pressures burdened his son, Robby empathized with him. It wasn’t solely Leonel’s fault. His son had shown great courage and responsibility despite stumbling over a few things. Who could resist such tempting help when a storm hit Mountain’s financial situation?
If it turned out that the help Josh offered had ulterior motives and was highly detrimental to Mountain, Robby wouldn’t have taken the gamble.
“This incident requires us to be more vigilant,” Robby stated. He gently tapped his son’s shoulder, encouraging him, believing that this storm would pass.
“Yes, sir. I won’t give up on Mountain. You can count on me, Dad.”
That’s what Robby liked about Leonel’s attitude.
“Chris,” Leonel called out quickly. “Have you contacted the police?”
“Yes, we’re prepared, and security around you has been increased. But no one will suspect anything because I’m certain Josh won’t face the meeting alone.”
What Chris said was true. It seemed unlikely that the man had that much audacity, but considering what Josh was capable of, it wasn’t impossible, right? Leonel had to prepare another trap that could ensnare him quickly. He already had the evidence of his crimes in his possession.
“We’ve also driven away journalists to avoid drawing too much attention. After everything is exposed, a press conference is the best approach.”
Leonel agreed with Chris’s suggestion this time. He needed to speak up, especially since many things had been reported in the media. Everything was pointing towards Ester. However, before, Leonel knew how Josh worked together with Ester. And now? That man was genuinely cunning! Extremely dangerous. And what annoyed Leonel the most was that Tam was close to Chloe.
“Make sure the security around Chloe is tightened as well. I’m afraid Josh might do something reckless.”
Chris nodded quickly.
“Right. Don’t let your guard down, Chris. Chloe is the victim here. We can’t let her experience anything bad again. I’ll hold that man accountable!” Robby was furious when discussing the staged accident that befell his former daughter-in-law. “A calculated murder attempt. That kid is insane!”
“Understood, sir.”
“We need to expose everything Josh has done tomorrow. Not a single detail should be missed. Josh’s movements are incredibly slippery, and it seems that all of this was planned very well,” Leonel said with his hands intertwined. “Using Ester as a disguise for his other plans, defaming her with an accident that tarnishes Chloe’s name. I’m sure Ester believes that Chloe exposed all her past secrets. I won’t deny it if someone questions me about it. I did have an affair with Ester behind Chloe’s back. One could say that’s what led to my divorce.”
Robby felt an overwhelming urge to smack Leonel’s head.
“I take responsibility for what I’ve done in the past, Dad. I know that. Once again, I apologize for all my foolishness,” Leonel said regretfully. “But I can’t accept Ester being sacrificed for a mistake she didn’t commit. For this part, we still must be objective in facing Ester.”
“For this time only, Leonel,” Robby warned sternly. “The rest? I won’t have the slightest bit of empathy for Ester.”
Leonel nodded in understanding. “Thank you, Dad.”Content is property © NôvelDrama.Org.
The vibration of Chris’s phone, which he had placed on the table, interrupted their conversation momentarily. Chris swiftly opened a series of messages he had been waiting for. His eyes focused on the screen in front of him, capturing the attention of Leonel and Robby.
“What is it?” Robby asked impatiently.
Chris grinned satisfactorily. “The results of the thorough investigation are out. We have the CCTV footage, recorded confessions, and other evidence incriminating the mastermind behind Tian’s accident.”
Leonel clenched his fist tightly. “Let’s make Josh pay for it.”
“Yes, sir. But one thing needs to be emphasized,” Chris paused momentarily. His gaze fixed on the two men from different generations with intensity. “Your safety is paramount during the upcoming meeting. Don’t let your guard down and lower your vigilance.”
Leonel agreed. “We can’t give Josh any opportunity to threaten us during the meeting.”
“Exactly,” Robby nodded in agreement. “Your mom is safe, and Chloe needs tightening security. They are the most vulnerable among us.”
“And Ester,” Chris added. “Let’s not forget that Josh can use Ester as a new weapon.”
***
The TV series Chloe was watching was quite exciting. As long as she didn’t have many activities and her outside routines were somewhat disrupted by numerous reporters, Chloe didn’t like being blocked in the middle of the road and asked for interviews. Most of them were inquiring about the past scandal.
Chloe felt sick listening to their questions. That’s why all Chloe could do now was confine herself to her home. Even if she wanted to exercise, she would jog around her housing complex. If she went beyond the complex gate, she would undoubtedly encounter reporters.
She wanted to know how long she would continue this activity at home. Although she enjoyed indoor activities that seemed endless and never bored her, Chloe preferred staying at home rather than tiring herself by going to malls. Nevertheless, a sense of boredom still enveloped her.
A knock on her bedroom door could be heard.
“It’s Peni, ma’am,”
Chloe straightened her sitting position a bit. “Yes, Pen. Come in.”
Surely the woman would bring a bowl of cold fruit pieces. And indeed, in her hands, Peni carried a tray with a bowl full of fruits. She placed the tray gently on the table in Chloe’s room.
“Are there still many people looking for me?”
“Yes, ma’am. The complex security was a little overwhelmed, but it turned out that there were people in black uniforms helping to secure the complex.”
Chloe just nodded. Robby himself had already informed her about the security measures for her. Although she had refused, the man scolded her instead. He said, “Papa is old, dear. Don’t make him panic if something happens to you. You’re not in the familiar home. At least, this is what Papa can do for you.”
When Robby Grisham spoke like that, there was nothing Chloe could do but comply.
“When will all these rumors calm down, ma’am?”
“I don’t know,” Chloe shrugged. “I’m confused myself. But it’s quite surprising to me. When the news about Josh came out, Ester was in a favorable position. Not many people were looking for me. And there was no disturbance about their past affair either.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Peni slightly adjusted her position.
“Why are you standing there? Sit here, Peni. I don’t like you sitting like that. Who do you think I am?” Chloe frowned, eliciting a sheepish chuckle from Peni.
“Just follow Mr. Robby’s instructions, ma’am. Everyone surely wants what’s best. We are still determining the situation out there. But my gut feeling tells me it’s urgent.”
Chloe agreed with Peni’s statement. “Don’t accept any random visitors, Peni.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Peni herself couldn’t believe everything was happening, especially when Ester arrived. The commotion did catch the attention of some people working in Chloe’s house. Although they remained discreet, everyone became curious. It was no secret that Ester was the one who caused Chloe and Leonel’s divorce. They had their label for Ester, a faceless woman.
Who knows what was going on in Ester’s mind when she came and explained her actions? Like, there’s any thief who admits to their actions? It rarely happens, just like Ester, who refused to accept her heinous deeds in the past. Tia, Peni, and Budi were shocked because the accident was not ordinary.
They supported Chloe in seeking justice. They chatted, accompanied by irritated rants directed at Ester, asking Chloe if they ever met again; it wouldn’t be just a slap that Ester received. It had to be more than that!
“Tomorrow, they all plan to reveal the truth. Ester may be there, or Josh. Who knows. But one thing’s for sure; I wouldn’t say I like Josh’s actions toward Mountain. I don’t care if Josh does it for me, but this is not what I want. Besides, I’m already happy after divorcing Leonel. I can move on with my life. Because I believe God’s justice is far more painful.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Peni sighed softly. “I also hope that the truth will be revealed. That those who made you suffer will receive a fitting punishment. Those who caused you heartache will feel even greater pain.”
Chloe fell silent and then gave a faint smile. “Thank you, Peni, for being willing to accompany me.”
“Don’t say that, ma’am. I’m also happy here. I am assisting you, meeting Tia and Budi. Having interesting conversations with Ms. Adrianna and Mr. Darren. They’re both wonderful friends to you.”
“I hope tomorrow goes smoothly.”
“Hopefully. I believe…”
“Argh!”
Suddenly, Chloe’s room and all the lights in her house went out.
“Peni?”
“Ma’am, stay here.”
Chloe wasn’t afraid of the darkness, but… “Peni!!!”