[25]
Deborah didn’t become concerned about Leonel getting angry. The man was known for his meticulousness that always made Deborah’s heart race whenever she handed in reports. Leonel always found something in the pieces Deborah gave him, even though she had checked them multiple times.
“I’ve warned you many times, Di,” Leonel handed over the newly corrected files. “Mistakes in calculations can have fatal consequences if you’re not careful, Di. How many years have you been with me?”
Deborah remained silent. Her eyes dared not meet her boss, who continued speaking. If it weren’t for her argument with her fiancé before the wedding, maybe Deborah could concentrate more, and her mistakes wouldn’t be as many.
But that reason couldn’t be justified. Personal issues should not be brought into work matters, let alone to the extent of disrupting her work activities. That would be unprofessional, and Deborah didn’t want to be labeled as such. She had tried hard to focus and carefully examine all the reports before handing them to Leonel Grisham. But it turned out that the problems plaguing her mind were too disturbing.
“Usually, you’re not like this, Di. Is something wrong?” Leonel asked, examining her with his eyes. In front of him stood a neatly dressed woman wearing a knee-length skirt suit. In Leonel’s eyes, Deborah’s job was already suitable, with many desires and demands. Deborah could adapt well, but sometimes things like this happened. Although rare, Leonel could remember which parts Deborah frequently made mistakes in.
Leonel rarely scolded or used harsh words. Why would he? Everyone under his command was a valuable asset, including Deborah, who had been working here for quite a while. Deborah’s dedication and performance needed to be appreciated. Perhaps Deborah was involved in something that disrupted her concentration? That’s why Leonel asked, in case Deborah wanted to talk. Because for Leonel, Deborah’s significance related to her work was reasonably necessary.
“No, sir,” Deborah couldn’t possibly tell him what she felt, right? Her boss wasn’t the right person to discuss personal matters with.
“How are the preparations for your wedding? Is everything going smoothly?” Leonel asked as casually as possible. However, Leonel was surprised by his question because he rarely asked about his subordinates’ matters. He yawned briefly to cover up the sudden discomfort.
“So far, so good, sir.” That’s all Deborah could share with her boss. She didn’t want to appear as someone trying to gain favor just because of her issues. Deborah wasn’t that kind of person. “Thank you for the corrections, sir. I will always remember them, and thank you once again.”Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.
Leonel nodded, letting Deborah excuse herself from the room with the report he had just corrected. Deborah suddenly stopped when she reached the door, making Leonel furrow his brow. Did she forget something?
“Sorry, sir. Josh Corp will be visiting in an hour.”
Ah… that’s it. Leonel was also looking forward to the arrival of his rival. GauJosh Wicaksana, the entrepreneur who was considered a dark horse in the Indonesian fashion business scene. He had recently entered the business but had already generated significant profits, and his presence began to threaten the established players, including Mountain Pte, which Leonel controlled.
“Prepare a special reception, Di. I heard Mr. Josh likes espresso.”
“Yes, sir.”
Leonel sat back in his oversized chair. His eyes unintentionally fell on the desk calendar with his company’s logo and a red circle marked the second week of this month. It was
The company’s 25th anniversary. The result of Leonel’s father’s hard work in building it to its current size. And now Leonel was continuing with some changes towards an even better direction.
His father approved some of his long-term ideas and supported Leonel’s performance and actions at Mountain Pte. Although sometimes his father still adhered to the old ways, choosing to be patient while observing the trending market rather than becoming a trendsetter.
And what about the dark horse?
Several times, Leonel had been amazed by his unusual actions. GauJosh shone without needing many spotlights, just like his company, which was becoming known by many and exploring most of Mountain Pte’s buyers. Leonel also felt threatened, spurring him not to resort to old ways. He had to start adapting to the changing times and advancing technology.
They were killing time by working on other reports until they met later at the agreed-upon time. After a long wait, Leonel was curious about the appearance of the owner of Josh Corp. Rumors mentioned that the leader of Josh Corp is a complex man to negotiate with.
Leonel’s meeting with the Josh Corp executives was not without reason. An event was organized where the venue belonged to one of Mountain Pte’s business properties. While Josh carried many labels, Mountain Pte’s capacity was sufficient for the event participants. Perhaps Josh’s visit to Soho was to make a specific request. Who knows? Leonel could only wait to see what Josh’s intentions were this time.
Once again, a knock on the door was heard, causing Leonel to shift his gaze momentarily. There stood Deborah again. “Sir, Mr. Josh has arrived. I have directed him to the meeting room.”
Leonel grinned. “Okay. Did you prepare the report on Layson Group?”
“Yes, sir.”
Grabbing his expensive blazer hanging in one corner, Leonel began to walk out of his office. “Let’s go meet Josh Corp.”
***
Chloe sat nervously. Occasionally, her hands intertwined, and she fidgeted with the edge of her cardigan. Chloe couldn’t see clearly what was happening around her, but she believed nothing wrong would happen. Adrianna and Peni sat in the back seats while she sat next to Darren.
Darren took the time to accompany Chloe back, even though she could have just called the driver at her house to pick her up. But Darren insisted.
“It’s rare for me to offer my time like this,” Darren said. In Chloe’s imagination, the man smiled broadly. From Adrianna’s description of Darren, her therapist, he had a reasonably handsome face. No less stunning than Leonel.
However, luck was still not on Chloe’s side, as she couldn’t see clearly what Darren Sinaga looked like.
“I feel bad, Doctor,” Chloe said, slightly lowering her head. “Sorry for the trouble.”
Darren glanced at the beautiful woman, who appeared brighter than they met at the hospital yesterday. His face didn’t have a smile. His words were short, and his body language was uncomfortable during the therapy session. This made Darren wonder if it was because of Chloe’s husband at the time. It was in contrast to today, where Chloe seemed more cheerful when she spoke. Besides the clothes Chloe wore, she also seemed more lively in conversation.
For Darren, this could indicate progress in Chloe’s healing process of blindness. She just needed continuous training of her eyes with various colors. Hopefully, God’s miracle would quickly come to this beautiful woman so she could see the world again, just as Darren perceived the land he walked on.
“It’s okay, ma’am.”
“Why are you still so formal when speaking? Can’t you be a little more relaxed?” protested Adrianna from the back. “Our conversation earlier was quite fun, and I didn’t expect that Darren had a somewhat unique hobby.”
Darren laughed. “Does visiting turtle sanctuaries and coastal cultivation count as unique?”
Adrianna chuckled. “Well… who knows, maybe you have hobbies like hiking? Maybe surfing. Or… racing.”
This time, Darren’s laughter resounded. “I’m not particularly fond of those activities. I can accept hiking and occasionally do some climbing. But not at an advanced level.”
“It must be exciting, huh,” Chloe said unintentionally. “I rarely do things outside the house.”
“But it suits you, Mom.” Darren turned and smiled. “I’m sure you do a lot at home, right?”
“Well… you know? It’s just about taking care of Josh and other household matters.”
“That can be enjoyable too. There are many fun things we can do around us without leaving the house. As long as the activities are positive and make us feel comfortable and happy, that’s what matters.
Chloe agreed with Darren’s words.
“It must be fun taking care of the house and garden.”
“Doctor, you always know how to cheer people up.”
Darren immediately shook his head. “No, not like that. We care for the house to make it comfortable, including managing internal household matters. Not to mention that having a beautiful Joshn makes anyone who enters the house feel at home, and that’s not an easy matter. Even though we can pay someone to do what we want, the results would be different, right?”
Unconsciously, Chloe nodded.
“Don’t underestimate what you enjoy, Mrs. Chloe. Do your best. Who knows, it might even become your business venture.”
Chloe was taken aback but surprised to hear Darren laugh. “What’s so funny, Doctor?”
“I just blurted something out.” Darren quickly covered up his nervousness. “What kind of business venture does Mrs. Chloe want? Without needing to make extra efforts, you’re already considered wealthy.” He refocused on the steering wheel. The wife of a renowned entrepreneur, part of the Grisham Group, who doesn’t know Chloe and Leonel?
But Darren daringly approaching Chloe? It felt like Darren was going crazy. However, he couldn’t deny his admiration for how Chloe was starting to recover and rise from her despair. Plus, the information from Adrianna about their ongoing divorce process.
Who wouldn’t admire Chloe’s character? Even her future single status would be acceptable to Darren. She was a kind woman, well-spoken, had a great sense of optimism, and could see things from different perspectives. What was lacking in Chloe’s life that led to her divorce? Observing Chloe’s and her husband’s behavior during therapy, it seemed their problems were significant.
Darren didn’t want to dig deeper into it, not because he didn’t want to. His curiosity was immense, but he restrained himself. Sitting together, enjoying a cup of coffee with sweet pastries, and engaging in light conversations like before was already fortunate for him.
“Excess is not good either, right, Doctor?” Chloe said with a smile. “I just want to live a normal life if I can choose. To be loved by the person I love. To live in love and affection. Without feeling too much pressure and heartache.”
The man didn’t know how to respond. It was the first time he heard Chloe complain about her life. Was the life she lived that difficult?
“Ah… forget it, Doctor. I’m just rambling.”
Just as Darren was about to respond to Chloe’s words, Peni interrupted. “Ma’am, there’s a call from Mr. Leonel.”
Chloe only glanced briefly and reluctantly. “Just let it be.”
“But, ma’am,” Peni rechecked her phone. “This is the fourth time Mr. Leonel has called.”
Chloe smiled slightly. “Just let it be, Peni.”