"Are you sure?" Leonel asked with a doubtful look. "Don't tell me there's another mistake in the draft. I won't accept that excuse."
Deborah nodded quickly. "No, Sir. I've double-checked everything."
Leonel led the way, remembering to give Deborah a frustrated pat. Somehow, in his eyes, Deborah's work must be permanently corrected. "Let's wait in the meeting room."
Despite feeling frustrated, Deborah still followed in the footsteps of the company's CEO. Who needs to learn the influence of Hartono and his descendants? A tycoon who has a significant effect in Indonesia has also appeared on the list of the wealthiest people in the world several times. Being a staff member at Mountain Pte is a sought-after position for job seekers outside. It's a reputable company with many benefits and promising career paths.
This meeting went quite smoothly. Some have already agreed to Leonel's proposed collaboration, which the client is still reviewing. Leonel sees this meeting as deciding whether his proposal will be approved. He's not actively seeking and engaging new business partners but needs more support if something happens regarding the ongoing activities for years.
As the sole heir, Leonel must be fair and insightful, have a broader market understanding than anyone else, and be competent in managing thousands of employees who depend on Mountain Pte. This responsibility should belong to his father, but both of his parents decided to retire as soon as Leonel took over the company.
Like the parents of the jet set in New York City, they spent a lot of money on business-oriented vacations, opening several new businesses to support their other needs, and participating in high-class socialite gatherings.
"I will make a summary of the meeting soon, Sir," Deborah said, her hands still busy indicating some crucial points. Their meeting ended with many new agreements. Leonel seemed satisfied during the session. It also relieved Deborah because she didn't receive sarcastic looks or annoying remarks from her boss.
"Call Chris immediately, Di."
Her previously agile hand movements stopped. Deborah immediately raised her eyes from a stack of meeting results to look at the source of the voice. "Mr. Chris?" she confirmed.
"Yes." Leonel is different than the type of person who enjoys small talk. Whatever he wants should be resolved immediately, whether related to his business or personal matters concerning his family. The well-dressed man left the room, leaving his secretary still stunned. He took out his phone from his pocket to check the message from Peni, his housekeeper whom he had assigned to care for Chloe, especially since her return from the hospital.
There were no messages except during lunch, where Peni informed him that his wife had eaten quite well. She enthusiastically underwent therapy and didn't forget to take some medication and vitamins. That alone made Leonel feel a little relieved. At least Chloe is starting to regain control of herself after regaining consciousness.
As he was about to enter his office, he was surprised by Ester's presence.
"Hi, Darling."
It didn't take long for Ester to cuddle and plant a small kiss on his cheek. This was met with a slight chuckle from Leonel. "Is the photo shoot in Bali finished?"
"If it weren't, I wouldn't be here, Mas," Ester pouted, her hands perfectly draped around Leonel's neck. This time, her eyes were adorned with emerald-colored lenses, with makeup that enchanted many people, especially with her fashionable choice of clothing.
Isn't a model required to have perfection in terms of appearance? That's what Ester has been doing all this time. She wouldn't go out in just ordinary clothes. Even her makeup must always be perfect to match her style. She feels that many eyes have been on her since she became known as a model with numerous renowned brand endorsements in Indonesia.
In response to Ester's pout, Leonel widened his smile. "You always have impromptu events." He tidied up Ester's hair, slightly in the way they gazed at each other from such a close distance—the scent of the perfume he permanently recognized as Ester's favorite filled the air perfectly. Leonel's earlier remark made Ester laugh softly.
"Yesterday, I dropped by your house."
Leonel's body suddenly tensed. "Why did you go there?"
"No need to panic like that," Ester teased casually. "I just visited. Didn't your wife tell you?"
Leonel quickly responded, "No."
"I left something for Chloe. But it seems it wasn't conveyed, huh?" Ester deliberately made her voice as dramatic as possible. She leaned into his embrace. She used her fingertips to tease him, making small circular motions with constant intervals.
True to her actions, Leonel groaned with restraint because of what she was doing.
"Want to come to my apartment?" Ester offered quickly as she looked up and found Leonel's gaze was already clouded with great passion. "Deborah said you don't have any further meetings."
"You're naughty, you know."
Ester chuckled. She pulled his shoulder slightly so that she could whisper. "I also need an outlet for my frustration. Your mother visited yesterday too. As usual, she still distresses me."
Suddenly, the desire that had filled Leonel's mind disappeared.
Leonel gently swayed the contents of his cup. The ripples it created distracted him slightly from the background music at the club he was currently in. It was his second drink, but he already felt nauseous enough. Usually, he would spend the whole night before finally going home. No matter what condition he arrived in, he would always be greeted with a smile. Suddenly Leonel remembered missing that smile.Chloe's smile.The man scoffed softly, laughing dismissively at himself. How could his thoughts be focused on Chloe in a situation like this? Hadn't he been neglecting his wife's existence all this time? Ah, Leonel was sure that's why the image of a woman who liked the color red— he could clearly remember that it was the color Chloe wore most of the time—kept spinning in his mind because she had awakened from a coma and was disabled.He felt sorry. Yes, that's the only feeling Leonel had now."Are you sure about meeting me here?" a man approached him and asked. From his tone of voice
Chloe has beautiful eyes. Leonel admitted that. Her eyes were full of spirited sparkles the first time he saw her. Warmth radiated from them. They were like his mother's eyes, through which Leonel felt genuine affection. Just from her gaze, Leonel could discern what kind of woman this Chloe Delilah was. Maternal and loving towards her family.Unfortunately, Leonel was not affected by Chloe's radiant eyes except tonight.Her eyes were empty. They looked at him but seemed to lack meaning. The brown part moved restlessly but eventually focused on one point: him. Of course, the one is sitting in front of her after scolding this woman. What was going through Chloe's mind when she stood at the edge of the balcony? What if he was too late? He would be subject to scolding and the wrath of the large Grisham family.Chloe, the beloved daughter-in-law of her family. Leonel himself wondered what made Chloe special. There was nothing.Since the accident with his wife six months ago, he had lost co
Wearing a pink tunic that reached her calves and paired with low-heeled shoes, her neatly arranged hair was adorned with a small clip on the left side. Peni lightly applied makeup on Chloe's face and dramatically affected her lips. Chloe told her not to overdo the makeup. She descended the stairs slowly, assisted by Peni. The servant also mentioned that Adrianna was already waiting for her in the living room."Would you like me to accompany you, ma'am?" Peni asked cautiously. This was the second time she asked, but she has yet to receive a response. Her responsibility in this house was to take care of Chloe, including attending to her needs during her treatment and recovery."No need. I'll go with Adrianna," Chloe replied with a bright smile. "You should rest. I know you must be tired of watching over me, right?"In truth, Peni didn't feel that way. While watching over Chloe could be demanding, her mistress had significantly improved in the past month. Her emotions were becoming more
This was the first time that Leonel Grisham acted out of control. He felt anxious as he drove his shiny black sedan toward the hospital. He couldn't accept Chloe taking advantage of his vulnerability to have fun. No wonder she was so happy every time her therapy sessions came. Something was causing her excitement."Damn it!" he cursed once again. This time his hand hit the middle of the steering wheel, making the horn honk loudly. His frustration grew as the traffic jam further slowed him down. He counted; Chloe's departure this morning had been too long for a therapy session. And what he heard? Chloe was going too far!As he saw the hospital building in sight, he increased his speed. He even considered ramming through the parking barrier to catch up with Chloe faster. He got out of the car and half ran towards the hospital lobby. His objective was to check the therapy schedule and the patients visiting there."I'm sorry, sir," one of the attending nurses said.
Ester Gisela was too dazzling to be ignored. Her blond hair cascaded neatly. Her smooth, porcelain-like face was as soft as silk. Her lips were beautifully full, with a slightly thick lower lip exuding sensuality even through her words. Her eyes were as clear as morning dew, serene and calming, often causing others to get lost. Her nose was pointed, with a mole right at the tip. She was tall and slender, with beautiful legs, her assets as a famous model. And not to mention her body, perfectly sculpted by God.Ester possessed the perfection desired by many women. However, for her, it was still not enough. The popularity she gained all this time meant nothing compared to winning the heart and whole being of Leonel Grisham, her beloved. She loved him deeply and was obsessed with having him ultimately.Their love story was sweet at first. Despite Ester's profession, Leonel remained faithful to her. Until that moment, Ester felt like she was going insane hearing his words.
Chloe was tired of rejecting Leonel's help this time. According to her, it was unnecessary. Although her eyes could only perceive points of light, she had gotten used to her cane. And again, Peni greeted them as they got out of the car. But Leonel seemed to have collided with her quite hard, causing him to drive Peni away and forcing Chloe to walk beside him."Smile, Chloe. Don't you want to greet Mama with a smile?" Leonel whispered momentarily as their steps descended a few stairs towards the spacious living room. Leonel's parents were already there to welcome them. This information surprised Chloe.She turned and furrowed her brows slightly. "Why didn't you tell me?"Leonel chuckled just from seeing how innocent and silly his wife's face was. "Uh... let's just say I forgot."Chloe sighed, then started to erase the stiffness from her face. It was replaced by a wide, joyful smile, especially when she heard the soft voice of the woman she called 'Mama.' L
Leonel gritted his teeth. His sharp gaze stared at the increasingly busy road filled with other vehicles. Occasionally, he honked the horn too forcefully, even though it was unnecessary. Morning rush hour traffic was the perfect companion to his workday."Dear," the woman beside him called out. Since she got into the car, the gloomy aura of the man she loved was palpable. However, they could still converse casually at the dining table, although Ester repeatedly took deep breaths and clenched her fists in frustration with Chloe's behavior. Since arriving at this house, Ester felt unable to breathe freely.Feeling no response, Ester called the man, focused on the steering wheel again. "Dear, are you angry?"Leonel only glanced briefly, smiled, and shook his head.Ester was taken aback by Leonel's behavior this morning. Throughout her relationship with Leonel, she had never been ignored like this. "What's gotten into you?" Ester couldn't stand it anymore. He
Leonel has never been this angry facing Chloe. When he sat in the car and drove to the office, his frustration didn't subside. Even the conversation between him and Ester was brief. He didn't care much about Ester's sour expression when she exited the car. Even Ester slamming the door didn't divert Leonel's attention."Sir, I've checked the documents that need your signature. Here you go," Deborah had been standing there since earlier, holding the awaited files to be handed over to the finance division. Unfortunately, her boss didn't pay attention to any of the tasks presented on his desk. He leaned back with closed eyes, but Deborah knew he was deep in thought."Oh." Leonel opened his eyes, immediately banishing the image of Chloe occupying his mind. "Did you check everything? Make sure there are no mistakes." Leonel quickly shifted his focus to the papers Deborah handed him. He promptly placed his signature where required, next to the marks Deborah had already made.