Alan was the largest investor and senior business partner of the AL Ide Company. According to Rachel's coworkers, the man rarely stopped by the office. Sometimes, he visited once in a week, but then didn't show up for months.
Luckily, Rachel's first day of work coincided with an office meeting. So Rachel had time to meet Alan at the meeting.
Alan nodded at Rachel, then his gaze shifted to the two women standing nearby. Lilia's figure immediately caught Alan's attention for two reasons. First, Lilia's tall build made her really stand out. Second, he recognized the woman as a well-known model who had a close relationship with Jean Widjaya.
Alan heard from his cousin Chris about Jean's attention for Lilia. The fourth son of the Widjaya Family was so fascinated by the beauty of the model that he went to Milan just to accompany her. Chris said that his friend had been blinded by love and was willing to give up land on Mount Fushi just so that Chris would look after her.
In essence, Alan knew that he should keep a safe distance from Lilia. He didn't want to turn Jean against him. The man then turned and continued his steps towards the elevator.
Meanwhile, Lilia watched Alan leave with a frown. The man looked familiar to her. Both his height and posture, as well as his face reminded Lilia of someone she knew. But she couldn't remember who it was.
Vivi walked over to Rachel and nudged her, "Rachel, is that your boss?" She whispered excitedly, "He's so handsome!"
Rachel gave Vivi a strange look, "Are you kidding? He's an investor in this company, his name is Alan Hartanto."
"Ah?" Vivi frowned, "His family name is Hartanto? Is he brothers with Chris Hartanto?"
Rachel shrugged, "I don't know, I don't really understand that. I'll ask one of my seniors here. But you're right, he looks similar to Chris Hartanto."
Hearing that, Lilia realized that the person she was thinking about was Chris. No wonder they looked alike. Alan was Chris's cousin and first grandson of the Hartanto family.
Lilia realized something and immediately turned to look at Rachel. Did her friend know that Alan was Jefferson Hartanto's son? That man was involved in making the Gunawan family bankrupt and expelled from this city! Lilia knew that from the information Jean gave her when they returned from Milan. But she didn't expect Rachel to end up working at a company funded by Jefferson's son.
She stared blankly at her two best friends. They gossiped and joked about Alan's good looks, without knowing the man's relationship with the tragedy that befell the Gunawan family. Should Lilia tell them? Or will this information only open a wound in Rachel's heart?
"… Hey… Lilia!"
Hearing Vivi's voice, Lilia snapped out of her reverie.
"Are you alright?" Vivi asked worriedly.
Lilia nodded, "Sorry, I was just thinking about the shoot." She lied with a flat expression. Then she turned to Rachel and asked, "Hey Rachel, tell me the truth. Do you like this company?"
Rachel raised her eyebrows in surprise. She didn't know why Lilia suddenly asked that, but she still answered honestly, "I really enjoy working here. During the initial interview, they didn't look down on my educational background or criticize my work experience."
Rachel smiled softly as she recalled those moments.
"Even though I'm just an assistant for the department head now, I'm very satisfied with my job. I can learn a lot from the people around me." Rachel's answer showed her great love for this company.
Lilia studied Rachel's expression closely. She was sure that her best friend was telling the truth. Lilia was secretly relieved to have said nothing about Alan and Jefferson. Perhaps, it would have been better if Rachel knew nothing. She didn't want Rachel to be saddled with hatred for something Alan's father did.
After all, Jefferson couldn't be completely blamed for Rachel's suffering all this time. Her own father decided to kick Rachel and her mother out of the house. Rachel's father was as guilty as Jefferson. Lilia decided to keep this secret for Rachel's good.
Lilia and Vivi ended up waiting in the office lobby for about an hour until Rachel finished her job.
Around eight o'clock in the evening, Lilia and her two friends enjoyed dinner at one of the best steakhouses in the mall. After a fulfilling dinner, the three of them headed to the exit of the mall.
Vivi rubbed her stomach with a satisfied expression. The beef tongue steak she had eaten earlier was really delicious, but now her skirt felt too tight. Vivi was trying to loosen her skirt, but she couldn't even slide her finger between her skirt and waist. She promised herself to start a strict diet from tomorrow.
When they arrived at the mall's lobby, Vivi realized that there were many male and female couples walking out of the mall. There were couples holding hands, some were hugging their partner's waist, but they all looked happy. Vivi bit her lip and looked away. She also wanted to be one of those happy couples!
Vivi would invite Rachel to talk to pass the time until Lilia's pick up arrived, but her best friend was busy with her cellphone. Vivi turned to the other side and saw Lilia also focused on her cell phone. She lowered her gaze while wringing her hands, feeling awkward in this silent situation.
Finally, Vivi also took out her cellphone and pretended to be busy. Maybe they needed to come up with a rule that would forbid them playing with their phones when they're together next time!
Rachel looked up from her cell phone screen and said, "Vivi, Lilia, I have to get back to the office. I have a sudden business that needs to be resolved as soon as possible, so I can't keep you company. I'm sorry."
Vivi, accustomed to sudden situations at the office, patted Rachel on the shoulder with a sympathetic expression, "It's okay, I understand, really. Don't forget to take care of your health, okay!"
"Yes I know." Rachel nodded, checking her cell phone once more.
Lilia put away her cell phone and smiled at Rachel, "We don't mind if you're busy. It's over nine o'clock after all, we also have to go home. Don't come home too late, okay."
"Alright, bye!" Rachel waved at them before rushing into her office building.
Lilia and Vivi watched Rachel leave with a big smile. They were both relieved that their friend seemed to have rediscovered their passion for life. Rachel finally smiled again like before.
Vivi crossed her arms, "I hope Rachel can keep smiling like this." She said softly.
Lilia hesitated for a moment. She didn't know whether she needed to tell Vivi about Jefferson's relationship to the Gunawan Family bankruptcy or the fact that Alan was Jefferson's son. Lilia was still arguing with herself when her cell phone rang. The caller's name made Lilia's mood improve at once.
"Hello?" Lilia picked up the phone while smiling softly, "Are you close?"
Vivi stared at her best friend, her lips curved into a bitter smile. There was only one person in this world who could make Lilia's expression look that gentle. She must be talking to Jean!
"Yes, I was in front of the mall… oh, I saw your car in the distance. Alright, I'll wait for you here." Lilia hung up the phone as she continued to stare at the highway.
"Has President Jean arrived?" Vivi asked without trying to hide the jealousy in her voice.
Lilia smiled awkwardly, "Yes, he offered to pick me up on the way home from work. We can take you home first if you want." Sje offered.
Vivi was surprised to hear how casually Lilia was saying 'we'. That woman seemed used to living with Jean now.
"No need." Vivi waved her hand, "I drove here, really. Besides, I don't want to interfere with your time. I know President Jean wouldn't like it if I came along!" She winked one eye.
Before Lilia could retaliate, the familiar black Volkswagen stopped by the side of the road. She said goodbye to Vivi before approaching the car. When Lilia opened the back door, she saw Jean sitting in the backseat reading a document. Kenny sat in the driver's seat as usual.
"Good evening, Madame." Kenny greeted Lilia respectfully.
Lilia returned the greeting as she entered and closed the car door. She glanced at Jean, who didn't even look up from the documents in his hands. Lilia inched closer to him before gently tugging at his sleeve. She had no intention of disturbing Jean, but at least she wanted him to notice her presence.
Jean glanced at his wife and smiled softly as he put down the document. He wrapped his arms around Lilia's waist before pulling her into his arms. Jean then crushed Lilia's soft lips hungrily, as if to satisfy his longing for her.
Kenny immediately raised the divider between the front and rear seats. He gripped the steering wheel with a deep sigh. Seeing his boss's romantic relationship made him feel even more lonely. Should he go on a blind date via the Tinqer application?
Meanwhile, Vivi stood there while watching the Volkswagen car drive away.. She was just getting away when the car vanished from sight.
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