Chapter 79: Chapter 79

"Your smile doesn't want to fade, Sebastian."

His conversational partner chuckles instead. Rubbing the tip of his nose as he settles comfortably in his seat. "I'm happy, Uncle."

Ronald, the one he's talking to, just shakes his head with a small grin. He's happy too, honestly. "But don't be too satisfied, Sebastian. We're still not truly at the peak."

There's a long sigh from Sebastian. "You're right, Uncle." He straightens his posture once more. Picks up one of the files on his desk. For the past two hours, they've been discussing all the potential downsides that could show up during the big meeting Sebastian is hosting a week from now, which will simultaneously unveil the shrouded truths surrounding Group Azure.

Where Fathia is to be brought in. To strengthen the evidence that the rightful owner of Group Azure is still alive. But it's incredibly risky considering that there have been two attempts, yes, two attempts, to eliminate Fathia. Sebastian and Ronald have agreed to minimize the risks of putting her in danger again. Considering their adversaries aren't messing around when it comes to using weaponry. Their cruelty is beyond doubt.

And also...

The hidden protection for the strong sole suspect behind all of this; Alef Walker.

Wanting absolute power, willing to do anything to overthrow Group Azure before he takes over. Removing his true opponent, who happens to be his own brother-in-law. The real motive, Sebastian isn't entirely sure. He's just making an assumption like that. Even Ronald agrees with Sebastian's core idea about Alef Walker.

However, the motives behind Alan and the person who, according to Fathia's testimony, teamed up to harm Alef, where that middle-aged man is his boss, is still being investigated. Neither Sebastian nor Ronald's trusted individuals have had much luck getting close to them. There's suspicion because, according to Vino, Alan has been seen a few times at one of the nightclubs with people associated with Sailendra.

Whatever kind of conspiracy Alef is running along with Alan, Sebastian doesn't care. His goal is clear and singular; to put Alef and Alan behind bars because he's convinced that Alef's right-hand man also knows the boss's dirty dealings. And even if it drags the name of the influential Sailendra, Sebastian's not concerned.

Ronald agrees with Sebastian's thinking, but they still need to be cautious, including infiltrating their trusted people in there. Sailendra's main headquarters are in Suncity. In New York City, there's only a branch office. Sebastian himself is skeptical about that because Alef's business trips are more often to Bandung. The place and accommodations are always the same.

No.

"Both Sebastian and Ronald have secretly checked what Alef has been up to there. The flow of markup funds that Alef does, that's what makes him frequently head to Beverly Hills. Expanding a factory where others run it. Data and evidence regarding the fund manipulations there, they've already got it in hand. Thanks to Vino's precision, of course. Sebastian is truly grateful to have Vino working for him.

"Are you sure you can really master the terrain?" Ronald asks to confirm. In front of him, the younger man's face is pensive. But his gaze is firm, his body language undeniable when it comes to issuing orders. And every time Clara, the man, speaks and lays out his plans, it always fits logically with Ronald's thinking.

"You just relax, Ron. Sebastian is smart. Smart and clever are different things. Clever, he can design this and that, but when things hit a roadblock, he might not have a backup plan. While being smart? Don't ask how brilliant Sebastian is at the office."

Ronald chuckles. "Just say you want a son-in-law like Sebastian soon."

In front of him, Alvin bursts into laughter. Comfortably seated in his oversized chair. His eyes radiate his happiness. "Just pray. I'll be glad if Sebastian can truly become a part of the Claire family. I can clearly see how much Sebastian cares for Felice."

The laughter is met with an agreeing nod. "You're right. Felice, who, if Tyaga says it, is cold and heartless, can warm up in front of Sebastian." Ronald recalls Tyaga, his son's, opinion when he asked about his friend's child. Felice. "Tyaga even said it's better for me to get to know her sister. Fathia. She's calm. Gentle. Sweet too."

Alvin's chuckles continue. "Shall we matchmake them?"

Ronald firmly shakes his head. "Let the kids find their own matches. Besides, Tyaga loves the beach. He's got that deep tan. While Fathia? A real homebody. They're not a good match."

Alvin nods, still with traces of laughter. Then suddenly he straightens his back. He looks at Ronald seriously. "I'm asking for your help to keep an eye on Sebastian. Make sure he keeps a tight grip on Group Azure. I believe he's capable. With Felice, I'm sure Fathia will be safe."

"What do you mean by this? You keep rambling. I'm tired of hearing it," Ronald's laughter that was once present on his lips fades as Alvin's words carry significant meaning.

"Better safe than sorry. You're the number one person I trust, Ron. After that, it's Sebastian. You two are good and genuine people. I know that."

Ronald shakes his head gently. "Alright. I've got to meet a client. Dealing with divorces is better than listening to you talk, Alvin."

From the corner of his eye, Ronald sees Alvin chuckling softly. He leans back comfortably in his chair. Closes his eyes. Ronald isn't sure how his mind is working, but truly, Alvin's words have left him feeling a bit perplexed as he handles everything related to Alvin, especially matters concerning the will.

He can't figure out why Alvin is pushing him like this. But he soon gets his answer on the night Sebastian gave him a message. That memory is ingrained in Ronald's mind. Alvin's actions, his longtime friend's actions, have always been recorded and serve as motivation.

To spur him on, it's better that Alvin's support isn't just superficial. Alvin once said, "I succeeded, and I want you to succeed too, Ron. We're in this together. Just like in the old days."

In his heart, one thing is imprinted. Ronald and Alvin might have different bloodlines, but their colors are the same. Red. He will defend it to the last drop. He'll fight for all of Alvin's possessions, including Fathia's existence, which he treasures just as he does his own children. It hurts to know that Fathia has been buried.

He never imagined it would be Tyaga in that coffin. Never. Never.

And when Sebastian once again brought news that he thought was the weirdest fantasy in the whole world, Ronald's little heart truly hoped that this fantasy was real. And true. Sebastian wasn't lying. Fathia, Alvin's child, is alive. Even though something was left behind, Ronald ensures that everything that caused that innocent girl pain will be avenged.

Everything. Without exception.

"Sure, Uncle."

Sebastian's voice snaps Ronald out of his reverie. He clears his throat briefly to cover up that earlier he was reminded of his conversation with Alvin. Glancing at the Rolex on his right wrist, he lets out a soft sigh. Talking to Sebastian is like time slipping away. But before that, he needs to confirm one thing. "Do you... like Fathia?"

Ronald, a man who speaks candidly and with few words left unspoken, asks a question that makes Sebastian widen his eyes in surprise. He's never been asked so directly by this older man he respects so much. When they meet, he can see that Ronald's gaze locks onto him without hesitation. An answer that Sebastian can't avoid is needed.

"Yeah." Sebastian has never played with his feelings.

"Clara? Don't be a jerk, Sebastian. Have some self-awareness. Your age gap with Fathia is too wide. I've warned you well in advance. Find a woman who's a better match for you."

"I've tried, Uncle. If I didn't try, why would I get close to Clara?"

Ronald chooses to stay silent, as he feels Sebastian is about to continue.

"But I feel like everything's been in vain. I... have actually fallen for Fathia."

"Not because she's similar to Felice?" Everyone who knows these two siblings surely understands how alike they are. The only difference, visually, is their eye color. Overall, they're like night and day. Very different.

Felice, beautiful and sexy with ambition and an unbeatable spirit. A star that shines so brightly that anyone who approaches does so only with her permission. While the younger sister? Soft and graceful. As warm as a morning sun that makes many people want to get closer to her. Not to mention her yielding nature, which doesn't mean she's weak. Instead, Fathia's ability to yield often gathers ways to make her opponents kneel.

Sebastian smiles knowingly. What Ronald is saying now is just like his fears from a few years ago. When he realized that Fathia's presence had unwittingly taken him over. Slowly but surely.

"At first, it was like that," Sebastian admits honestly. This prompts a snort and a sharp glance from Ronald. But before the older man can speak, Sebastian says, "But I've kept Felice safely in my heart. The only one I want is Fathia. Uncle... you approve, right?"