Chapter 53: Chapter 53

That afternoon, Tristan had just finished his work. As soon as he was ready to go home, Nicholas reappeared in his room. As usual, the man came with Jacob with a bucket of Mocca latte and snacks they might want to eat together.

Without being invited in advance, the two immediately sat on the sofa in the corner of the room. Opened the drink and the food box, which turned out to be filled with macarons of various flavors.

"Our arrival doesn't bother you, does it?" Nicholas asked pleasantly. The man's mouth was full of the food he was chewing.

Tristan rose from his seat. Removing the tie around his neck, the man joined in deliberately sitting among his friends.

"You should have asked on the phone, Damn Alistair! When you get here, how can I kick you two out." Jacob laughed. The man grabbed a medium-sized cup of mocha latte from a paper bucket and handed it to Tristan.

"We'd like to take you out for a drink at a regular place. But since you're so lousy and you've been drunk a lot, we decided to buy some coffee and some cakes."

"Yes." Nicholas joined in the conversation. "I suggested that Jacob buy coffee. The last time I accompanied you to drink until you were drunk, I had to fight with Claire for being late to follow her to the movies. She didn't even scold me for a few days because of this."

Tristan laughed. Then suddenly feel guilty. What he did the other day turned out to have a bad impact on the fate of his best friend.

"I'm sorry. Tomorrow, if I get drunk, I'll call Jacob."

"Do not be crazy!" said Jacob quickly. "You know we're just as bad at drinking. Just die if you call me."

The three laughed again. Then eat the cake that is already available on the table.

"Actually, what did you guys come for this time? Are you celebrating something?" Tristan asked curiously. It's also unusual to bring food like this to their office.

Jacob nodded. The oriental-looking man took a sip of the coffee before speaking.

"We want to celebrate the success of Alpabeta for attracting Emaar's interest to be included in their next part of the project."

Tristan smiled proudly. The man hugged his friends one by one as an expression of congratulations on their achievements.

"Did you guys get an invitation to the party---"

"The celebration that Alabbar is having?" cut Nicholas before Tristan finished his sentence. "Blackhorse got the invitation. But since Jacob couldn't attend, I took his place to leave for Dubai in a few days."

Tristan nodded. He understood why Jacob couldn't attend. Indeed there are many companies that the man must hold and handle. Luckily, Nicholas was always ready to help and even be relied on in every difficulty that hit them.

"How about you? You must attend. Foxtail is an exclusive partner and even ranks number one. It's impossible to be absent at such a classy invitation," said Jacob.

Tristan smiled awkwardly. The man chose not to answer what Jacob asked directly. When he remembered Emaar's invitation, his brain immediately seemed stuck.

"Looks like Foxtail won't be able to attend," he answered quietly and unenthusiastically. Nicholas and Jacob together showed a questioning expression. They were confused as to why Foxtail, which was supposed to be the main partner, didn't even attend the invitation. Of course, this is very strange.

"Why? Are you sure you didn't comply with their invitation? You know the risks, don't you?" asked Jacob curiously. "Or maybe you're in trouble?"

This time, it was Nicholas' turn to answer Jacob's words. Of course, he was curious because it was unusual for Tristan to refuse an invitation from his business partner.

"The terms Alabbar put forward gave me a hard time, Nick," Tristan said with an expression that was hard to decipher. Even the smile that had been etched earlier slowly moved from the man's handsome face.

"But why? If there's a big problem, tell me. Who knows we can help you," Nicholas offered earnestly.

Tristan looked at his two friends alternately as he repeatedly breathed to expel the bad feeling that was filling his brain first. He thought it would be a good idea to tell Nicholas and Jacob about the matter to ease the burden on his head a little.

"Initially, I was glad that Emaar specially invited Foxtail. However, Alabbar asked me to come with my wife. You two must know how my relationship with Sophia is right now. I've even tried to persuade her to come along, but she still refuses. my request outright."

Nicholas nodded. The coffee in his hand. The man then responded.

"Why don't you just try one more time?"

"Try what?" Tristan asked curiously.

"Try persuading Sophia one more time. Come over to her house. Bring your wife the food she likes. Speak slowly, then reassure her that you need her help."

"If it still fails?"

Nicholas laughed. Straightening his body, the man slightly inclined his face.

"Meaning Foxtail's fate will not be helped."

"Unlucky!"

Tristan swore. For some reason, he felt stuck when he discussed his request with Sophia. How else would he have to convince her to help him just once?

"But what I said earlier really meant it," Nicholas said again. "Try before you go home. You stop at his place first. Bring him what he likes like cakes or other food. Talk to him comfortably. Then state your request and make an offer that is likely to be profitable for Sophia."

Tristan nodded, understanding what Nicholas had just explained. Then he didn't hesitate to ask a question.

"Can you give an example? What kind of offer would be profitable for Sophia?"

"Easy," Nicholas replied, flicking his hand in the air. "You pay for Sophia and Edward's wedding. I'm sure she'll agree to your request right away."

"You bastard!"

To follow the advice of his two friends, when he came home from work, Tristan took the time to stop by Sophia's house. He even brought a sizeable red velvet box to give his wife.

As soon as he arrived, Mikayla, his mother-in-law, immediately invited him to enter. As she sat down, the woman said Sophia was out with Edward.

"It's okay, Mom," Tristan said. "Let me just wait for Sophia here until she comes back."

Mikayla could not refuse, let alone expel her daughter-in-law. Choosing to leave while serving tea and snacks for Tristan to eat while waiting for his daughter to come home. The first hour passed just like that.

After confirming that there were no signs of Sophia's return, Tristan immediately ordered Alexius to look for his wife's whereabouts. It didn't take long, and his bodyguard got information about where his wife's position was at that time.

"Mrs. Sophia is currently in a fancy restaurant with Mr. Edward and his parents. It seems like this is an introduction dinner," explained Alexius in his phone call. The man shortly also sent several pictures containing a portrait of Sophia enjoying dinner.

At first, Tristan was indifferent. Even decided to remain faithful to wait for Sophia's return. After two hours, Alexius again gave the news that his wife had not moved an inch from the restaurant. Feeling bad visiting until it was too late, Tristan finally decided to go home. But, before leaving, he wrote a message on a piece of paper. Then left it to Mikayla to hand over when Sophia got home.

"Please give this paper to Sophia, Ma. I beg you, make sure she reads what I wrote there. Mikayla nodded. Agreed to what Tristan ordered her. Besides, it wasn't difficult for her to ask Sophia to read what the man had left.

***

Today, it's still relatively early because it's only 10 a.m. In his seat, Tristan looks relaxed while enjoying the espresso coffee that Mario brought him a while ago. The man's gaze was straight ahead.

His mind was wandering. Flying somewhere. At first glance, he was still thinking about the exclusive invitation from Emaar Properties, whose deadline was tomorrow. Considering again following Aurora's advice by contacting Alabbar as soon as possible. Expressing apologies for not being able to come with Sophia and explain the problem and what is the reason for his participation.

Now and then, he is reminded of the photos that Alexius sent last night to his cell phone. Photo where Sophia is kissing intimately with her best friend just before getting out of the car. When remembering that one, Tristan felt like he wanted to curse in his heart. His emotions were slightly ignited because he was not willing when the woman who was still his wife was touched by a man other than himself.

However, what can Tristan do? Anger is free. Sophia didn't even consider his existence in the slightest. If you think about it carefully, she also has the right to do anything. In the past, he even often did the same thing to Aurora. Even almost making love even though he was still Sophia's husband.

Outrageous indeed! Suddenly a question crossed Tristan's mind, is this what is called break even, or maybe it's the cash karma that God gave him? Because if you look around, all the heinous deeds that he has ever done to Sophia are like being repaid one by one by that woman.

From an intimate kiss with Aurora, Sophia replied to Edward. Sophia's expulsion from the hospital, even the woman, replied when Tristan was waiting for her the other day. And lastly, when Tristan wanted to marry another woman, Sophia did the same. His wife was already intending to get married soon after divorcing him.

Unlucky! Still, I don't want what's already mine to be touched by someone else, and I want it to be my best friend. For God's sake, Sophia. Why are you driving me almost crazy like now, huh? Besides, I have to beg like nothing else for you to help me just this once.

Tristan almost threw the coffee cup he was holding because he was annoyed with himself. Not moving an inch from the starting position, the room was knocked again. He believed that it must be Mario who came to bring some files to be signed.

"Just put the documents I need to sign on the table, Mario. When my mind is calm, I'll finish it as soon as possible," the man muttered. As if, at this time, so reluctant to talk or interact with anyone.

"Okay," said the Assistant curtly.

"Ah, yes. One more thing, Mario," Tristan continued. "It's lunch break later. Please arrange a teleconference with Emaar's side. Looks like I have to contact them to apologize for not being able to attend this event."

"But, Mister, Foxtail is the biggest and biggest earner so far. If you let it go, our company could falter and--"

"Never mind, Mario," Tristan interrupted without even turning to look at his Assistant. He was just busy looking out the window at the row of buildings in front of his eyes. "It doesn't matter if they must remove our company from the list of exclusive partners. I will look for other ways to keep Foxtail stable until it finds a new developer who is as bona fide as Emaar. If it's short on funds, Foxtail can use my money for worker responsibilities first. for a while until everything returns to normal."

Tristan thought it would be better for him to make the sacrifices using personal money rather than releasing the experts because of the difficulty of paying their wages. He believes his assets are still sufficient to finance all employees for the next few months. "Mister..." Mario called once again in a slightly weak voice.

"What else, Mario? Just do what I say and get out of here." The man replied while turning his body to face Mario, who had been behind him. As soon as he turned around, he was immediately taken aback. His eyes caught the presence of a woman he knew so well standing alongside the Assistant.

"Sophia." The woman raised her eyebrows and nodded. Still standing right next to Mario, not long after that, he made a sound.

"So you've decided not to attend the invitation given to your company?"

Tristan nodded in response. The man raised his hand, inviting his wife to sit down immediately. Then his gaze turned to Mario, asking him to come closer and giving an order.

"Mario, please get me the brown folder with the court papers. Bring it here so I can sign it right away. Don't forget to bring Sophia some chamomile tea too."

Finished giving orders, Tristan brought his eyes for a few seconds to stare fixedly at the sparkling blue beads in front of him. Noting how Sophia's face until this moment had not changed the slightest. Still as beautiful as the first time they met. Once satisfied, he returned to focus on inviting the woman to talk.

"I think, rather than constantly forcing you, it's better if I don't attend. After all, there's nothing else I can do now. The deadline is only tomorrow. The day after tomorrow, the event will start."

"Aren't you afraid your company's performance will drop drastically?" Sophia inquired curiously.

Tristan smiled. As Mario came in with files and drinks for Sophia, the man preferred to let his wife have a drink before continuing to answer what Sophia asked.

"Just drink your tea first. After that we continue again," said Tristan. The man then glanced at Sophia.

"Your tastes haven't changed, have they? I think you like Chamomile tea."

Sophia nodded. She reached out her hand, then grabbed the cup that Mario was proffering. Seconds later, she slowly took a sip of the drink to moisten her throat so it wouldn't dry out. After drinking half, she put the cup back down and then spoke again.

"As for taste, it looks like it's still the same as before. There hasn't been the slightest change."

"Oh yes?" Once again, Sophia nodded confidently. "Yes. It's just feelings that may be slowly changing now."

Tristan laughed softly. He knew that his wife was making fun of him openly. Not wanting to argue, let alone start a war, he chose not to respond but went back to discussing the initial topic that the two had discussed.

"Let's go back to the previous question about Foxtail's performance, I've been thinking about it a lot lately. Maybe you also heard what I said before, it doesn't matter if you don't attend and the company misses a lot of golden opportunities. I'm sure, in the future We can get a replacement again."

"By using your personal property?"

Tristan nodded. "Yes, Sophia. That's all I have at the moment. Rather than letting go let alone firing the workers one by one, it's better if I make the sacrifices, right?"

This time Sophia was silent. He seemed to run out of vocabulary to continue the conversation between himself and Tristan. The situation even felt awkward because both of them were silent with each other.

Until one day, Tristan cleared his throat. The man brought his right hand to reach the map that Mario had brought earlier.

"Almost forgot. You're here because you want to collect my promise, right?" Tristan asked, glancing slightly at the woman in front of him. Then before long, he reached for a neatly arranged pen not far from the laptop. Opening the lid, ready to sign.

"I'll sign it right now. For the next process, Mario will take care of it until it's finished. All your rights include joint property, assets and ----"

"Stop, Tristan!" asked Sophia, exclaiming slightly. He looked at the man's face deeply as he resumed his delayed sentence.

"I'm not here to collect your autograph."

Tristan blinked his eyes. Trying to understand what the wife meant.

"If it's not a divorce, then why are you bothering to see me? It can't be because you miss me, can you?"

At the exact second, Tristan cursed himself for speaking unconsciously. Evidently, after saying the previous sentence, Sophia sounded immediately displeased.

"Don't be crazy! That's never going to happen."

"Yes, I'm self-conscious," said Tristan quickly. "Then why did you come to see me this morning?"

Sophia took a deep breath. Determined what she would say after this to her husband.

"The day after tomorrow, I will come with you to Dubai."

Tristan's eyes were successful. He did not expect that, in the end, Sophia would grant what he asked for. However, he was desperate, especially after hearing that Sophia refused even though her father had also persuaded the woman. However, after hearing what his wife had just said, Iya believed that Foxtail's position would not be threatened. Sophia's decision, of course, brought a breath of fresh air to her company.

"Sophia, are you really serious?"

"Of course I'm serious. But..."

"But what, Sophia? You want to make certain conditions?"

"But don't trust yourself just yet," said the woman. "I'm doing this purely because I want to help Uncle Raphael and the other Foxtail workers. I also want you to not do anything wrong during this business trip. Once you return to London, you must immediately fulfill what you previously promised."

Tristan couldn't hide the happy look on his face. Full of relief, he expressed his gratitude because one big problem could be adequately resolved. Now it's just a matter of thinking about what things he should prepare to meet his business partners in Dubai later.

"It depends on what motives make you change your mind. I don't mind that, Sophia. Most importantly, you agreed to accompany me on this business trip to Dubai. And for your request, don't worry. If you break your promise, you can report me to the police station."

"Okay, deal!"

Sophia then held out her hand. Agreed with what Tristan had been asking her since yesterday. Now, she just had to think about how to tell Edward not to be angry or disappointed with what she had decided.