"Tono is scheming to distance you from Dinda, so you need to be cautious, Satria. Please, don't mention that you heard any of this from me. My silence so far doesn't mean I agree with their actions. I've remained quiet because I don't want any trouble, especially not in front of my kids; they're too young to witness such disputes among relatives," Beni said earnestly.
Beni deliberately met Satria when he came to the company under the pretense of visiting his friend, Indra.
"Beni, don't worry. I won't tell them I got all this information from you. Excuse me now, I have other matters to attend to. When you have time, bring Tiara and Gibran over to my place," said Satria, patting Beni's shoulder gently.
"Yes, wait until my day off," replied Beni amiably.
At last, Satria's curiosity about Beni was resolved, confirming that Beni indeed disliked his siblings-in-law's behavior and the matchmaking plans between Dinda and Tono.
Yet, Beni himself was still curious about Satria. The once roaming ice vendor was now always dressed neatly in costly attire and adept at driving luxury cars. Considered a private driver, but never seen with his employer, recently Satria was often seen at the company, meeting Indra.
Indra was no ordinary person; even business colleagues found it hard to see him without an appointment first. So why did Satria find it so easy to meet Indra? One day, Beni, you will find out who Satria really is.
Elsewhere, Dinda and her grandmother were at a Boutique and Salon. The boutique was on the first floor, and the salon above it. Grandmother took Dinda there to introduce her to the staff.
"Amara, this is Dinda, the formal owner of this boutique. Could you gather the staff so they all know who the second owner of these businesses is?" requested the grandmother.
Amara, the trusted manager who had been running the boutique and salon for two years, was pleased when Grandmother called to introduce the true owner since she was finding it challenging to manage both places simultaneously.
"Welcome, Miss Dinda. Delighted to meet you," Amara greeted warmly.
"Thank you, Amara. I'll be counting on your guidance," said Dinda kindly.
Amara nodded with a friendly smile, left the room, and gathered the staff, though not all since some were attending to customers. After everyone assembled, Grandmother introduced Dinda to the staff, asking them to work even better and to follow all of Dinda's rules and commands.
"Thank you, everyone. I hope we can work well together," Dinda concluded the introductions.
"Understood, Miss," the group replied in unison.
Amara directed the staff to return to work and then gave Dinda a tour. They first visited the second-floor salon, which stunned Dinda with its expansive setup, not just a salon, but akin to a cosmetic clinic with high-end facilities and equipment.
After touring the second floor, Amara took Dinda to the first floor, where a range of luxury fashion items were sold, matching the establishment's posh setting.
"That's enough for now, Amara; I'm getting tired. Even with just two floors, this building feels as vast as doubling the size of a football field, so walking around is pretty tiring," laughed Dinda.
"Very well, Miss. Let's return to your room; the mistress is likely waiting for your prompt arrival," Amara replied politely.
"Amara, have you worked here long?" asked Dinda, eager to learn more about her.
"I've been here over two years, since these businesses started. But in actuality, I've worked with Madam for six years. I used to serve as her secretary before being transferred here once these ventures were established," Amara shared her work history with Grandmother Murni.
They arrived back at the office that Dinda would occupy. There, Grandmother Murni was sitting on a couch, watching television.
"Finished with the tour, Din?" asked Grandmother Murni with a warm smile.
"Yes, Grandma. Maybe later, my legs are kind of sore," Dinda replied, chuckling.
"Well, you rest then. Amara, please prepare the last two months' financial reports for me. You need to teach Dinda about the finances here, as she's still new and unfamiliar with them," said Grandmother Murni amiably yet authoritatively.
"Certainly, Madam," responded Amara, leaving to retrieve the necessary documents.
Dinda might have liked to explore the salon and boutique further, but her legs ached, and she longed for a massage.
"Grandma, may I step out for a moment?" asked Dinda, seeking permission.
"Where to, Din?" inquired Grandmother Murni, puzzled. Dinda had just complained about sore legs, yet now she wanted to leave again.
"Just out for a moment. I saw a stall selling coconut ice outside. It really seems refreshing in this heat. Would you like some too, Grandma?" asked Dinda.
"Oh, I thought you were going somewhere. Yes, I would, but no ice for me. Just tell them it's for Grandma Murni; the seller will know, as it's been my regular," said Grandmother Murni.
"Okay, Grandma," Dinda replied, leaving the room.
Dinda headed outside the boutique building to purchase coconut ice from the front stall. Despite the posh environment, Grandma Murni allowed vendors around the boutique as long as they didn't disrupt the business, such as occupying parking spaces.
Dinda ordered three servings with iced toppings, but for Grandma Murni, she requested a serving of plain coconut water without ice and milk. Hurrying back, Dinda collided with someone. Thankfully, the coconut drink didn't spill.
Crash...
"Ow... Watch where you're going!" scolded a woman loudly.
Dinda recognized that voice and when she saw her face, indeed, it was Sarah. But Dinda was puzzled by the unfamiliar man accompanying her.
"Sarah?" exclaimed Dinda, surprised to see her sister-in-law, Reno's wife, there.
"Din… Dinda? What are you doing here? And what's that you're carrying?" inquired Sarah, her voice laced with anxiety over the prospect of her actions being discovered.
"I work here, this is coconut ice. Would you care for some, Sarah? Oh, and who is this man with you? Your brother?" Dinda inquired, with a hint of investigation.
"I wouldn't deign to drink such cheap treats. They're fitting for you – poor and uncultured. Who this man is, is none of your business; see to your own affairs. Worry about how you can get rich quickly, so you can earn more respect. Oh… Are you here as a cleaning service? That's it, right? How pitiful: washing dishes at the cafe and cleaning here," taunted Sarah, laughing afterward.
Dinda saw Amara approaching but signaled for her to stay put with a shake of her head, wishing to confront her disrespectful sister-in-law alone.
"Even if my job is modest, at least I'm not mean or cheap," Dinda shot back, a wry smile on her lips.
"What do you mean?" demanded Sarah.
"I'm not a child, Sarah. I know this man must have a special relationship with you. Remember, you're married and have grown children, so don't act rashly. What would Reno think if he found out about your escapades?" Dinda asked with a mischievous grin, showing no fear in the face of her sister-in-law's lack of worthiness and respect.
Dinda had long been suspicious of Sarah. On occasions other than family dinners, Sarah would always be inexplicably absent, and just a few days ago, Dinda had spotted her dining at the cafe with the same man now by her side.
"Reno will never believe you over me, his wife," Sarah declared, brimming with confidence.
"Oh, is that so," Dinda responded curtly.
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