Episode 9

Five days after Sander's arrival in Indonesia, Camelia and the others also landed there.

In the midst of the day, they left the Capital's airport. Their destination was Jason's home. As planned, Kelvin also joined this homecoming. No one suspected Kelvin's hidden intentions; he kept them closely guarded.

Just like Sander's arrival. None amongst them was aware, since both Riu and Jason also kept these matters confidential.

"Have you contacted Dad?" Annisa asked her sibling.

"I have. The disabled one says he's at home too."

"Good. I can't wait to see the woman who's become his wife. She must be tacky and greedy." Annisa crossed her arms over her chest, venting her frustration at her brother's marriage.

"Of course. After all, what decent woman would marry a disabled man like him," Theo chimed in.

"We must plan carefully. We can't have that woman refusing to side with us." Camelia joined in. Her intent to destroy Riu was clear.

Vir wouldn't be outdone. He also spoke up shortly after his wife.

"Afterward, teach Riu a lesson. Make sure he doesn't act up again in the future. If necessary, eliminate him."

The conversation continued, focused on underhanded scheming. All appeared fervent, with no sense of burden.

Only Kelvin remained silent, matching the driver who hadn't dared to speak. Both were silent but with differing thoughts. The driver was thankful for a simple birth, for with it, he would not be embroiled in lethal conflicts over wealth.

Whereas Kelvin, he continued to think of Vale. For some reason, his unease grew about their impending meeting. What if Vale's husband were more perfect than him? Ah, Kelvin could not accept that.

"If only your parents were wealthy, and your principles not so old-fashioned. We wouldn't have broken up, and you wouldn't need to marry another man. You'd still be my lover, Vale," thought Kelvin to himself.

As time passed, he felt torn by his own heart. On one hand was Vale, whom he truly loved. Yet on the other, she satisfied neither his desires nor possessed more wealth than him. And of course, she was now married to another man.

So caught up in his reverie, Kelvin didn't realize the journey had ended. The car carrying him had stopped in front of a majestic three-story gold-dominated home—the Brox family's main residence.

"Welcome, sir, madam!"

Four servants greeted them respectfully. Not only did they bow with greetings, but they also carried the luggage and belongings.

Upon reaching the living room, another servant welcomed them and led them to the family room—a space where Jason and Riu were waiting.

"Welcome back, siblings. How are you?" greeted Riu with his broad smile. However, his welcome wasn't warmly reciprocated by Annisa and the others. They responded minimally, just enough to prevent Jason from becoming suspicious.

"Good to see you all return in good health. Consider staying longer this time." Jason hugged Camelia and Annisa in turn and then did the same with Kelvin.

Jason acted as usual, although internally anxious. Sander's secret visit had clued him in that there was conflict among his grandchildren.

After exchanging pleasantries, everyone took a seat. Annisa positioned directly across from Riu. Her gaze almost never shifted from her brother, sharp of course. Nevertheless, Riu pretended not to notice.

"Where is your wife? Didn't you invite her here?" inquired Theo, glancing around. Searching for Riu's wife who might be assisting the servants. Being a rustic woman, it would be typical, right?

"She's still at work, brother. She'll be here for dinner," Riu answered, still with a smile. He seemed at ease sitting in his wheelchair, as if it were a throne of pride.

Theo looked down on him, "Working where?"

"Just around here," Riu replied. It wasn't a lie, as Vale's workplace was indeed in the same city, not requiring hours to travel.

But Theo and the others misunderstood. They presumed Vale's job was just some ordinary cafe or restaurant really nearby.

"No wonder you concealed her identity, Uncle. Turns out... she's just an ordinary woman working in a little place," murmured Kelvin softly. Yet, it was loud enough to be heard.

"Vin, don't be like that. She's the woman your uncle chose, we should respect her. And you, Riu, don't intend to divorce her, do you?" Annisa smiled triumphantly.

"Of course not, sister. Even though she's just an ordinary woman, she has a good nature. She's even willing to work despite my ability to provide for all her needs. I think... that's more worthy of marriage, as opposed to being beautiful and alluring but... coveting in-laws' wealth," retorted Riu as he reached for his drink.

He cast a brief glance towards Vir and Theo, who seemed incensed by his recent barb.

"If they are more capable of managing matters, it's only right. Better them than one's own offspring leading things amiss. It's pitiful for the parents, all their hard work going to waste." With fists clenched tightly, Vir delivered his retort.

"That's enough. You all have had a long journey. Better to rest for now. Riu, you've had a rather hectic day at the office too. Take a break, why don't you!" interjected Jason, detecting an undercurrent in his children's conversation. Before it could escalate, he decided to put an end to it.

"That seems to be a sound idea. Siblings, you rest! I'll rest as well. Later, we can gather again for dinner, and I'll introduce my wife to you. Kelvin, hopefully, you'll like your aunt," said Riu, again with calm demeanor and a smile.

"Why me?" furrowed Kelvin's brow.

"You're still a bachelor. Who knows, after getting to know your aunt, you might also wish to marry. Your parents are well-settled, and you're of suitable age; it can't hurt to consider marriage?"

"I'll marry because of my own desire, not because I get to know Auntie. How impressive can she be to influence my major decisions?" grumbled Kelvin, indignant at Riu's words that seemed to exalt his wife.

Without waiting for Riu's response, Kelvin abruptly left. Annisa and the others hastily followed suit, including Jason.

Just as Jason was leaving the room, Riu called out to him.

"What is it, Riu?"

"Nothing much. I just wanted to say, I still hold the promise Dad made yesterday."

Jason's body tensed. He began to wonder what might have escaped his knowledge.

Regrettably, the servants had already pushed Riu's wheelchair away, so Jason couldn't inquire further. He could only wait until time revealed the answer itself.

_____

At precisely 7:00 PM, Jason and his descendants gathered at the dining table. The meal was beautifully laid out, but there was still one empty chair—beside Riu.

The faces present wore expressions of annoyance, disgruntled by the prospect of waiting. Especially for Riu's wife, a trivial figure in their eyes.

"Riu, we've been sitting here for five minutes, and your wife isn't here yet. Is this polite? Is this what you call a good woman earlier?" Annisa grumbled, her arms folded across her chest.

"She has arrived," Riu responded.

With the end of that sentence, the faint sound of high heels tapping became audible. Growing louder and closer, it captured the attention of several pairs of eyes now looking in one direction.

To be continued...

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