Dave stood in front of the large mirror propped upright in the corner of his room, letting out a long breath as he studied his own reflection. The figure staring back at him looked so different from the usual Dave, sharper, more mature, and more commanding.He looked impeccably put together tonight. His black shirt was intentionally left with one button undone at the top, giving off a relaxed yet elegant impression, layered beneath a dark gray suit with a perfect cut that followed the lines of his body with high precision.The dress trousers he wore matched the suit's color, creating a visual harmony that was pleasing to the eye. Black leather shoes on his feet, polished until they gleamed like a mirror.Finally, Dave fastened a luxury watch to his left wrist, a limited edition Patek Philippe given to him by Mr. Ramirez, valued at billions of rupiah. Its presence added a final touch to Dave's appearance tonight, the impression of a conglomerate heir who could not be taken lightly.Dav

Dave came down the stairs with a lighter step than usual, wearing a neat dark gray suit, a perfectly buttoned white shirt, a blue tie knotted with precise care. His appearance was flawless, ready for work as always, like a young director who was professional and commanding.He then walked toward the dining room, his strides steady, the sound of leather shoes tapping the marble floor creating a rhythmic beat. Dave was certain Maximus would already be waiting there, knowing his older brother's habit of having breakfast right on time every morning.And sure enough, the moment Dave arrived at the dining room, Maximus was already seated at the far end of the long table with a cup of black coffee in his hand, reading the morning business newspaper while occasionally taking a sip.Dave pulled out one of the empty chairs beside Maximus, sat down in a comfortable position, and crossed his right leg over his left.Maximus glanced over, then nearly choked on the coffee he had just sipped."You?

Dave followed behind Mac, who moved with nimble speed, feet hopping quickly over the wet ground, avoiding roots that jutted out from the soil, weaving between the dense plants.Mac led them to a small stretch of garden that looked remarkably fresh, various kinds of vegetables growing lush and healthy there. There were bright red tomatoes, fresh green chilies, large purple eggplants, thick leafy water spinach, and many other plants that had been tended with care despite the simple conditions.At the far end of the garden, there was an area covered with thick creeping vines spreading across the ground. Mac stopped there, then crouched down, scraping away the vines with both hands, pushing aside the leaves and stems that were covering something beneath.Then, with all his strength, Mac heaved open a large wooden door hidden under the creeping plants. It was heavy, Mac let out a grunt as he lifted it."Please, Sir! Quickly, we need to hide down below right away!" Mac said in a rush, his v

selena was still sitting on the cold marble floor, her body trembling, tears still streaming down her pale cheeks. Dave's back as he walked away toward the elevator felt like a final door closing on her."Prepare to sink with him."Dave's words kept spinning in her head, like a curse that couldn't be erased.Selena lifted her face, watching Dave's back as he grew more distant. Her mouth opened, wanting to scream, wanting to call out, wanting to beg Dave to come back.But no sound came out.Her throat had seized shut, as if invisible hands were choking her, sealing her mouth, forbidding her to speak.I have to choose. Right now.Her thoughts were spinning at an overwhelming pace, too fast, leaving her dizzy.Betray Father, or sink with the family.But then, an image of Mr. Warles's face rose in her mind. Her father's harsh face, cold, a face that had never truly loved her. A father who only ever saw her as a tool, a tool to marry a wealthy man, a tool to expand the Warles family's powe