Agatha waited anxiously, as did Robby, who had to appear busy, but he knew his mind was preoccupied, waiting for the latest updates that Leonel or Chris could provide. In front of him was a stock movement index that he owned, including those of Mountain Pte, distributed to external individuals or interested parties. He monitored it almost every minute because the ups and downs made Robby's heart uneasy.
Since morning, Robby had also met many clients questioning Leonel's credibility. Only a few asked about the scandal with Ester. Perhaps it was a common thing in the eyes of business people to be tempted by other women, but it would be unfortunate if the news turned out to be true. In their eyes, Leonel and Chloe were the perfect couple.
Moreover, Chloe's current condition was not something she desired, right? It felt unfair if Leonel acted as reported in the mass media. Another thing that made them lessen their judgment of Leonel was his violent behavior. However, in the widely spread news, Chloe appeared normal, like conversations between other business partners. It was something they often experienced, so why did Leonel have to resort to violence?
Most of them deeply regretted Leonel's behavior. They said, "Being jealous of one's wife is not an issue, Mr. Robby. But there's no need to be aggressive towards others. Where is the Leonel I used to know?"
Perhaps this was the first time Leonel had behaved like this. Many of the good qualities in Leonel vanished and disappeared because of that act of violence. They evaluated him based on one aspect without considering the overall picture because they were being led to agree with the spread news. Even Robby, who expressed his opinion about the assault, still couldn't influence their thinking, as the information had already swayed them.
That made Robby press various parties, especially the media, that spread rumors about Leonel. He wanted to know their intentions. Unfortunately, it wasn't an easy task. Somehow, several people Robby trusted to investigate this news were hindered. It hadn't even been 24 hours since the news broke, yet it had already caused turmoil in Mountain Pte's stocks.
His secretary had sent several emails notifying him that the other members of the board of directors wanted a large meeting to discuss this issue. Robby couldn't grant it yet because he was waiting for news that could be truly trusted. Information that could reverse their situation to its original state. Then they could retaliate against their opponents who were freely spreading rumors while Mountain Pte was undergoing significant expansion this year, precisely at the age of Mountain, which had just been celebrated last night.
Chris said everything seemed well-organized, preventing them from making many moves except to wait, as they needed to be unraveled individually. It seemed like the news was waiting for the right moment to be launched, and once it found an opportunity, like a powerful explosion that could create cracks in Mountain's foundation.
That's why Robby wanted to know the meaning behind all of this. There would be no mercy if he found out the mastermind behind it all. The first thing Robby would do was clear his son's name. Although Leonel had often made him anxious with his sometimes uncontrollable behavior, he was still his beloved only son. The one who would inherit all that he had built with great effort. He couldn't accept if his son had to go through unfortunate things just because of a scandal.
"Has Chris called Papa?" Agatha asked, even though she knew exactly what the answer would be; a slow shake of the head. "Why did it take so long to meet Layson Group?"
"Patience, Mom. All we can do now is wait. There's nothing we can do now because we're already in a state where we shouldn't take actions that could further prolong the crisis."
Agatha nodded slowly, agreeing with her husband's words. She sat back on the sofa in her husband's office, leaning her tired about it. She pondered for a moment on what else she could do. "I'll just go home, Pa." Agatha suddenly remembered Chloe's situation. "Mom is worried about Chloe, Pa."
"Yes, it's best if Mom accompanies Chloe. Chris and Leonel are here to accompany Papa, anyway."
"Hopefully, no one will mention what is happening to Chloe."
"Let's hope so," Robby also wished for that. "But, Mom, I suddenly thought, what if Chloe insists on getting a divorce?"
Agatha paused as she had been ready to grab her bag from the table but now decided against it. She sat back on the sofa to listen and reconsider her husband's words. "I haven't thought in that direction, Pa."
"Chloe doesn't know anything about what's happening with Leonel and Mountain, right?"
Agatha nodded softly, confirming her husband's statement.
"But she insists on asking for a divorce without knowing that this heated news could serve as strong evidence if something did happen between Leonel and Ester, Ma. Everyone who doubts this news, those who still have some trust in Leonel, hopes that this news is not true. Parties are trying to take advantage of this petty news. They add a lot of spice to it and target Chloe and Leonel's situation."
"I also thought the same way, Pa, but I'm not entirely sure because I feel like all of this is definitely because of Ester. A model with a journalist can't be easily dismissed, right?" Agatha grumbled disapprovingly. Her hands were folded in front of her chest. "I hate Ester, Pa. Everything Leonel does to Chloe starts with that woman."
Robby let out a heavy sigh, massaging his temples with a somewhat dramatic gesture. "We can't entirely blame Ester. Five years is not a short time for Leonel to think, but our son is too foolish and blind. He can't see anything about Chloe, and now, everything seems to have turned against him."
"But still, Mama doesn't like Ester."
"And now, if Chloe asks for a divorce, then everything we've been trying to find out, to clear the name that was tarnished, will be in vain."
"So what should we do, Pa? Mama can't hold back Chloe's desire for this."
Robby sighed in frustration once again. "Should we inform them about the current situation?"
"Ask for Chloe's mercy a little? Maybe their relationship can be repaired?"
"Papa hopes so, Ma. Whatever we can do to calm down this strange news, especially regarding Chloe and Leonel's relationship, we should do it. Let the public know that their relationship is fine. At least if Chloe insists, wait until six months after this news subsides."
Agatha seemed to be thinking, but she eventually agreed with what her husband said. "I'll try talking to Chloe."
"Without Chloe's help, we can't move anywhere, and it could destroy Grisham. Chloe is a broad-minded woman. Papa knows that. Papa knows we shouldn't discuss this, but what else can we do? It seems like this is the only way."
***
Peni smiled brightly. Chloe had finished the porridge she had prepared for this afternoon's meal. She ate slowly and still showed signs of pain on her face, but she tried her best to eat. She said, "If I don't eat, I won't be able to take my medicine. I won't recover quickly, Peni."
That was true. Fortunately, Peni didn't have to persuade her too much. As long as Peni accompanied Chloe during her treatment, her emotions were well controlled. Initially, Peni felt exhausted by Chloe's anger, but it turned out that the anger stemmed from a long-held heartache.
Peni tried to balance it out, and it worked. Peni no longer felt worried but was happy to accompany Chloe, who had a sincere and kind heart.
"Yes, Miss. Hopefully, your gastric acid will calm down by tomorrow. I'll remember that you can't skip meals. I apologize for my carelessness."
"Huh?" Chloe laughed. "Why are you apologizing? It's not your fault. I didn't care for myself even though Rossa offered me food."
Peni looked closely at her employer because, for some reason, a sense of sadness appeared on her face. Even though they had talked about pleasant things during their meal earlier, why did it suddenly change? Peni tried to recall that they didn't discuss last night's party, as she wanted to know, not to interfere. But she wondered about Chloe's condition while being with Leonel. Was her male employer mistreating Chloe? Or were there other bad things haunting Peni's thoughts?
But she didn't dare to voice any of that. She observed every visible part of Chloe's body. Were there bruises, scratches, or signs of being punched? Luckily, none of that was present. Peni was grateful to know that. Although there were still questions in her heart, at least her suspicion of Leonel mistreating her employer didn't seem to be true. If that were to happen, Peni would be disappointed with her boss.
"Maybe it's because I'm angry with myself and the situation that I've been overthinking," Chloe said softly. "That's why the illness I haven't felt for a long time has resurfaced."
Peni gently rubbed Chloe's back and hand, afraid that her touch might startle her employer and elicit a disapproving expression for daring to act this way. But luckily, that didn't happen. Chloe's eyes met Peni's directly.
"Thank you for caring for me, Peni," she said.
"Don't be like that, Miss," Peni looked displeased when Chloe spoke in such a manner. "I must take care of and protect you. I feel sad when you're in pain like earlier."
Chloe smiled sincerely. "For my life right now, you mean a lot. I'm grateful to have you by my side."
Peni couldn't help but smile in return. "Let me take these plates to the kitchen first, Miss."
Just as she said that a knock on Chloe's bedroom door could be heard; Peni hurriedly made her way to the door to open it. "Miss," she greeted the visitor warmly as she saw who it was this afternoon.
"How's Chloe doing?" Agatha asked with a wide smile. She trusted the patient assistant by Chloe's side. Last night, Agatha had been troubled several times because her daughter-in-law went out with Leonel. When asked why she was so impatient, Peni said, "I'm worried about Miss Chloe, Ma. I'm afraid something bad might happen to her."
So she always entrusted Chloe to be with Peni. Including any reports she requested from Peni; nothing was ever concealed. Everything was honestly communicated.
"Thank God, she's much better now. Chloe just finished eating her porridge. She can't overeat, right, Ma? The important thing is to have some food in her stomach."
"You're right," Agatha gently patted Peni's shoulder. "Thank you for taking care of my daughter-in-law so well."
"It's my duty, Mrs. Agatha." Peni smiled, then continued, "Excuse me for a moment, Mrs. Would you like me to make some jasmine tea? It seems Rossa made some low-sugar cookies earlier."
"Sure. Thank you, Pen."
Agatha let the servant leave. Chloe's bedroom door was closed once again. Even though she was used to being around this room, she accompanied Chloe to pass the time because her daughter-in-law's room was quite spacious. The balcony in this room was the same. Enjoying the sunset together on the patio sometimes became their favorite time. But now, because the purpose was not just small talk, she needed to prepare herself mentally.
What was Agatha Theodore's slightest wish? To see her friend's daughter, Grita Anastasia Kenanga, happy with her son. Since they were children, the two had often discussed the possibility of an arranged marriage. She dreamed of spending much time with grandchildren running around making noise. Although, in reality, those were just sweet memories that Agatha could cherish.
Grita had left her first. Making Agatha promise to take care of her only daughter, Chloe Delilah. But what was apparent now was that her son kept making Chloe sad. And now, just as her heart was starting to understand that perhaps love couldn't be forced, Chloe's happiness was waiting outside, faltering.
It felt somewhat selfish to ask Chloe for understanding, but what could be said when this was for the greater good of everyone? If they didn't do this, Chloe would also be affected. The journalists wouldn't hesitate to chase after her and dig up stories. They might even delve into the rarely touched aspects of the Grisham family.
"Mama?" Chloe called out cheerfully. "It's unusual for you to come home in the afternoon?" She started to get up from her chair with its soft cushion.
"Oh, no need to get up. Mama's already here," Agatha hurriedly touched Chloe's back. She smiled while tidying her daughter-in-law's hair. Chloe's radiance was evident in her eyes. "Peni said you're much better now?"
"Yes."
"Thank goodness," Agatha sighed with relief.
Chloe smiled widely. Then they had many conversations about ordinary topics. It was mostly filled with things happening in the house, just small talk before Agatha brought up the main issue now.
"Oh, dear, Mama wants to talk, but with a request."
"A request?" Chloe asked without a hint of suspicion. "What kind of request, Mom?"
"Regarding your divorce. Can Mama ask for it to be postponed? Or at least give Leonel a chance?"
Chloe blinked in confusion. It felt like a sudden tightness in her chest, affecting her breathing. "I don't understand what you mean, Mom."
"Cancel your divorce. Give Leonel a chance to change, dear."
Chloe fell silent.
"Please, dear, Mama's begging you."