“A woman in a ck zer suit gracefully walks along the corridor of the Alpha Beta Corporation building. Everyone even bows in respect as they identally cross paths with her.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    She glides freely towards a room located on the 15th floor. Upon arrival, a secretary waiting outside politely guides her to enter the CEO’s office.


    Inside, two men are deeply engrossed in a serious discussion. They initially don’t even notice the arrival of another figure in the room until the woman speaks up.


    “It’s been so long since we met, honey,” she greets the men with a smile.


    Nichs and Edward, who were engrossed in their conversation, suddenly turn and disy equally surprised expressions. Momentster, they both stand up to greet her.


    “Mama…” Nichs addresses the woman, who turns out to be Cassandra, his own mother.


    “Yes, it’s me, Mama. Why are you always surprised when Mama visits?” Cassandra chuckles and takes a step to sit on the guest sofa on the left side of the room. Nichs and Edward follow suit and take their seats.


    “Of course, I’m surprised, Mama alwayses without prior notice,” Nichs replies. “Besides, why are you in Indonesia?” he continues.


    Cassandra looks at Nichs.


    “Your father is on a business trip to Thand for a few days. That’s why Mama thought it wouldn’t hurt toe and see you for a while. Especially since Kenzie informed me that there’s a problem. Unfortunately, she didn’t provide clear details about the issue you’re facing now.”


    Nichs takes a deep breath. He’s unsure how to exin the current situation. It’s predictable that Cassandra would be angry if she found out he and Kimberly were no longer together.


    “Nick, why are you silent?” Cassandra asks. “Oh, by the way, where’s Kimberly? I haven’t seen her at all. Even the secretary outside your office seems to be new.”


    Oh my.


    What should I say to Mama this time?


    I’m sure there will be World War III if Mama finds out Kimberly and I have broken up.


    Nichs takes a deep breath. He prepares himself for whatever maye. Sooner orter, he’ll have to tell Cassandra everything.


    “Kimberly and I are over, Aunt. She left a few weeks ago. That fool caused so much trouble that Kimberly couldn’t take it anymore,” Edward, who had been silent until now, suddenly responds casually and seemingly without guilt. Meanwhile, Nichs gives him a sharp look. You’re in trouble now, Nick.


    Cassandra res angrily at Nichs. She’s ready to ask her son a barrage of questions but refrains, as Nichs speaks up first to exin.


    “I can exin everything, Ma.” Nichs exhales slowly and tries to calm Cassandra to prevent her from getting too emotional.


    “As you heard from Edward, Kimberly has indeed left me. She even returned her engagement ring. It’s all my fault. If only I hadn’t used her of things, maybe she wouldn’t have left,” Nichs then exins the chronology of him sending someone to follow Kimberly, her illness, and the Arthur Rayder issue.


    Cassandra massages her throbbing temples after hearing her son’s exnation. She tries to contain her emotions by taking several deep breaths. She continues to strive to remain asposed as possible, even though she could have easily scolded Nichs to vent her frustration.


    “Does this mean your engagement has failed again?” Cassandra narrows her eyes.


    Nichs nods resignedly. “I’m sorry, Ma. I’m sorry if I disappointed you again.” Nichs hangs his head.


    “Oh, my goodness!” Cassandra shakes her head in disbelief at what she hears. “You truly embarrass your father and me, Nick. What will our extended family say if you fail again this time?” Cassandra’s voice rises, echoing throughout the room.


    “I’ve been trying to find and meet Kimberly, Ma. But Arthur Rayder is so strict in guarding her. I’m really at a loss for what to do,” Nichs looks hopeless.


    After meeting Kimberly for thest time at the hospital, Nichs continued to ask the detective he had hired for more information on Kimberly’s health and condition at the hospital. However, expectations sometimes don’t match reality in the field. Nichs’s emissary couldn’t prate the defenses that Arthur had built around Kimberly. In this situation, what else can he do to meet and talk to Kimberly?


    Cassandra sighs deeply once again.


    “Mama knows who Arthur Rayder is. That old man is indeed arrogant and notoriously difficult to work with. But Mama is sure there must be a way to melt his heart. And that’s what you have to do,” she says firmly.


    Nichs falls silent. Who else can he ask for help now? Who can help him melt Arthur’s heart and apologize to Kimberly? Who?


    “Mama doesn’t care, Nick. You must marry Kimberly. Mama will give you one month to win back that woman’s heart. If you can’t convince Kimberly to be your wife within that time frame, Mama will make sure you go back to London and marry the woman Mama chooses. Don’t expect to return to Indonesia after that.” This time, Cassandra’s words sound firm and not to be taken lightly.


    “But, Ma-”


    Cassandra immediately raised her hand, signaling that she didn’t want to talk anymore. She chose to get up and leave Nichs’s office without saying a word.


    You’re in trouble now, Nick. Your fate is hanging by a thread.