A Small Fox Merely Growls

Silence. The air may solidify because around them suddenly a burdensome stiffness is present. Dono took a slow sip of his saliva, regretting Alaric's actions in trying to intimidate Aisha since earlier. He wanted to prevent it because his instinct said Aymard had foresight for Dirdja's business. But what can be done? He was just a caregiver with no value in Alaric's eyes. Actually, it could be that Alaric was also considering the issue of future prospects for their collaboration. However, his approach had never been pleasing to Aymard.

"Well, let's just talk openly then." said Alaric.

Aisha remained motionless. She was simply observing Alaric with a clenched jaw. She was indeed irritated by what Alaric said. Especially by his manner of speaking. Perhaps Alaric thought he exuded confidence but Aisha perceived arrogance in every word he uttered.

"As you said, the business jungle is full of foxes in sheep's clothing," Alaric stated firmly.

Aisha sighed, wondering why her earlier anger seemed to dissipate.

"Ah, it seems you've caught on already. So, how about you?" she asked provocatively.

Alaric chuckled softly, restraining himself from scolding as he felt Aisha had crossed the line of being just a personal assistant. Engaging in a straightforward conversation without pleasantries like this was something he usually did to intimidate worthy business adversaries. But he was particularly pleased this afternoon for some reason. It gave him a certain satisfaction to provoke Aisha's emotions so he decided to entertain her. Perhaps he could test her resolve as a PA for an important person whether she could withstand external distractions like intoxicating smiles and paralyzing glances. Something Alaric was known for among women.

"I'm not a civet or fox, Aisha. Neither is Aymard," Alaric stated.

Aisha calmly leaned back in her plush chair. She was maintaining the subtle distance she had established since earlier. It was a decision she was grateful for even though she knew that fostering a good relationship with the Dirdja family could bring future ease. However, Alaric seemed to be personally difficult. He wasn't someone who could be a reliable partner to watch her back. She lifted her cup again to seeking tranquility through the aroma of chamomile flowers in her tea. Her eyes never failed to observe Alaric.

"We are wolves," Alaric asserted.

Not loudly, not harshly, but firmly this time. It was stated in a relaxed manner with undeniable self-confidence. The clinking of his cup being set down created a brief pause, reaffirming his audacity.

"Listen, Aisha. Your Madame has become the most enticing prey. It's common knowledge that anyone who is wealthy and always ready with their own capital will always be targeted. Such a significant equity? I still can't believe your mistress possesses a larger sum than a country."

Aisha smiled faintly, "Hm, people always exaggerate. The important thing is that it's not our side spreading those rumors. But rest assured, Mr. Dirdja. The fixed and moving assets of Madame, when combined with others including her money, surpasses those rumors."

Alaric fell silent, slightly surprised to find Aisha responding calmly. He looked at her more seriously,

"I don't care about the amount. We know it's all just scribbles on paper, hard to be real. What you need to do now is ensure that your Madame doesn't fall foolishly into the traps of the civets."

Aisha narrowed her eyes slightly. She was fully aware that Alaric was trying to confront her. But her voice sounded more like someone relieved to be free from the burden of problems when she spoke,

"So, what you mean is that Madame would be better off letting herself be devoured by the wolves?"

Alaric chuckled softly, "Yes."

"Why?"

"Because at least the wolves don't set traps. They simply chase and pounce." Alaric remarked.

Aisha nodded, feeling a sense of amusement. She knew well that conversations like this would be a part of her daily life, which had become anything but simple over the past two years. She was an ordinary person who suddenly, willingly or not, had to become part of the House of Durlach. Luckily, she was quick to learn and adapt. It didn't take long for her to get used to figures exceeding nine digits in all currencies. Clearly, she could draw conclusions about the kind of world she had entered. Receiving guidance from the most important people of Durlach and their relatives had helped Aisha understand the existing landscape. Dealing with business matters was easy because the corridors were clear. It was nauseating when it came to informal socialization, as it was more exhausting than her main job.

Yes, working a 9-to-5 job was once her main focus in life. Or so she thought when she was still naive.

Initially, becoming a representative of Durlach truly made Aisha anxious. She became even more anxious when she realized that the real works was in socializing. Getting to know each other, sharing stories, common interests, collaborating, and attending charity events were the main agenda to gain trust and credibility.

Convincing people of the qualifications of Durlach that she represented.

As Alaric just mentioned; it's all about maintaining trust. No one wants to deal with you if no one trusts you. It's as simple as that. However, as usual, humans tend to exaggerate everything.

"Ah, Mr. Dirdja, you're very open. Are you saying there are wolves chasing after Madame?"

Alaric flashed his captivating smile. Aisha blinked repeatedly and held back a smile.

"I'm just Mrs. PA, Mr. Dirdja."

Alaric raised an eyebrow, pursed his lips, and then spoke softly,

"But Aymard believes you're not just an ordinary PA. He still suspects that you are AR herself."

Aisha widened her eyes and let out a hearty laugh. Her shoulders shook slightly as she remembered Aymard is strolling around with his son. Ever since their encounter at the VIP Lounge in Soekarno-Hatta Airport a few days ago, ever since she read the business card of Aymard Romain Dirdja, Aisha had immediately vigilant. She didn't believe that the presence of the Dirdja siblings was a random coincidence with a touch of fate. The notion of coincidence crossed her mind, but in the end, it wasn't the kind of coincidence that just happens. People like them are always bound by grand plans.

Aisha didn't consider Aymard's willingness to accompany his eldest son, who was behaving like a typical tourist in New York City, as genuine. Considering Aymard's attributes, considering her own attributes, true sincerity was a distant fact. If there was any true sincerity, it belonged solely to Rahman. The child who didn't understand the empty promise of a free lunch. Unfortunately, Rahman was too stubborn to grasp Aisha's subtle rejection of Aymard's offer from the beginning. Meanwhile, Aymard, Aisha assessed, was indeed willful with his plans. Aisha only saw Aymard's kindness as the initial step of his business plan for AR.

"I suggest you inform your Lady leader to place us first in the introductory dinner," Alaric said.

Aisha tilted her head slightly. "Is that so?"

"Yes. A warm family introduction will make it easier to establish understanding," Alaric replied.

Aisha nodded in agreement. In Alaric's gaze, she briefly flashed a cynical smile. It was a momentary jab to surprise him. A subtle signal to let Alaric know that she was not easily intimidated. Her hands that turning the cup, caught his attention. There was a suppressed emotion that could be sensed. Her slender fingers tightly gripped the cup, concealing the trembling. Alaric glanced, once again looking intently at Aisha who now appeared uncomfortable.

"Does it? Must it be like that, Mr. Dirdja?"

Alaric leaned back when flashing another smile. It was the kind of smile that could captivate anyone. Perfect. Women regarded it as a smile that could make them faint while business opponents saw it as a terrifying smirk. It was Alaric's symbol of self-assurance as his superiority.

"Are you not aware, Aisha? Your Madame is very open. Surely you wouldn't want her to be attacked by the civets without any defense, would you?"

Aisha leaned forward and sitting upright. Her fingers intertwined in front of her face while her elbow pressed against the table.

"Oh, when it comes to that matter, I am well aware, Mr. Alaric."

Alaric also leaned forward to be getting closer to the table.

"That's why you must tell her that she needs an ally from the beginning. After all, your Lady is a newcomer to the jungle." said Alaric.

"Oh really? But why should it be the Dirdjas?"

Alaric smiled as a corner of his lips moving upward. A small, sweet smirk he directed at Aisha, accompanied by a triumphant glance.

"Because we are one of the strongest wolves in this jungle. Born to the one of old-respected pack. There has always been someone from our family serving as the Advisor to the President in each generation."

*****