Subtle Yet Who Feels Offended

Alaric stared sharply at Jaya Emyr who had just confronted him with a stern warning not to create any problems involving Aisha. He had initially thought that he successfully coaxed Aymard into sharing his feelings. But now he heard Jaya Emyr dismissing any concerns about Aymard's connection with Aisha.

"Clearly, don't let your involvement with Aymard and Aisha disrupt Super Kontruksi," Jaya Emyr asserted firmly.

Alaric remained composed, trying not to flinch under Jaya Emyr's intense gaze,

"I'm not blaming you for following Aymard's infatuation with Aisha. You've always admired Aymard, so it's not surprising that your taste isn't far from his. But, once again, remember not to mess things up!" Jaya Emyr added.

Alaric snorted, while Jaya Emyr's smile was a bit too wide. Both were suppressing their irritation, each grappling with their own concerns. Alaric about Aisha that night, and Jaya Emyr about Aisha potentially jeopardizing the Super Kontruksi project and draining their emotions.

"Damn it! It's too common, idiot! Siblings falling in love with the same woman!" Jaya Emyr grumbled, slightly emotional.

"Is Mardi really in love? Aisha looks delicious, though. But it's too complicated, right?" Alaric retorted, attempting to deflect the accusation.

Jaya Emyr squinted, "If that kind of statement comes out of your mouth next time, you better watch out!"

Alaric sneered, "Why? I'm stating facts," he muttered, reaching for his phone.

In truth, Alaric had just felt a twinge of fear, as he spoke without much consideration. Stirring up trouble with Jaya Emyr was never on his agenda. He had learned a lesson from Aymard's unintentional actions in the past. Luckily, he had grown wiser now, following Aymard's lead; not to easily display the emotions he was feeling in order not to be easily intimidated.

"Facts are facts, but don't talk about it like that in front of me, especially since I'm supposed to be her guardian!" Jaya Emyr exclaimed.

Alaric laughed cynically and opening the carefully cautious RSVP notifications that had been coming in lately. Jaya Emyr seemed not too interested, only glancing at it briefly before approaching his assistant.

Today. AM 09:32__________ Decisive. That's how South Korea is. The Hanjin demurrage case has become an International Commission affair, even though it's clear that they've gone bankrupt. Indonesian exporters and importers have collapsed due to Hanjin's bankruptcy. Korean Air Lines' injection of funds can only cover existing debts, but not the redemption of demurrage charges at all ports around the world. Not to mention the value of each shipment. It has also affected Samsung. Billions of dollars in losses due to pending products floating at the borders of ports worldwide. The chaos currently happening there has undoubtedly added to the breathlessness of local importers and exporters. We can only wait for the bankruptcy records related to Hanjin. A little intriguing, whether K-Pop entertainment souvenirs could be enough to erase the increasing nine-digit dollar losses every day? Employees laid off around the world with severance pay hanging in the balance! _______________________________

Samsung facing the failure of the series 7, twice incurring losses due to cargo being held at ports and product recalls. Sabotage? Apple is also not spared from problems, facing tax sanctions related to their presence in Cork, Ireland. The issue is about a deal with the Irish government to reduce corporate taxes to the lowest point. The European Union is tough, ready to punish members who play rough in terms of trade wars. ____________________________

Hot Gossip, related to Kilian Hennessy. The successor of the Moët Chandon & Hennessy wine house, a prominent name as heir and part of the LVMH lifestyle corporation: Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy. The founder of the 'by Kilian' perfume house is rumoured to be crafting a special fragrance upon request from someone from Indonesia. Just hope it's not AR's name that comes up again. Tired of that. ______________________________________________

But, even though we're tired of it, it's been two years and AR's identity hasn't been revealed yet. We accidentally received a leak of his schedule, that he will attend the Snow Polo event in St. Moritz next February. Switzerland! Unfortunately, only invitations can attend. But let's see, who knows, maybe we can sneak into this charity tournament in November. There's a private Winter Polo event held early in the Russian winter, which is annoying. Who wants to freeze in the snow or drizzle just to find out AR's true identity? _________________________

Alaric fell silent. The Winter Polo event, for which he even pleaded Magdeléne to grant him the privilege of attending. How could Alaric forget such an important matter? It was a charity match likely to be attended by top Russian officials and successful Russian-blooded entrepreneurs from all over the world. By now, Alaric should have been busy preparing himself and ensuring that Sir Martin Ingmar understood the fabricated reasons provided by Magdeléne, while also requesting permission to bring Shafina.

Should have been.

But in reality, Alaric now felt quite rude for having forced Magdeléne and sending an official letter to the Durlach family confirming his invitation to Shafina. He glanced at Jaya Emyr, who was engaged in a serious conversation with Rukman, his assistant. Slowly, he called for Dono.

"Has the letter to Sir Martin Ingmar been sent?" Alaric asked.

Dono furrowed his brow and tilted his head slightly, clearly deep in thought. This made Alaric sigh and speak very softly,

"That one!" he said, exasperated, with his eyes almost popping out.

Dono paused to think again, then nodded in understanding,

"Yes, yes. Since last month. In the finest envelope and sealed with your golden monogram," he explained.

Alaric sighed, "Damn."

Dono looked puzzled, genuinely surprised, "Why, Boss?"

Alaric shook his head, but then whispered, "I thought that wasn't a classy move at all."

Dono chuckled softly, "Indeed," he quipped with a hint of sarcasm.

Alaric clicked his tongue and shot him an annoyed look, waving his arm to shoo him away. Jaya Emyr approached with a furrowed brow,

"Any idea how to solve this? Classic, citizens who consider this their ancestral land versus the state that grants ownership to one of the dragons."

Alaric raised an eyebrow, "Shh! Which one?"

Jaya Emyr flashed a cunning smile now, and Alaric frowned before turning to Dono, who looked puzzled and shook his head in confusion.

"One of Dirdja's relatives.

Instantly, Alaric swallowed hard. If they were referring to his other uncle from his grandmother Dirdja's side, who had been divorced since the time of the founding fathers and often ended up in prison, Alaric threw his hands up.

"That, eh, that's would be better to delegates it to Aymard." he said quickly.

Jaya Emyr burst into laughter, "Pathetic," he mocked.

Alaric squinted in response, not intending to deny Jaya Emyr's comment. Unlike usual. Dono, understandably taken aback, but understanding who Alaric was dealing with, felt his heart snarkily chiding Alaric for being typical. Always he only daring to be arrogant in front of those who were greatly defeated was. If he truly excelled, he dares to be arrogant in front of someone like Jaya Emyr as well.

"Aymard seems busy, accompanying Aisha so she doesn't catch a cold next week," Jaya Emyr continued.

Alaric glanced, "Next week?"

"Tseleevo. Moscow Oblast. Early winter polo."

Alaric raised an eyebrow, "RSVP said February."

"That's the international tournament series, Burik! This one is charity. Polo for fun and a showcase of stamina. The weather there is brutal."

"Have you been invited before?" Alaric asked with a dry throat.

Jaya Emyr's laughter was followed by a dismissive smile that annoyed Alaric,

"A few times. When Derrick Alexey asked me to accompany him. You haven't forgotten that CorporatE's leader was descendant of a Russian 'former-people', right?"

Alaric fell silent, looking at Jaya Emyr, realizing that he had never really known the heir of CorporatE.

"Aymard said you insisted on joining. Impolite, but, yes, I'm not wronged you. Are you curious about meeting the President?" Jaya Emyr teased.

Alaric scowled, feeling both annoyed and intimidated.

"But, Burik, I think I should invite you and Mad to see the Polo in the Desert of Abu Dhabi. So, you don't look too uncivilized. Keep this promise of mine."

"Damn you, Jaya!"

Jaya Emyr simply chuckled for a moment until suddenly his face turned serious again. He said,

"Anyway, arrange it. Stop always seeking Mad out when there are complicated matters or things that don't make you happy."

Alaric leaned back lazily, "Damn you. It's not fair, okay! Just in case you and Aymard are friends, you let Aymard dates Aisha while there are crucial matters like this."

Alaric glanced at Jaya Emyr from the corner of his eye, hoping his retort would make Jaya Emyr less annoying. But apparently, Alaric was wrong. Jaya Emyr turned to face him and flashed a wide smile.

"Not really, Burik. Don't be jealous like that lah! It's a once-in-a-while thing. Mad has been working hard all this time, right? Taking some leisure time and letting you take over responsibilities is actually quite good. It can make your personal portfolio shine even more. Or simply put, it's just a turn for you to be busy. It's fair if you think about it, right, Dono?"

Jaya Emyr said, putting Dono on the spot, who was surprised by the sudden question.

"Eh? What?" Dono stammered.

Jaya Emyr chuckled, "For once, let your boss works hard and covers for Aymard who wants a break."

"Oh, yes. That's a good suggestion, Mr. Jaya," Dono replied.

Alaric turned to Dono and tossed him a piece of paper, "Whose assistant are you really?"

Dono tried to make excuses while wincing. While Jaya Emyr laughed contentedly. Even Rukman couldn't hold back a suppressed smile as Alaric continued to scold Dono.

Perhaps Alaric tried to maintain a poker face earlier when Jaya Emyr mentioned Aymard going on a date with Aisha. But his excessive behaviour during the prolonged scolding of Dono clearly showed to anyone. In his heart, Alaric cursed with all the profanity he knew. Realizing that Jaya Emyr deliberately provoked him to open up. He wanted Alaric to talk about his feelings towards Aisha or even the complicated issues with Aymard. If he were honest, at this moment, Alaric wanted to scream that he didn't like hearing about Aisha being with Aymard at all. Perhaps it was jealousy. Damn, it felt like he was about to get hit by a ladder. He fell in love with Aisha out of the blue, only to be accused by Jaya Emyr of just falling under Aymard's emotional influence. Being accused of seeing Aisha through Aymard's eyes.

Admittedly, Jaya Emyr had become an incredibly annoying friend this afternoon.

*****