Chapter 38

Chapter 38
Adrian’s grip tightened on Elara’s shoulder, a touch that was no longer purely a threat but now an unconscious gesture of protection. The cold night air that had seeped into their bones felt twofold with the bad news Adrian had just received. The black car in the distance had disappeared, swallowed by the darkness, leaving behind a lingering trace of menace, a bitter promise of what was to come.
"He knows we're here," Adrian whispered, his voice heavy, his eyes scanning the gaping darkness. "And he's not intimidated at all."
Elara looked up, her eyes meeting Adrian's, which held a mix of anger and concern. She could feel her heart still pounding in her chest. "What did he say?" she asked, her voice low but insistent.
Adrian didn't answer right away. He pulled Elara closer, urging her back into the car. As soon as the door closed and the engine was started, the warmth of the AC began to drive out the cold, but the atmosphere inside the cabin remained frozen. Adrian showed his phone screen to Elara.
"A good hit, Adrian. But this is just the beginning. I have more cards in my hand to destroy you both."
Elara read the message, her lips thinning. Tension seeped through every word. "You both," she repeated softly, looking at Adrian. "He's not just targeting you, Adrian. He's threatening both of us, our project."
Adrian nodded, his jaw hardening. "He's playing dirty. I expected it. But this message... this is an open declaration of war. He knows we know, and he wants us to know that he has more ammunition."
"More cards?" Elara leaned her head against the seat, closing her eyes for a moment. Thoughts raced through her mind. "What else could he do? He tried to sabotage the fabric shipment. What's bigger than that?"
Adrian started the car, slowly pulling away from the quiet toll intersection. The dim streetlights were beginning to be replaced by the first hint of dawn's light. "Plenty. It could be leaking confidential company information, spreading false rumors in the media, or even something more personal. We can't underestimate a desperate man, Elara. Especially if he feels his rights have been usurped."
"He's your cousin," Elara reminded him, opening her eyes. There was a note of concern in her voice. "How can someone be so resentful?"
"Resentment and greed are a dangerous combination," Adrian replied flatly, his eyes focused on the road. "Damar has always felt the Mahesa Group should be his. He saw Eyang favor me, and now he sees Eyang's will as a way to take it back again. He will do anything to see us fail, so the company falls into his hands."
"So, we have to anticipate the next attack?" Elara bit her lower lip, thinking hard. "How can we do that? We don't know where he will strike from."
"We will tighten security across all lines," Adrian explained, his voice returning to a strategic CEO mode. "I've already instructed Baskara to review all security protocols, both physical and digital. We also need to monitor social media and news portals. And most importantly, we have to move faster with this project."
Elara looked at Adrian, her forehead creased. "You mean, we have to speed up the launch of 'Karya Adiluhung'?"
"If we show that we are solid, that this project is running well and has public support, it will make it difficult for him to attack," Adrian said. "A strong, fast-sailing ship is harder to shake than one at anchor."
Silence fell over them again, but this time it wasn't the awkward silence from before. It was now filled with tension and strategy swirling in both their minds. The sun began to peek from behind the eastern horizon, painting the sky with gradients of orange and purple. Adrian drove Elara home first, and they agreed to meet again at the Mahesa office after Elara had a short rest and recovered.
At ten in the morning, Adrian and Elara sat in the spacious Mahesa Group meeting room, surrounded by whiteboards full of sketches and diagrams. Baskara and Rina were also present, their faces showing fatigue but their eyes still sharp. The aroma of hot coffee and fresh pastries filled the room, attempting to combat the lingering tension from the night before, creating a strange contrast with the serious atmosphere.
"Damar is getting bolder," Rina began, holding her tablet. "He won't give up after a small failure. In fact, this might only make him more motivated."
"That's why we have to be more vigilant," Adrian interjected, pointing to a dress sketch on the whiteboard. "The 'Karya Adiluhung' project is our best shield. We have to finish it as quickly as possible and make it as successful as possible."
"But without compromising on quality," Elara added. "The public will know instantly if we rush. Damar will use that to attack."
"Of course," Adrian agreed, looking at Elara. There was a flicker of respect in his eyes. "Quality is the signature of Mahesa, and also Kencana. We must show that our collaboration is not only fast but also produces the best."
Baskara nodded. "The IT team has started auditing all systems, Mr. Adrian. We are also increasing physical security at all warehouses. But as you said, Mr. Adrian, Damar has 'more cards.' We have to expect the unexpected."
"Such as?" Elara asked, leaning forward, fully focused.
"Reputation attacks," Adrian answered, his voice calm but with a cruel edge. "Damar could hire the media to spread fake news about our financial performance, or even about our personal integrity."
"That's dirty," Rina grumbled. "But not impossible."
"Because of that, Elara and I will focus fully on the creative and production process," Adrian continued, looking at Elara. "We have to show the public that we are a solid team that cannot be shaken by cheap intrigues. We must appear as one voice, one vision. There is no room for doubt in the eyes of the board of directors or the media."
Elara felt Adrian's deep gaze, and she knew what he meant. No more animosity, no more ego clashes. At least, not in public. However, between them, the tension remained, no longer because of hatred, but because of a new fire that had just started to burn, heating the air between them.
"Alright, so what's our plan going forward?" Elara shifted one of the design sketches. "I have some ideas for the core collection. Focus on Mahesa's classic silhouettes, but with Kencana's modern and bold touches. Like... an elegant evening gown, but with asymmetrical hand-embroidered accents and unexpected colors."
Adrian took a marker, approaching the board. "Good idea. We can use Mahesa's signature precision draping technique for the main structure, and let Kencana Mode play with textures and details on the outer layers. What about the color palette? We've agreed to use rich earth tones, but how do we keep it looking fresh?"
"We could add metallic silver or copper gold accents in some parts," Rina suggested, her eyes scanning the designs. "Giving a futuristic yet luxurious impression."
"Or gems," Elara added, her eyes sparkling, her imagination soaring. "Small gemstones sewn by hand in certain sections, catching the light. That will give an exclusive and artistic impression."
Adrian turned to Elara, a faint smile on his lips. "Gems... I like that. Very Kencana Mode. But we need to make sure it doesn't disrupt the silhouette. What if we focus on a single point, like at the neckline or cuffs?"
"Or on the back of the dress," Elara countered, stepping closer to the board, her fingers tracing the sketch lines. She was willing to take a risk. "An open back, with an arrangement of gems flowing like a waterfall."
Adrian leaned in, looking more closely at the spot Elara pointed to. The faint, sweet scent of Elara's perfume, mixed with the smell of coffee, tickled his senses. The distance between them was so close, Adrian's breath felt warm against Elara's ear.
"Interesting," Adrian whispered, his voice lower than usual, a vibration that only the two of them could feel. "That would turn a classic gown into an unforgettable statement."
Rina and Baskara exchanged glances, a slight smile appearing on their faces. The romantic tension in the room was almost palpable. It was no longer a cold war, but as if two strong magnetic poles were now pulling each other, creating invisible sparks.
"What about the material for that gown?" Elara asked, trying to shift her focus back to the design, but her cheeks were slightly flushed, warm.
"We have to find another premium silk supplier," Adrian answered, stepping back a little to create distance between them, although his eyes were still fixed on Elara. "With tighter oversight. I don't want an incident like last night to happen again."
"I have a contact from Italy; they produce high-quality silk with a guarantee of authentication," Elara offered, her voice steady again. "I can contact him today."
"Do it," Adrian replied, his voice returning to its cold but efficient professional tone. "And we will ask the Mahesa legal team to draft a new, stricter contract with all suppliers, with heavy penalty clauses for any quality violations."
The discussion continued, becoming more intense and productive. They began to talk about production details, schedules, and even potential models who would wear the collection. For the first time, Adrian and Elara truly looked like a single, cohesive team, combining their strengths efficiently. They found a strange rhythm, complementing each other, challenging each other, and pushing each other to achieve the best. Their synergy was real, and it felt so natural.
Towards the afternoon, when the meeting ended, a sense of satisfying exhaustion enveloped them. Elara got up from her chair, tidying up some sketches. "I'll start making the basic pattern for that open-back gown. We have to start right away if we want to catch up with Damar's target."
Adrian stopped Elara for a moment. "One more thing. After what happened last night, I've talked to Baskara. I'm going to assign two personal security personnel to guard you. They will always be with you, ensuring nothing unwanted happens."
Elara was surprised. "Personal security? Adrian, that's not necessary. I can take care of myself." There was a note of displeasure in her voice.
"No, Elara," Adrian rebutted, his tone firm, unchallengeable. "Damar has threatened both of you. I won't take any risks. Just consider it part of the project's security protocol. You are the CEO of Kencana Mode, an asset that must be protected."
Although she knew Adrian was right, Elara's ego was a little bruised. But behind that, there was a warm feeling growing in her chest. Adrian was not only protecting her but also acknowledging her as an inseparable part of this mission. Elara saw the sincerity and concern in Adrian's eyes.
"Alright," Elara sighed, giving in. "But they have to know their boundaries. I don't like feeling like a prisoner."
"They are professionals," Adrian reassured, a faint smile reappearing on his lips. "They will know how to keep their distance and remain efficient."
As Elara was about to leave the room, Adrian's phone rang again. An unknown number. He answered it, and the voice on the other end made his expression harden. He just nodded a few times, saying "Understood" and "Thank you," then hung up.
"What now?" Elara asked, a bad feeling creeping over her, her heart beating faster.
Adrian looked at Elara, his eyes dark, a storm raging within them. "That was one of Mahesa's directors. Damar just sent a fake financial report to all the board members. The report accuses us of embezzling charitable project funds for personal gain."
The air in the room felt thin, pressing down on both of them. Damar's threat was not just a promise but an action. They had successfully stopped one attack, but another had already been launched. This battle was far more complicated and cunning than they had expected.
"He's attacking our reputation," Elara whispered, Adrian's words from that morning ringing in her head, confirming her suspicion. "Just as you predicted."
Adrian nodded, his gaze full of fiery determination. "And he's doing it just as we're starting to build momentum. But he doesn't know, Elara. An attack like this will only make us stronger. We will face him, together."
Elara returned Adrian's gaze, the fire of her spirit shining in her eyes, radiating the same resolve. "Of course. This is our fight. And we won't lose."
However, in her mind, a question lingered, cold and sharp. How could Damar get a financial report, even a fake one, so quickly? This showed he had an informant inside, or access that was much deeper than they had thought. The danger felt closer, more personal, more terrifying than before. They weren't just fighting an external enemy but also a shadow moving within.