[73]
In his father’s office, Leonel listened carefully to Chris’s explanation. He didn’t interrupt because he wanted to know what Chris had to say. What happened? Why was everything being covered up like this? And they were having difficulties investigating further. It turned out their suspicion was correct that certain parties had a significant influence on the media. So what they were looking for wasn’t easy to penetrate.
“Josh Corp, especially Mr. Josh himself, has a considerable stake in Antefixa channel, Leonel. All the news comes from them. Then they sell a snippet of news that supports the conversations that have already spread to other media outlets to keep the focus on one point. And because of this news, many accounts that pretend to know about the rumors have emerged. They’re making the situation even more heated and creating numerous speculations. It’s shutting down a lot of news.”
After saying that, Chris looked intently at Leonel. He didn’t expect his findings would lead to a point where Josh’s name was involved. Despite doubts about Josh’s collaboration with Mountain Pte, which helped Leonel escape his troubles to some extent, Chris couldn’t underestimate his feelings. He felt that Josh’s arrival in Indonesia and the occurrence of these events seemed planned. Very well planned. And it couldn’t be easily penetrated, especially if it was confirmed that he controlled most of the social media.
One thing that made Chris wonder was, who is Josh? How could his influence be so significant that it could hinder Mountain Pte from blocking the news? Although when Leonel had an affair with Ester, he could quickly close off access and silence many media outlets. It was also his initiative. Who else would cover up Leonel’s misdeeds out there besides Chris?Content is © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.
So Chris was curious about who was behind the media coverage and reporting about Leonel. Chris thought Leonel’s actions were entirely appropriate; staying silent and not providing clarifications because certain things couldn’t be casually disclosed. If he made a wrong move, his past sins would undoubtedly be exposed widely, making the situation even more complicated.
Chris agreed with Leonel on this matter.
“Have you checked everything, Chris?” Leonel didn’t focus on the report and the names that referred to company labels. Whether intentionally or not, Leonel felt like he was blinded by something. His working relationship and Leonel’s busyness in clearing his name in front of the clients made him overlook what Josh had initiated.
“Yes, you can check it yourself.”
“This is beyond my expectations, Chris,” Leonel murmured. He leaned back on the sofa, resting his back against it. He pressed his temple, a sign that he was shocked by what Chris had discovered. “I… oh my god. Should I meet him in person and confirm it? After what he offered me? His assistance is not insignificant, Chris. You know that, right?”
Chris nodded in agreement. But there was one aspect he needed to point out. “Have you ever thought about how that man arrived? At the moment when you were hit with the news that was apparently made and planned perfectly, he came to extend a helping hand.”
“That’s what I meant, Chris. What does he want?”
“Maybe Josh’s side has hidden motives behind his arrival? The cooperation they offered to Mountain?”
Leonel straightened his back. “As far as I remember about the cooperation contract with Josh’s side, nothing caused Mountain any losses. There were risks, but not too many. It was like most of the contracts we had with other clients. You know that I’m meticulous with the terms of agreements.”
“I know,” Chris patted Leonel’s shoulder gently. “That’s one of the things I can admire about you. Despite how foolish you are as a man.”
“Can we talk more seriously? Do you know what we’re facing now?”
Chris chuckled. “You can never be lighthearted, Leonel. Always serious. You can age and die quickly.”
“You are a reliable partner, especially to my father,” Leonel grumbled unhappily. But his eyes were again occupied by the scattered reports on his father’s desk.
“Oh, wait,” Chris paused momentarily, diverting Leonel’s attention. It was Chris’s phone ringing from his pocket that slightly distracted Leonel. That may also be why Chris seemed surprised.
Leonel paid close attention to the expression on Chris’s face, although he couldn’t see what appeared on Chris’s phone screen. Initially, Chris’s face was as neutral as usual. He was stiff and rarely smiling, except when he made awkward and forced jokes. But it was comforting enough for Leonel because he needed extra comfort. Especially now, when many things were weighing on Leonel. Sometimes, Leonel wished he could escape from all the pressures, but when he thought about it, everything was caused by himself.
What Chris said about him being foolish was indeed true. Everything that had happened in his life flashed before his eyes-especially the meeting with Chloe in his old house. No, Leonel didn’t hold back anything from Chloe’s desires. Even though he couldn’t fulfill it yet, he also promised to continue apologizing to Chloe. At least, even if they couldn’t be together in the future, Chloe forgave Leonel with all her sincerity.
There was Ester that he had to deal with first. Somehow, his instincts as a man told him that this woman had hidden motives. Because he didn’t want to let her go so quickly and take further action, Leonel followed her wishes. Marry Ester? Leonel would fulfill it, even though he was still tangled in promises. So be it. Until everything was uncovered, Leonel wouldn’t let go of Ester that easily. He wouldn’t.
Indeed he would find the motive that Ester was hiding after freely giving false news to the media. It strained his relationship with both of his parents. But later, Leonel would retaliate. Leonel would reveal the most important thing, that Ester wouldn’t move away from his radar even though it seemed disgusting and troublesome. I don’t know. The intention to marry that woman has disappeared; I need to find out where. Even though in the early years of his marriage with Chloe, he was very enthusiastic about making Ester his second.
No matter what it would be like in the future, Ester refused. She wanted everything to be about Josh. Her words about the advantages of being the second influenced Leonel greatly. He made Chloe think about their unhappy marriage. Divorce ended his actions, then marrying Ester and living happily together. But the reality?
He now profoundly regretted doing that to Chloe.
Returning to Chris, who seemed to furrow his brow, his eyes didn’t move from the phone screen; it made Leonel slightly puzzled. “Is there a problem?”
“I think we should act quickly.”
“What do you mean?” Leonel asked, still with a confused frown. He didn’t know what Chris was thinking because the man talking to him suddenly seemed to find something fundamental. “Speak clearly, Chris. We are indeed facing difficult times, but if it’s clear what we should do, I think everything can be adjusted.”
Chris stared at Leonel intensely. Then he let out a long sigh as a sign of his surprise. Chris didn’t expect one of his confidants to send a photo taken from CCTV footage. He needed to find out where it came from, but its validity could be accounted for. It meant that something big was being orchestrated by the two people caught on camera.
“You can see it for yourself,” Chris said, handing over his phone. “I’m sure they have been planning something for a long time. You can see the date when this CCTV footage was recorded.”
Leonel glanced briefly at Chris, considering it carefully. It wasn’t that he didn’t believe, but he was also confused about what Chris meant. As his eyes looked at the phone screen in his hands, the photos displayed there almost made his eyes pop out of their sockets.
“This…”
“That’s right. It’s Ester and Josh. I’m sure they are the masterminds behind all of this, Leonel.”