Chapter 7 Digging for Information

"Do you have any personal information about Bian Abimana? I need it right now."

Elsa and Rendi had just left the room where Wicaksono was being treated. Without wasting any time, Elsa immediately began her plan to meet face to face with Bian.

"What's the matter, Miss?" Regardless of the information Rendi possesses, it shouldn't be shared carelessly, even with Elsa.

"I really need it. Can you help me? If you want to know the whole story, let's find a more comfortable place. I hope you can assist me. Thank you for taking care of Grandfather all this time. After he's moved, please keep his secret from anyone."

"Yes, I'll listen to your reasons first. As for the CEO, that's already my duty."

Elsa didn't answer further, just nodded with a faint smile on her lips. They walked side by side to a more comfortable place.

The atmosphere in a café seemed lively. Elsa and Rendi were seated at one of the tables there.

"That's the story. I just want justice for myself. Even though the approach might seem wrong, I'm trying to be cautious. Just like Grandfather suddenly revealing surprising news about my true identity, I will do the same to Vela. However, upon closer examination, the resemblance between Vela and Father is almost non-existent. Suspicion is reasonable, isn't it?"

Whether she liked it or not, Elsa had to be honest with her grandfather's personal assistant. He was someone who could easily gather information, somehow knowing things from sources she couldn't fathom, and he often undertook secret missions and accomplished them successfully.

"Yes, I understand your intention. A small possibility can become a significant outcome if approached seriously."

Elsa nodded a few times, a thin smile gracing her lips. She was glad that Rendi could understand her desires.

"So, you're willing to help me gather information about Bian Abimana?" Elsa asked firmly to get a definite answer.

"Yes, Miss. I will provide the information."

"Can you do it now?"

"Sure. I'll send it via email."

Rendi retrieved a laptop from his bag. He worked diligently, swiftly, and with great precision.

A notification chimed. An email had arrived. Elsa quickly opened it and scanned each sentence written in the email.

"Very useful information. Quite comprehensive. I'm very grateful."

Elsa's gaze focused on the two eyes of the man sitting in front of her. Her lips formed a subtle smile, indicating her happiness and satisfaction.

"Yes, Miss. I hope your plan goes smoothly. Come on, I'll drive you home."

Rendi worked seriously. His face appeared impassive, as if devoid of emotion. Whether it was the demands of the job or his naturally aloof demeanor, his smiles were rare or perhaps nonexistent.

Elsa checked her wristwatch, then looked at Rendi again while smiling. Her mind was contemplating a plan before returning to a place that was akin to hell.

"Since it's still daytime, I plan to meet with Bian. Perhaps I can invite him for a meal. You can return to Grandfather's side and take care of his transfer from the hospital."

"But, Miss. Isn't it risky? Weren't you told not to go earlier?" Despite his perpetually neutral expression, Rendi managed to convey his concern through his words.

"Don't worry. I can handle it."

"What will you use to go?"

"Maybe a rideshare service."

Suddenly, Rendi reached into his pants pocket and placed the car key on the table right in front of Elsa.

"Just use this. I can have someone else pick me up here. Once your matters are settled, you can come to the CEO's house to return the car so you don't get scolded again."

Elsa smiled at the indirect concern Rendi was showing. For someone as cold as him, he was displaying a side like this in front of her.

"Yes, thank you again. I'm always causing you trouble."

"No problem, Miss. I have to go now. Be careful with your plan. Excuse me."

Rendi rose from his seat, his feet swinging alternately as he left Elsa still sitting in the café.

"Now, let's start planning to take Bian Abimana from Vela's grasp and foil that engagement."

The graceful fingers of the beautiful girl danced across her phone's screen. The information just obtained included personal contact details. Elsa was working on something.

"Good afternoon. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Elsa Wicaksono, the manager of Hotel Tulip, and I would like to propose a collaboration with Mr. Bian Abimana, the Director of PT. BA Snack Tbk. Would you be willing to schedule a meeting with me? I hope you won't decline. I'll be waiting no later than an hour from now at Laria Restaurant. This is very important. Kindly respond as soon as possible."

The message is initially polite but becomes forceful towards the end.

"With this, I hope he'll be responsive and come without any rejection drama."

Speaking to herself, Elsa presses the send button on her phone's screen. The lengthy persuasive message has been sent to Bian Abimana's personal WhatsApp number. It's even marked as seen. Now, she waits.

Elsa revisits the email containing Bian's personal information that had been sent by Rendi.

"It turns out even a director has rumors like this. Allegedly dislikes the opposite sex. Quite intriguing. But there are other rumors suggesting he enjoys toying with the feelings of those who like him. So, is he a playboy or someone who prefers the same gender? Or maybe both. I need to be careful. It's astonishing that Father arranged Vela to be with a person like this. All for the sake of business, anything can happen. And Vela, why didn't she refuse the arranged marriage? It seems there's already some love blooming. I'm getting more motivated to win her over."

Her eyes scan the contents of the previously read email, while Elsa's lips mumble about something that crosses her mind.

A notification sound interrupts her thoughts. Within a few minutes, Bian responds to the message Elsa sent. Upon learning this, Elsa feels a sense of excitement.

"Wow, what's this? Are you inviting me to collaborate or trying to force me to comply with your wishes?"

The response Elsa hoped for isn't as smooth. Drama is certainly expected, especially because Bian is known for being stubborn. He dislikes being controlled and coerced into doing something.

"Yes, both. So, meet me at Laria Restaurant. I'll head there now." Elsa becomes more forceful.

"Hey! I don't want to! This is not how you ask someone to collaborate. Especially not with me."

"Didn't you know you're going to be married to Vela? I have a lot of information about her. You'll lose out if you don't find out the truth now. Or maybe you're already head over heels in love with her and willingly accept the arranged marriage?"

Though Elsa felt a bit unsure and her blood ran a little warmer due to the fear of receiving an undesirable response as she wrote it, she still sent that message. Her hope, of course, is that Bian will feel offended and dislike the arranged marriage.

"Come on, let's meet now. We need to have a serious one-on-one conversation. What do you really want?"

Elsa's lips immediately curl into a smile as she reads Bian's response that aligns with her hopes.

"Good. I hope, moving forward, there won't be any issues that'll give me a headache. Let's offer a mutually beneficial deal. You can do it, Elsa!"

The girl encourages herself, then rises and leaves the cafe, heading to another eatery. The place where two men and a woman will unexpectedly develop special feelings for each other.