Mr CEO's Single Mom

The sound of footsteps could be clearly heard from outside the room, leading to the room. The footsteps then stopped right in front of the room's door, followed by a synchronised knock on the door.

"Come in!"

A tall and sexy woman came in front of the person inside the room.

"Excuse me, sir. Did you call for me?" she asked softly.

The middle-aged man looked sharply at the woman he knew to be his assistant. "Has everyone gathered?" asked a middle-aged man, the leader of Abraham's family.

"Yes, sir. Mr and Mrs Latulini are already in the meeting room."

Mr Abraham gave a small nod. "Very well. I'll be right there."

Some time was needed to prepare to go to the room designated as the meeting place between the two big families, in the course of their business.

When they learnt that Mr Abraham was coming to the room, they prepared to welcome him.

Now, standing before them was a man who was very influential to the two large groups. As much as 80% of the shares were held by this middle-aged man. Therefore, they respected Mr Abraham very much.

"Welcome, Mr Abraham."

They greeted him with an upright position, then sat down as soon as Mr Abraham took his seat.

Mr Abraham cast his eyes around the room. It was true what his secretary had said, that everyone had gathered in their respective places.

"Thank you for coming to this meeting place. We have a lot to discuss, for the betterment of these two large ongoing groups," he said, causing sweat to pour down the forehead of the Latulini family patriarch.

To the right of Mr Abraham was Zeo Abraham, the only descendant of the Abraham family. Next to Zeo were Mr Abraham's brother and sister-in-law, who were none other than Zeo's uncle and aunt.

"Previously, I wanted to ask the results of the marketing done by Latulini Group. Has there been any progress regarding the services being marketed?" asked Mr Abraham.

"Well, thank you for your question, Mr Abraham. We, at the Latulini Group, have been trying our best to market the space design services that the Abraham Group provides," said Mr Latulini, as he opened a data file on his computer screen.

Everyone was paying close attention to every slide Mr Latulini was presenting. Every piece of data was valid, to the point where there was almost no loophole for those who were unhappy with him to get through.

Of the many people who liked him, there must be a handful of people who disliked him. That was true, because it was Zeo's aunt and uncle who were unhappy with the co-operation between the two families.

Ren Abraham, Zeo's uncle, leaned closer to his wife. "At this rate, can we fight them?"

It seemed that they were very worried, because the data they provided was very valid, and could be accounted for.

"Relax, we still have a plan B!"

Ren nodded, having heard Yuki whispering such soothing things to him.

Yuki looked deeply at Mr Latulini, while preparing herself to make a big attack on him.

Needless to say, his public speaking was above average. Not infrequently in every business meeting, Mr Abraham always tucked Yuki into his business trip.

"Those are some of the clients that Latulini Group has acquired," Mr Latulini said as a sign to end his presentation.

Everyone applauded, including the couple Yuki and Ren.

"Thank you for your presentation, Mr Latulini," Mr Abraham said, giving him his appreciation.

Yuki prepared to raise her hand, making Mr Abraham who saw her immediately give a small nod, indicating the time and place for her to speak.

Yuki got up from her seat, matching Mr Latulini who had already been standing.

"Thank you, Mr Abraham for giving me the time and space. Before that, I would like to talk about my grievances with the Latulini Group, in the past few months. This has had an impact on the income that the Abraham Group receives, from the agreement that was previously determined together," she said with great confidence.

In front of her now, a projector and her laptop were connected. She opened up all the data and reports she had, in order to bring down the Latulini Group in front of their current leader.

"In January, Latulini Group was involved in a secret project with several companies, such as Mutiara Group, Sky Group and Star Group. The income that was supposed to be given to Abraham Group was 70% but Latulini Group only gave 30%," she explained, leaving everyone shocked.

Zeo did not move, he could only listen to the seniors present what they had prepared. However, it is undeniable that Zeo felt very surprised and did not expect, that he found fraud committed by the Latulini party that he had previously trusted so much.

Mr Latulini glared in protest. "Interruption! I did receive the project in January, but we gave the fee as stated in the contract!"

The atmosphere became awkward, as Mr Latulini protested against Yuki's accusation.

Yuki glared at him. "I speak with evidence! There is evidence of the files you signed with those clients!"

Evidence? That was an impossible thing. Mr Latulini felt that he had not signed any files at all, other than the mutual agreement files with the clients.

"What signature proof are you referring to?" asked Mr Latulini defiantly.

Yuki smiled, then took out several files that contained signatures of agreements that Mr Latulini knew nothing about.

Sheet after sheet he opened, with his eyes constantly glaring in disbelief at what he saw.

"What's this?" muttered Mr Latulini, very surprised by the files he knew nothing about.

Yuki flashed a smile, then brought up the scan of the file in Mr Latulini's hand.

All eyes were stunned, shocked by what they saw. Although they couldn't believe it, but they clearly saw the signature that belonged to Mr Latulini.

"You can see, this is the proof of the file I was talking about. Mr Latulini secretly embezzled the money we got from the project in January!"

The atmosphere was getting more and more heated, and instantly the people who worked for the Latulini Group became very afraid of the accusations that Yuki had thrown at them.

Zeo glared in shock. "How could they do such a cunning thing with our company? It's unforgivable!" he thought, feeling very upset about the co-operation agreement between them.

"Is that true, Mr Latulini?" asked Mr Abraham, who was already emotionally inflamed by the devious things that Yuki and Ren had manipulated.

Hearing Mr Abraham's question, the Latulini Group parties became nervous. The problem was that they did not know about the document shown by Yuki, even Mr Latulini himself did not feel that he had ever signed the file.

They could only look at each other, feeling confused about what to say.

Meanwhile, Mr Latulini could only look confused at Mr Abraham, leaving him speechless.

As there was no answer from Mr Latulini, Mr Abraham's anger boiled over.

Mr Abraham got up and slammed the table in front of him, making everyone feel shocked and scared.

Zeo could only look at his emotionally-charged father, while trying to remain neutral about the situation.

"If the Latulini Group cannot prove these allegations, I will assume that no agreement can continue with the Latulini Group! The Abraham Group will also demand a penalty fee for breach of contract, amounting to 1 million dollars as per the contract and agreement!" said Mr Abraham, causing them to gape in shock.

It took them by surprise. Some of them felt that they would not be able to stay in their current company for much longer.

Mrs and Mr Latulini felt so pressed that they could do nothing. They could only remain silent, as it was undeniable that the signature was indeed his own. However, he still did not know when he had signed such an agreement.

As he had nothing more to say, Mr Abraham walked away, leaving the staff and parties of the Latulini Group in ruins. Yuki and Ren grinned happily, as they finally managed to get rid of their toughest rival in terms of marketing.

"If they don't cooperate anymore, I will definitely be able to find clients on my own! The profits will be ours!" thought Ren, who had been idly standing behind his wife, Yuki.

Seeing his father leave the room with his assistant, Zeo immediately got up and faced Mr and Mrs Latulini. His gaze was upset, because he felt that he had entrusted the wrong person all this time.

"I didn't expect you guys to do something sneaky like this!" Zeo scolded, making them look at him in disbelief.

"I never did that!" argued Mr Latulini vehemently, but the evidence Yuki showed was enough to make Zeo believe him completely.

"Sorry, I don't trust you anymore. Excuse me," said Zeo, who immediately left the room along with the other staff, including Yuki and Ren.

The devastation they were currently feeling, made the staff of Latulini Group very disappointed in their leader.

Mrs and Mr Latulini exchanged glances.

"How is this?" asked Mrs Latulini feeling confused.

Mr Latulini gently stroked his wife's shoulder. "Take it easy. We have to face it together."

Hearing her husband's words, she felt a bit of a strength boost. Although it was impossible for her to pay the penalty money, perhaps they would be able to find a solution to their problem.

Meanwhile in the basement car park, Yuki and Ren were already preparing for their next action against their hardline rivals. Ren tried to make their car experience problems, armed with the knowledge he had.

Yuki looked worriedly at her husband who was cutting the brake line of Mr Latulini's car. Her feelings were very worried, because she felt that her husband had gone too far.

"Don't you feel excessive? The penalty money is enough to reprimand them, don't you take their lives like this!" reprimanded Yuki, who still had a bit of humanity towards her rival.

However, Ren was not as kind as his wife. He felt that everything that hindered him, he must immediately eradicate. He didn't know how to do it.

"Don't talk so much!"

Yuki could only surrender, because of the yelling she got from her husband.

Some time passed, Ren had finished making a mess on the brake line of Mr Latulini's car. Ren got up from under the car, and immediately pulled his wife's hand to get away from that point.

Unfortunately, not long after, the owner of the car arrived. They got into the car, and prepared to return to their home, to break the sad news to their only daughter.

Mr Latulini took a deep breath before driving off. His wife stopped him, sensing that something was off.

"Shouldn't we take a taxi home? You look really tired," she said, already having a bad feeling.

"I can do it if I just drive." Mr Latulini remained firm in his stance.

There were no words to contradict her husband's words. Mr Latulini drove the car at standard speed.

Mrs Latulini picked up her mobile phone to call her daughter Zara. She waited for some time, until the call was finally connected.

Zara was choosing a style of dress that she really liked, at a shopping centre. She was surprised when she heard her mobile phone ring.

She immediately received a call that turned out to be from her mom.

"Hello, Mom. What's wrong?"

"Sad news, Zara."

Her forehead wrinkled. "What is it, Mom?"

There was a sense of apprehension and unease towards her daughter. The thing was, they had raised their daughter to live a very luxurious and wealthy life. Mrs Latulini was very worried that Zara might not be able to accept this situation.

"Mom should say it. But don't let it make you feel pressurised."

"Just say it, Mom!"

Mrs Latulini turned to her husband who was driving. "We lost our partnership with the Abraham Group, and we have to pay a penalty of one million dollars!"

Her eyes widened in shock. "What?"

"Mom and Dad, trying to explain what we didn't do. However, they didn't believe us at all after seeing the evidence that Yuki and Ren provided."

Yuki and Ren, just hearing their names made Zara Latulini shudder with amusement. Indeed, there had been a ruckus between them for a long time. Moreover, it was their son who always invited a feud every time he met her.

Their son is Zara's ex-boyfriend. But undeniably, Zara's feelings for him were still lodged right in her heart.

"What's wrong with them again, Mom? Isn't it enough that I'm their victim? They already put an end to Zain and I's relationship. Why would they also put an end to your business relationship with Abraham Group?" Zara asked, annoyed with the situation.

"Never mind, Zara. You just accept this sad news we're giving you. It's getting dark, don't get home too late. Mom and Dad are waiting for you at home," said Mrs Latulini, whose eyes immediately widened in shock, "watch out!"

Tuuut... tuuut ....

Their phone connection was cut off, after hearing a very loud crash. It made Zara feel very shocked when she heard such a loud sound, like she was hitting another hard object.

Zara's tears fell freely, even though she didn't realise it. Although she didn't know it clearly, her hunch about her parents was very sharp.

The groceries she was holding suddenly fell to the floor. The branded items that she always bought when there was a new edition, seemed meaningless now.

Not only did the groceries fall, but also her mobile phone and herself fell limply to the floor.

Everyone looked at her in confusion, but no one dared to come closer to her who looked so broken right now.

"Why did it have to happen to me?" muttered Zara, who was very upset by this sad news.

It wasn't just her business and romantic relationship that were taken away, but the lives of her parents were also taken away by fate.

All Zara could think of was destruction. They could have survived the death that ensued.

Zara squeezed her own blonde hair so tightly that several strands were pulled out by the force with which she squeezed her own hair. She was devastated, and couldn't do anything else.

Her mobile rang again, Zara limply picked it up and took the call.

"Hello," she greeted in a weak tone.

"Hello, we're from the local police. Is this really Miss Zara Latulini?"

"Yes, myself."

"We found your parents in an accident, right in the city centre. When the light was red, they ran the red light, causing a bullfight. Their lives... were beyond saving, and they died on the spot with the car on fire."

Zara's heart ached at the explanation from the policeman who was currently in charge of securing traffic.

"How do you know my phone number?" she asked curiously, as she changed her phone number regularly to avoid the people who terrorised her.

"Mrs Latulini's mobile phone was thrown out, before the car exploded. I saw it, picked it up and knew it was Mrs Latulini."

Zara thought for a moment. "No wonder."

Not wanting to talk to anyone else, Zara took a firm stance.

"Alright, I'll be right there."

***

After taking care of her parents funeral, Zara's days were very boring. There was nothing else she could do but let go of all the turmoil in her heart by downing a few bottles of alcohol.

It had been a week since their departure. By now, Zara's savings had dwindled, but she was still spending her money to let go of her troubles.

During this week, Zain, Yuki and Ren's son, had been disturbing Zara's peace of mind. She kept coming back to Zara, until Zara felt very uncomfortable with her.

Zara downed in one gulp, the glass of alcohol she was holding. Right now, she is at one of her favourite bars where she spends time with one of her friends named Azhar.

Azhar is a man Zara considers her best friend, who always accompanies her no matter what. Zara often gives him money to help him with the medical expenses of his sick sister.

Azhar was also her outlet, when Zara was going through a breakup with Zain. Zara claimed to have dated Azhar, which made Zain angry with her.

It was only to make Zain hate her. Because of Zain's parents interference, Zara felt very uncomfortable having a romance with Zain.

Zara looked at the empty glass, her vision almost blurred. There were many empty bottles scattered around, and her consciousness had almost disappeared as time passed.

"Why did this all happen to me? What did I do wrong?" muttered Zara, who was still crying over the loss of her parents and the destruction of her life at this time.

She still clearly remembered Zain who came to see her last night. His words were still ringing in Zara's mind, only adding to her resentment and misery.

That night, Zara was being led by Azhar and walked down the city streets. The cold weather made Azhar feel sorry for Zara who was not wearing any warm clothes.

"Do you need warm clothes?" Azhar asked, but Zara's semi-conscious state ignored Azhar's question.

They walked down the street, because Azhar couldn't drive Zara's car at all. As a result, they left Zara's car at the bar, and walked back to Zara's house.

From the end of the road, a black car, a brand-new BMW, arrived. Inside was Zain who was already staring sarcastically at Azhar, making Azhar feel a little surprised by his arrival.

The car stopped right in front of Azhar who was carrying Zara. A man named Zain got out of the car, and stood up while looking at Azhar sarcastically.

"Let go of Zara!" snapped Zain, who couldn't accept what he saw in front of him.

Zara, who was still semi-conscious, looked sarcastically at Zain who had suddenly appeared in front of her.

"What do you want, huh? Didn't our relationship end a long time ago?" Zara snapped, Azhar could only look at them.

"Zara, come back to me! I promise, I won't give you any more trouble after this!"

Zara couldn't help but laugh out loud, having heard something that was completely unacceptable to her.

His brow furrowed. "I'm talking seriously, Zara! Don't make fun of me!" snapped Zain, who didn't want to be made fun of by Zara.

Hearing Zain's words, Zara then looked at him sarcastically.

"Aren't you the one who played me? Why are you accusing me of playing you now?"

The atmosphere heated up, with Azhar who really couldn't do anything in front of those who were both on fire.

"I'm like this because of my Mom, Zara! Don't make me upset over something that's not my fault!"

Zara narrowed her eyes sharply. "What did you say? It's not your fault, whose fault is it? Is it all my fault and will?"

"It's not like that Za--"

"So what, Zain?!" interrupted Zara, who was very unhappy to hear what Zain had said to her.

There was an instant silence as Zara managed to cut off Zain's rebuttal. Cold sweat was already starting to pour down Zain's forehead, because even when he was drunk, he couldn't win Zara back.

"Maybe there's no place for me in her heart anymore," Zain thought, feeling like he was at his limit.

However, because of his love for Zara, Zain certainly didn't give up that easily.