The Untouched Heart

Chapter 136 - Give Me Time (Hendra)

Gista called me that morning and told me of an emergency shareholder meeting. Since most of them had companies as well, the meeting was held at eight in the morning. So after the meeting, they can do their routine work as usual.

With the endless media reporting on Za's past and my ineptness in looking after my own wife, it's no surprise that this meeting was held. My secretary and I entered a room that was almost filled with important people in this company.

Papa's assistant led the way of the meeting once everyone had attended. The peak of the company's anniversary event will be held in less than three weeks, it's natural that they panic with the media. If we do not control it immediately, the value of the stock can fall and just wait for the time for our company to go bankrupt.

“The appointment of Mahendra as the main director at the top of the event will need to be reconsidered. Scandals that are currently circulating in the community cannot be taken lightly. His bad reputation would ruin the reputation of this company as well. We are nothing without loyal buyers in our booth. When they switch to buying their favorite products from elsewhere, long time our company will go out of business.” A large enough shareholder votes.

“I agree. Today we need to list every candidate who deserves to be the next chief director. After all Mahendra is much younger than the rest of us, why don't we choose the more experienced and competent ones?” add another one.

Some who were quite vocal gave their opinions that the majority did not want me to be appointed as the main director. There's only one person who still wants to give me a chance to prove myself. My prestige during my time as vice president director was not bad.

“Never forget that he and Xavier, his friend from London, have been instrumental in the establishment of our only garment factory with our own products that have now penetrated global sales.” Aunt Arum, another fairly large shareholder, gave her defense to me. We weren't close, but he always thought of me as his own son.

“No success was achieved on your own, Mom. The factory and the product were successful because of everyone's efforts. Mahendra is not the only factor of such success,” refuted the others.

“You were on a foot-barge in your office when he flew to London repeatedly to make sure the project was successful, ensuring Xavier provided the funds to build, manufacture, market and sell our new products, he said, until his wife falls into someone else's arms, and you hope to be complimented on his efforts?” said Aunt Arum sharply.

A deafening silence ensued. Until a breath as smooth as anything in the room is heard in the ear. Those who had been whispering to each other, preparing the next reply fell silent.

“Pak Mahendra, is there anything you want to say?” ask Papa's assistant. I glanced at Gista and nodded my head at him. I turned on the microphone in front of me.

“Documents provided to you at this time are highly confidential documents. I hope Father and Mother will leave it on the table after the meeting later so that it can be taken back by my secretary.” I stared one by one at the faces of those who read the contents of the DNA test results of my two children.

“The libel spread by the media is massive. With just one video and one man's testimony, they dared to destroy my reputation, my extended family, even dragged the name of this company. I won't stay silent.

“Give me thirty days. I will prove that the person who deliberately spread my personal affairs with my wife has no good intentions at all. I'll also prove that my wife didn't cheat because she wanted to. She was framed by a man she thought still cared about her.

“As the next leader, I will not let the name of this company be trampled by irresponsible people. My grandfather has taken pains to raise this company from a small clothing store. So, please continue to support us, Father and Mother will not regret your decision to choose me as the new president.

“When in the deadline given I did not manage to prove the thing I promised, I entrust the fate of this company in the hands of the highest shareholder.” I looked towards Papa. He nodded slowly. “My fate is in your hands now.”

Papa's assistant read the voting results. I swallowed heavily. “Twenty-one percent of meeting participants expressed disapproval,” cheers immediately sounded in the room, “while seventy-nine percent agreed. Congratulations, Mr. Mahendra Perkasa.” I sigh in relief.

After the meeting was declared over, those who supported me came closer and shook my hand. I accept it with great relief. There were still people who would support me and I remembered their faces one by one. Those who did not support me immediately walked out of the room, looking disappointed. Their faces soon I memorized.

“Hai, Old Woman.” I received a hug and a kiss on the cheek from Aunt Arum. He looked me in the face well. “Thank you for the touching speech of Aunt.”

“Child does not know himself. Why didn't you come to me before the problem became this big? Were they involved in spreading your scandal in the media?” He looked towards the door where the people had just walked out.

“I don't know for sure. And this problem I can still overcome, Auntie does not need to worry.”

“You're moving too slowly. If I were you, I would have silenced all the media for less than twenty-four hours once the first video was posted on the internet. You instead let them run rampant for this one week.”

“Attacking an enemy when they feel they have the upper hand is much more satisfying than counterattacking with a teledor, Auntie. Anyway I don't have a team as great as Auntie has.” I lifted both my shoulders.

“Ya, already. It's up to you. Don't forget to let me know if you need help.” He patted my shoulder. I'm nodding. “Adhy.” He approached Papa, I turned towards Gista. He raised his right hand and gave me two fingers. Hm. Two test results were not returned.

As soon as everyone came out of the room, Papa asked his assistant and my secretary to come out and guard the door so that no one would hear our conversation. Papa does not sit, so I also stand. It seems like our conversation will not last long.

“My mother and I were not involved in the spread of the scandal. You are our only son, we will never damage your reputation.” Papa looked at me seriously.

“Iya, Pa. Never once did I get the slightest hint in my head that Papa or Mama were involved. I know some suspects who have good reason to do this. Their goal was not only to destroy me, but to ruin our marriage,” I said bluntly.

“Can I help you?” ask Papa slowly.

“No. I don't want to be the cause of Papa's quarrel with Mama. I knew Mama would protest loudly if Mama found out that Papa helped me solve this problem. I'll try to get all these issues done before the peak of the show, Pa.” I pledge.

“Good.” Papa looked at me for a moment before continuing, “I told you, don't come back to him so soon. The time is not right.”

“There will never be a good time, Pa. Anyway I can't help but stay away from her any longer.”