(Family) Bound
Middle Way

Shaka left for the office with a cold face. There are no greetings and a friendly smile that Shaka every day offers to every employee of his office. Shaka's subordinates were silent and did not dare to greet Shaka. They can see Shaka's feelings are not good, especially today Shaka came noon. It's completely out of Shaka's habit of always being on time. Fahri seemed to compensate for Shaka who walked quickly with wide steps. For 13 years working with Shaka has made him memorize the mood of his little boss.

“Fahri, how was your meeting with Simon yesterday. Is everything in order.??” Ask Shaka.

“Simon and I finished everything yesterday, Mr. Shaka. Mr. Simon has also sent it to Mr. Herman and he has agreed to all the contents of the draft cooperation agreement between our company.” Fahri.

“Please tell the Scarlett Group, before signing the agreement I want to talk to Mr. Herman.” Shaka.

“Good, sir.” Sahut Fahri's. He had no idea exactly what Shaka and Herman were going to talk about. But whatever it is Fahri sure it must be important.

“Pak, I've contacted Mr. Simon. Scarlett Group will arrive half an hour early to speak first with you.” Fahri.

“Good. Thank you.” Sahut Shaka is short.

An agreement signing event was held at one of the luxury restaurants. Fahri had already booked a VIP room for the event. As promised, the Scarlett Group's entourage came 30 minutes before the appointed time for the signing of the cooperation agreement. Herman comes with Johan, his assistant who is also Simon's father, Kate, and Simon. Kate behaved as if nothing had happened, while Simon looked cold and unreadable.

“Good day, Mr. Shaka.” Sapa Herman extended his hand.

“Good day, mr. Herman.” Reply Shaka welcomed Herman's hand.

“There is an important issue what should Mr. Shaka talk about.??” Ask Herman without further ado.

“About miss Kate.” Answer Shaka. Herman seemed to take a deep breath, it seemed like he already knew the direction of Shaka's conversation.

“I've heard from Simon about what Kate did. I'm really sorry for what my sister did.” Herman said, then glanced sharply at Kate who looked without guilt.

“To continue this cooperation, I would like Scarlett's responsibility to be replaced. Sorry, mr. Herman. But I do not want Miss Kate to be involved in this cooperation and and even after this I do not allow her to come to our office.” Shaka said firmly.

Kate looked surprised. He had thought that signing this agreement would give him more opportunities to get Shaka.

“But from the beginning Kate has handled this project, Mr. Shaka. I'm afraid replacing it will cause problems later on.” Said Herman.

“Sorry, sir. But I cannot continue our cooperation if Miss Kate is not replaced. It is better that I stop cooperation among our companies than to have to risk my family.” Sahut Shaka firmly.

Herman was silent and seemed to think. He was looking forward to working with Shaka's company. Because although it looks small, but Raven Adventure has become the most sought after travel company, especially by young people and adventurers. Their efforts are arguably stable and increasing. While the family hospitality business, although still able to survive but increasingly at the tip of the horn. Nowadays more and more applications that make it easier for property owners to rent in the short term at affordable prices. Not a few facilities at the property are almost equal to the hotel's president suite room at a much lower price. Herman hopes his partnership with Raven Adventure will help boost the income of his family's company. On the other hand, she can't just throw Kate away. Aside from Kate being her sister, the girl is smart and does bring progress to their company. Although since Kate's arrival, she has been busy covering up the scandal that her sister continues to make with the employees and male staff in the office.

“What if PIC Raven Adventure is replaced..?? We can continue to cooperate, Kate also does not need to be replaced. But you can appoint Mr. Fahri to replace you. Since the beginning has not Mr Fahri accompanied you to prepare for our cooperation..?? I'm sure Mr. Fahri can handle it. If one day there is something that requires your presence, then I myself will meet Mr. Shaka. That way Mr. Shaka does not need to interact with Kate, my sister.” Herman said he gave me a middle ground. Shaka thought for a moment.

“Good. I agree Mr. Herman. But not Fahri, but Rosi who will replace me as the PIC of Raven Adventure. Rosi my secretary and she also accompanied since the beginning of the preparation of this cooperation.” Shaka Sahut. Herman thought again.

“Good. I'm sure Mr. Shaka must have considered it.” Answer Herman.

At first glance Shaka could see Kate looking upset. But not for long the girl looks back on smiling meaningfully. Shaka tries to ignore Kate despite her bad feelings. After all, he did not have to deal with Kate and the cooperation continued. After reaching an agreement, Shaka and Herman signed a cooperation agreement and each side shook hands. While shaking hands with Kate the girl smiled and slightly brought her face closer.

“You're the one who's coming to me, Shaka. I'll make sure of it.” Whisper Kate with her sly smile.

“No going, miss.” Shaka Sahut is cold.

After the signature is completed the event is continued by eating together. Kate awkwardly continued to pay attention to Shaka even though the man continued to ignore her. Scarlett Group's entourage bailed and left the restaurant where they were meeting.

“Rosi, from now on prepare everything well. I trust you.” Shaka said after the Scarlett Group troupe left.

“Good, Mr. Shaka. Thank you for the trust that Mr. Shaka gave.” Sahut Rosi's. He was happy to be given the opportunity to show his ability.

“Although you PIC for this project. You still have to report any developments on Fahri. My message remains cautious. Do not let your guard down or easily believe in them. If you encounter difficulties or feel something is wrong, do not hesitate to say to Fahri or me. Understand..??” Shaka said firmly.

“Understanding, sir Shaka.” Answer Rosi.

On the way home Shaka kept quiet. It is undeniable that he still feels that there is something strange and strange with Kate. Shaka believes Kate must have a plan but he can't imagine what it is.

“Fahri, please keep a close eye on our project with Scarlett Group. Keep an eye on them and keep Rosi at a distance. If something strange happens or threatens your safety do not hesitate to break the cooperation even without my consent.” Shaka said firmly.

“Good, Mr. Shaka. But if I may know, why did you choose Rosi.???” Ask Fahri.

“He is smart, confident, and also already knows the ins and outs of our cooperation with Scarlett group. Besides, because she's a girl. You must know my problem with Kate. I'm just afraid that if I ask you to replace me, Kate will bother you and your family. So stay alert. Understand..??!!” Answer Shaka.

“Understanding, sir Shaka.” Sahut Fahri's.

****

Kate was sitting opposite Herman in her brother's office. Simon and Johan, his father, seemed to be sitting not far from them. Herman stared intently at his sister while Kate looked indifferent.

"Stop your madness, Kate. Stop chasing Shaka." Furious Herman with a threatening look. But unfortunately did not make Kate daunted.

"Based on stupid girl..!! You almost destroyed us..!!" Herman.

"I don't care." Kate is stubborn.

"Shaka's wife threatened to destroy our family, didn't she..?? Just so you know, he could really do it right then and there if he wanted to..!!" Raung Herman's.

"Who is he..??!! She's just an old woman who happens to be married to Shaka..!! It's not him who will destroy us, but I'll destroy him..!!" Kate.

"Don't play with fire. You don't know who you're shooting the war flag with, Kate." Said Herman.

" I told you I don't care..!!" Kate.

"THE..!! Do you have the heart to sacrifice your family for the sake of indulging your addiction..??!!" Herman did not believe.

"Sister, what are you talking about..??!! Of course not. I can't sacrifice you..!!" Kate again.

"Then stop your madness. Because if you harass them, it's not just the Rahardian family. But the Tanzil and Hardisiswo families will intervene directly. You know even if we have power, but still can't face those 3 families, Kate." Herman softened his words to persuade his stubborn sister.

"What..?? How could the Hardisiswo and Tanzil families be behind them..??" Kate did not believe it.

"Because Kirana is the only daughter of the Hardisiswo family. Before marrying Shaka he married the eldest son of the Tanzil family and had 2 children. But her first husband was a soldier and died on duty. Until now her relationship with her late husband's family has remained good. Shaka and Kirana take care of her late husband's niece. That's why they'll be able to destroy us so easily, Kate. And remember.the family business is currently on the edge. It'll be easy for them to destroy us, Kate. So please stop." Herman tried to explain.

"Cannot be. She doesn't look like a socialite. After all she is not only older than Shaka, but also a widow of 2 children..?? They must have been betrothed..!!" Kate.

"No, Kate. Everyone who knows the three families knows for sure that Shaka and Kirana do love each other." Herman replied, seeing Kate looking silent.

"You know the Miller family and what their fate is now..??" Herman asked again and answered a nod by Kate.

"The family was completely destroyed. Not only did they lose their company and their entire fortune. The family was now scattered and no one knew what their fate was. All of that happened because Lucas, the family's eldest son, harassed Kirana and Shaka. Even Lucas died in the end. Do you want our family to have such a fate..??" Herman asked with a pleading face.

Kate jerks. He had not expected all this time to have flown the war flag with the wrong person. But he also still could not let Shaka off just like that

"Siaaaa..!! The old woman turned out to be very powerful." Kate's anger is in my heart.

Simon who saw Kate could already guess what his boss was thinking. Although not long known, but Simon already know almost the whole life of Kate.

"It looks like this girl won't just give up. I have to warn Shaka and Kira." Simon murmured in his heart.

****

Kira looked at Shaka who was sitting on the balcony of their room. Despite looking fine, Kira knew something was troubling her husband's mind. Slowly Kira walked up to Shaka and placed the warm green tea she made on the table and sat on Shaka's lap.

“What do you think, Bie..?? What about Kate and that cooperation.??” Kira asked as she gently stroked Shaka's head.

“We finally signed the agreement. Herman objected to replacing Kate because he could not entrust the project to anyone else. But he suggested replacing PIC from Raven Adventure and during the cooperation I would only communicate with Herman or Simon so that I would not have to interact with Kate. Finally I pointed at Rosi then asked Fahri to watch from afar.” Answer Shaka.

“That's great, Bie. You worked hard to get this partnership. Now you can be free from Kate's distractions without missing a good chance. Then what is the burden on your mind.??” Ask Kira again.

“Kate. I feel like he has other plans, whatever it is.” Shaka said with a worried face. Kira touched Shaka's face gently and looked at him fixedly.

“No need to worry, Bie. I will always support you. It used to be Lucas who was so dangerous we could handle together. I'm sure we can handle Kate.”, too Kira said.

“I'm afraid he'll hurt you.” Shaka said worriedly. Kira laughed softly.

“You should have seen when I last night came to his hotel. He was very frightened and whined to Simon to help him.” Kira said chuckling.

“I imagine Rita Repulsa is dealing with Ranger Pink.” Sahut Shaka laughed as he remembered the nickname Edna had given his children.

“Haaaaah.I don't like pink but mama keeps dubbing me pink ranger just because I'm a woman.” Kira's murmur makes Shaka laugh again.

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