6-1 Mariana's Arrival
At 10:00 PM, one of Jakarta's toll roads began to clear. Amid the traffic, two luxury SUVs—both Pajeros—were cruising steadily. One was white, the other black.
Without slowing down, the two vehicles exited the toll and headed toward Tanah Abang.
Once on the main road, traffic was thick again. Yet, other cars instinctively gave way, as if not wanting to mess with these vehicles.
A few minutes later, the two SUVs pulled into the spacious parking lot of an upscale nightclub.
The black SUV's door opened first. A tall, broad-shouldered man wearing a black leather jacket stepped out with sharp, alert eyes scanning the surroundings.
After ensuring the area was safe, he walked to the white Pajero and opened the door.
This man was named Broto.
Broto: "Please, Madam."
From inside the white SUV, a tall woman stepped out calmly.
Dressed elegantly in black, her perfect figure wrapped in the fabric. Her long hair flowed beautifully, and her golden-toned skin shimmered under the streetlights.
This beautiful woman was Mariana, the Big Lady.
In her right hand, a delicate paper fan moved gently, played with her slender fingers.
As soon as her feet touched the ground, her eyes swept across the front of the club.
Above the entrance, bright neon letters glowed:
"Kembang Setaman Diskotheque"
A faint smile curled on her lips. Her gaze then shifted to Broto, who had opened her door.
Mariana: "Broto, clear the way for me."
Broto: "Yes, Madam."
***
6-2 Broto, The Tall Guardian
Broto walked ahead, clearing the way for Mariana.
Behind him, four other bodyguards followed with steady steps.
Their sharp eyes scanned the area, ensuring no threats approached.
At the nightclub entrance, two security guards stood alert. Their serious eyes watched as Broto approached.
Broto: "Move aside. The Madam is passing!"
Without question, the two security guards stepped aside to let him through.
Tasno, the first guard, whispered nervously to his partner Kasdi.
Tasno: "Did you see that tall man in front of the Madam?"
Kasdi: "The one with the buzz cut and beard?"
Tasno: "Yeah. Check his jacket—half open."
Kasdi: "You mean... the two pistols in his holsters?"
Their eyes met, realizing exactly who they were dealing with.
***
6-3 The Big Lady's Bodyguards
Mariana finally settled in the VIP lounge upstairs—a strategic spot with a spectacular view.
From this height, she could see the people dancing below under the spinning disco lights. They were clearly enjoying themselves.
Four bodyguards, including Broto, stood vigilantly nearby. Their eyes constantly scanned the room, ensuring the Madam's safety.
The first bodyguard was medium build, with a buzz cut and no mustache. His name was Reno.
The second was tall, a bit thin, with curly hair. His name was Riko.
The third was tall and sturdy, with long curly hair. His name was Rifai.
The fourth was big and burly, short hair with a slight bald spot, and a thick mustache. His name was Rendi.
A waiter approached with a drink.
Waiter: "For you, Madam."
Mariana's right hand continued to softly play with her paper fan, fanning her elegant face.
Her gaze stayed focused downward, enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Mariana: "Broto, I want to meet the club manager."
Broto: "Right away, Madam."
***
6-4 Handoyo, The Club Manager
Broto approached the reception desk. A young woman smiled at him. On her left chest was a name tag: Sriyani.
Broto: "I want to meet the club manager."
Sriyani: "He's busy right now, sir."
Broto opened his jacket slightly, revealing two pistols tucked inside.
Broto: "Please don't make this difficult."
Sriyani swallowed hard. Broto's fierce look combined with visible guns silenced her objections.
With trembling hands, she immediately called the manager—Mr. Handoyo—using the phone on the desk.
Sriyani: "Sorry, Mr. Handoyo. There's a dissatisfied customer. I can't handle this."
Handoyo: "What's the problem?"
Handoyo picked up the phone while checking the financial book on his laptop screen.
Sriyani: "You should come down yourself."
A brief silence followed. Handoyo sensed something was wrong.
Shortly after, Handoyo came down to meet Broto.
Handoyo: "How can we help you, sir?"
Broto: "The Big Lady wants to see you."
***
6-5 Taking Over Kembang Setaman Diskotheque
Mariana looked at Handoyo with a sharp, cold, and piercing gaze.
Mariana: "I want to buy this nightclub."
Handoyo was shocked, his eyes widening.
Handoyo: "Sorry, Madam. This nightclub is not for sale."
Mariana smiled faintly.
Mariana: "What if I just take it from you? And you can still stay as the manager here..."
Handoyo couldn't believe it. His face turned pale.
Handoyo: "That's impossible, Madam."
Broto, standing behind Handoyo, suddenly grabbed his neck.
Handoyo jerked. His breath caught. He tried to break free, but Broto's grip was too strong.
In desperation, his hand reached for his jacket pocket and pressed the security button on his phone. He hoped the nightclub's security and bodyguards would come to save him.
But no one came.
Handoyo's expression turned panicked. Cold sweat dripped from his temples.
He suddenly realized! The security guards had already been captured by Mariana's men.
They had ambushed and held them at gunpoint, so the nightclub security dared not move.
Suddenly, Handoyo's phone rang.
Mariana signaled Broto.
Mariana: "Let go!"
Broto immediately released his grip. Handoyo coughed to catch his breath.
Mariana: "Answer your phone."
Handoyo's hand trembled slightly as he looked at the screen.
Dewi—his wife's name—was displayed.
***
6-6 Mariana, The New Owner of Kembang Setaman Diskotik
Handoyo heard his wife's voice on the phone. It trembled with fear and threat.
Dewi: "Sir, just give up the nightclub..."
Handoyo: "Why, dear? This is our hard work!"
Dewi: "I know, Sir. But the Madam's men are holding me and the children hostage..."
Handoyo: "What?!"
Dewi: "They said they'll maim me and the children..."
Handoyo fell silent. His hand trembled. Slowly, he lowered the phone. His body felt weak.
Mariana smiled faintly. Her hand calmly played with the paper fan.
Mariana: "So, you'll hand over this nightclub willingly?"
Handoyo looked resigned. His family mattered more than his possessions.
Handoyo: "...Alright. This nightclub is yours."
Mariana's smile grew even thinner. Her right hand continued playing with her fan.
Mariana: "Broto, bring out the papers that Pak Handoyo must sign."
Broto: "Yes, Madam."
Broto opened a black briefcase, took out a stack of documents, and handed them to Handoyo.
Mariana: "If you want, you can still remain the manager here."
Handoyo stared at Mariana with a vacant look. His last hope slowly crumbled.
End of Chapter 6
To be continued chapter 7