That day, the air in the Sentosa Group headquarters felt thick with anticipation and tension.
It was a day both eagerly awaited and feared: a visit from Joni Lunggana himself, the business legend from Laguna Group, to discuss the continuation of the giant project Vania had won.
Vania had been in the main conference room since morning. She wore an elegant business suit, her face adorned with natural makeup that accentuated her determination. Davin had dropped her off in his new Kijang Innova, and she could feel his silent support through his small smile before she got out. "You can do it, Van," Davin had whispered, and those words became her motivation.
Vania now sat in the seat provided for her, checking her notes and presentation for the umpteenth time. She was ready.
However, behind the doors of the luxurious conference room, another battle was taking place.
Kevin, with his ambition and cunning, had cornered Grandma Heidi in her office. With sweet, coaxing words and the poison of doubt, he launched his attack.
"Grandmother, I'm worried about Vania," he said, pretending to be concerned. "This project is too big, too complex. Vania has no experience leading a project of this caliber. She's just a regular staff member. What does she know about risk management, budgets of billions handled daily, or negotiations with top-tier subcontractors?"
Heidi, who was old and becoming easily influenced, frowned. "But her proposal was the one that won, Kevin."
"Her proposal?" Kevin sneered, injecting his venomous doubt. "Who can confirm it was truly her work? In this day and age, anything can be found online. I don't want to accuse her, Grandma, but she could have just plagiarized it. Laguna Group will find out sooner or later, and it will embarrass us all!"
Seeing his grandmother waver, he quickly pressed on, "But don't worry, Grandma. The contract is already signed. Laguna Group won't cancel it just because we change the project leader. They care about results, not the person. Just hand the leadership over to me. I have the experience, and I will ensure this project is a success, making the Sentosa Group name even more renowned."
The poisonous persuasion finally seeped into Heidi's mind. Fear of failure and the desire to maintain family stability made her forget justice. With a heavy heart but trusting her favorite grandson, she nodded. "Alright, Kevin. You handle it."
The order was given. An old manager loyal to Heidi approached Vania in the conference room.
"Mrs. Vania," he said in a flat yet firm voice. "You are asked to leave this room. The project leadership has been changed. Mr. Kevin will be taking over. This is a direct order from Mrs. Heidi."
Vania was stunned. Her world seemed to crumble around her. "What? Impossible! This... this is my project! My proposal! Grandma can't do this!"
But before she could defend herself further, Kevin appeared with an arrogant stride. His face was filled with a wicked triumph.
"Enough, Vania. Don't embarrass yourself," he snapped, his voice loud and demeaning, heard by several staff members who had begun to gather. "Do you think you can lead a major project with your minuscule experience? Get out of here! This is a matter for professionals, not for a child who's just learning to walk."
Tears began to form in Vania's eyes, a mixture of pain, betrayal, and anger.
She looked around, seeking support, but everyone lowered their heads.
She had no power to fight Heidi and Kevin at this moment. With a shattered heart and a feeling of humiliation, she finally turned and left the room that should have been her moment of victory.
The feeling of betrayal was so deep. She immediately called her best friend, Cindy. "Cind, can you meet? I... I need a friend," she sobbed over the phone.
---
Not long after Vania left, the atmosphere changed. Joni Lunggana arrived with a large entourage—executive staff, bodyguards, and an undeniable aura of power.
Heidi and Kevin greeted him with extreme respect, even bordering on sycophancy.
Joni himself was polite and respectful towards the elder Heidi.
The meeting began. Heidi, assisted by Kevin, immediately opened the discussion. "Mr. Lunggana, let me introduce my grandson, Kevin Santosa. He will be leading this project from our side. He is very experienced and has handled many major Sentosa Group projects."
It was then that Joni Lunggana realized something. His eyes scanned the room. "Where is Mrs. Vania?" he asked, his voice beginning to lose its warmth.
Kevin quickly answered, "Oh, Vania? She's just a regular staff member, Sir. We felt she wasn't experienced enough for a project this large. So, the company has appointed me as—"
SLAM!
Joni Lunggana suddenly slammed his hand on the table, making everyone jump in shock. His previously friendly face turned crimson with overflowing anger.
"Not experienced enough?!" he roared, his voice thundering, making the windowpanes vibrate. "Her proposal was the best! She is the one we acknowledge! Not the Sentosa Group, but Vania Santosa personally! The contract clearly states her name! She is the important one!"
He stood up, his portly frame now seeming intimidating. "This unilateral change is a breach of contract! Laguna Group will not accept such an insult! We will mobilize our one hundred best lawyers to sue you! The compensation we will demand will be so massive, it could bankrupt Sentosa Group!"
The room fell silent. Sri, who was also present, turned deathly pale. Heidi trembled with fear.
Joni didn't stop. He pointed at Kevin. "And you, Mr. Kevin! We have investigated your track record. Many projects you 'led' were full of fund mismanagement, delays, and unprofessionalism! Your name was blacklisted from our partner list from the very beginning! Your presence in this project is a bad joke!"
He looked at Heidi, his eyes sharp. "Mrs. Heidi, I respect your age and experience. But your decision today is deeply disappointing. This project, effective immediately, I declare CANCELLED!"
The word "cancelled" shook the entire room. The attending Sentosa Group directors and family members immediately erupted in an uproar. Whispers of disappointment and anger began to be heard, which then turned into voices blaming Kevin and Heidi.
"This is all Kevin's fault! Ambitious but incompetent!"
"Grandma has gone senile! Forcing Kevin even though his track record is terrible!"
"We lost a multi-trillion project because of them!"
Heidi, cornered and terrified, finally realized her fatal mistake. With trembling hands, she tried to chase after Joni Lunggana, who had already turned to leave.
"Mr. Lunggana! Wait! Forgive us! This is our fault! Vania... we will reinstate Vania as the project leader! We promise! Kevin will not be involved at all!" she cried out, almost weeping.
Joni Lunggana stopped at the door but did not turn around. His voice was cold and full of finality. "You have three days. If Mrs. Vania is not reinstated as the leader of this project, and if Kevin Santosa's name is involved in any way, even slightly, then the lawsuit will be filed. Good day."
The door closed with a loud thud, leaving devastation and panic in the conference room.
Heidi, gasping for breath, immediately ordered her staff. "Find Vania! Call her now! Tell her I'm sorry! She must return! She must save our company!"
---
Meanwhile, in a quiet cafe, Vania was trying to calm herself down, accompanied by Cindy.
Her tears had begun to dry, replaced by deep disappointment. Her phone rang. She saw "Grandma" on the screen. She ignored it once, twice.
But the calls kept coming. Finally, with a heavy heart, she answered.
"Vania! My granddaughter! Forgive Grandma!" Heidi's voice sounded panicked and hoarse. "Come back! The project is about to be canceled! You must go to Laguna Group tomorrow and apologize to Mr. Lunggana! Save us! Only you can!"
Vania listened, but this time, beneath the pain, a new strength was born. She was no longer the obedient Vania. She had been betrayed, and now they needed her.
She ended the call without promising anything. She needed time to think. For the first time, the fate of Sentosa Group was in her hands, and she would decide her own next move.