That morning, the air in Maduna city felt fresh but laden with hidden anxiety.
Davin carefully drove his new Toyota Kijang Innova, taking Vania to the Laguna Group office.
Their goal today was crucial: Vania had to meet Joni Lunggana to rescind the cancellation of the contract that Johnny Lunggana had verbally declared due to Kevin and Grandma Heidi's actions.
"You can do it," Davin whispered as they stopped in front of the main entrance of the magnificent Laguna building. His eyes were reassuring. "My big boss, Joni Lunggana, was very impressed with your proposal. Even though your grandmother and Kevin made him angry, if you're the one who comes to clear everything up and ensure you remain in charge of this project, he will definitely continue the cooperation."
Vania looked at him, doubt still evident on her beautiful face. "Are you sure?"
Davin shrugged, trying to appear relaxed. "Even though I'm new here, I've heard about Joni Lunggana's reputation. He's tough on cheaters like Kevin, but he highly values achievers and honest people like you. Believe me."
Finally, taking a deep breath, Vania nodded. "Alright. I'll try. In that case, you should just go straight to work. Don't be late because of me."
"Ah, don't worry," Davin said with a smile. "I just need to check in and have a brief morning meeting. After that, my task is in the field, checking the operations of several companies owned by Laguna Group outside. So, I have time to pick you up later."
Vania finally agreed. She stepped into the luxurious lobby, where a staff member who had been waiting respectfully immediately greeted her and escorted her to the executive floor.
Davin didn't leave right away. He parked his car in a somewhat hidden area, then entered through a side door used only by specific employees.
Using the special access card Joni had given him, he went up to the 2nd floor, heading to an observation room equipped with a one-way mirror. From there, he could see the entire conversation in Joni Lunggana's office without being detected.
He watched Vania enter, slightly nervous but still elegant.
Joni Lunggana welcomed her warmly,a far cry from the anger he had shown at Sentosa Group.
Davin saw how Vania spoke confidently, explaining her commitment, and assuring Joni that she still had full control over the project.
Joni, who had already received instructions from Davin, pretended to consider seriously before finally nodding in agreement.
He even called Grandma Heidi directly in front of Vania,stating that the cooperation would continue with the absolute condition that Vania lead it and Kevin must not be involved at all in the project.
Davin could see Vania's face shine with relief and pride.
After everything was settled, Vania left the room with a light step. As she looked around, searching for Davin, right in front of her, the Kijang Innova was already waiting.
Davin smiled from behind the wheel,pretending he had just arrived.
"How did it go? Success?" asked Davin, pretending not to know.
Vania, overflowing with excitement, immediately recounted all the details of her meeting. "You were right, Davin! Joni Lunggana turned out to be very reasonable! He even called Grandma directly and stated that I'm the leader!"
Davin listened with feigned enthusiasm, nodding and smiling at the right moments, as if all this was a surprise to him. Even though he had witnessed every second of it.
The journey to Sentosa Group began. However, en route, Vania's phone rang. One of the directors of Sentosa Group was contacting her.
"Vania, sorry to disturb you. We need to immediately confirm material availability at our main supplier's warehouse, PT Bangun Jaya. They supply steel rebar. Can you go there directly? It's urgent to ensure the project with Laguna isn't delayed."
Vania sighed but agreed. "Of course, Sir. I'm on my way now."
Davin, who heard the conversation, immediately offered. "I'll take you."
"No need, Davin. You have to work. I'm afraid your field tasks will be disrupted. I can go myself," Vania objected.
"No problem. The warehouse is in an area I scheduled to visit anyway. So it's convenient," Davin lied smoothly.
Finally, Vania agreed.
Davin drove towards the industrial area on the outskirts of the city, where the PT Bangun Jaya warehouse was located. The place was remote, surrounded by other old, slightly eerie factories.
Upon arrival, Vania got out immediately. "Davin, you don't need to wait. This could take a long time. I'll call an online taxi to go home. You just go straight to your field tasks."
Davin wanted to object, but it would be suspicious for him, with his status as a new employee, to neglect his work. He finally nodded.
Vania waited until Kevin's car was out of sight,then she headed towards the entrance of PT Bangun Jaya.
Davin tried to dismiss his anxiety. Initially, he was sure that Kevin would never target Vania, his own cousin.
But, after about 200 meters, he had a bad feeling. His memory flashed back to the previous night, how Kevin easily hired thugs to attack him. Kevin clearly wouldn't stop. And now Vania, who was Kevin's main obstacle for the project with Laguna Group, was alone in a remote place.
This is too risky, Davin thought. Better safe than sorry. Quickly, he turned his car around and headed back to the warehouse.
As he approached the warehouse area, the atmosphere felt different. Unlike the emptiness earlier, now a group of workers and warehouse staff were gathered outside, talking in a commotion with panicked faces. As if something had just happened.
Davin immediately parked his car a bit farther away and carefully approached the crowd, trying to blend in as a curious onlooker.
"...earlier it was a black car, no license plates! It just rushed in!"
"Oh my god, I saw them drag that young lady into the car!"
"Who was kidnapped just now?"
"They said from Sentosa Group?"
"Yes, they said she was here to check stock for a big project."
"Quick, report to the police!"
The fragments of conversation pieced together in Davin's ears like a puzzle forming a terrifying picture. His heart pounded wildly, almost jumping out of his chest.
Kidnapping. Sentosa Group representative. Woman.
'Was it Vania who was kidnapped?' Davin's chest roared. A mix of anxiety and anger.
Impatiently, he interrupted the conversation of two workers who seemed most engrossed in discussing the incident. "Excuse me. The one who was kidnapped, a woman? Dressed like a young executive?"
"Yes, exactly!" answered one of the workers, his eyes still wide with fear. "Pretty, wearing a suit. Said she was from Sentosa Group. She had just arrived in front of the gate, suddenly a black car sped in, several big-bodied men got out and immediately ambushed her. They took her away immediately!"
Davin didn't need to hear more. His blood boiled, but his mind remained cold. This had to be Kevin's doing. He blamed himself. He should never have left Vania alone, not even for a second.
He turned and ran towards his car, his hand already grabbing his phone. He didn't call the police. That would be too slow. He directly pressed a speed dial number.
"Rey," he said as soon as the connection was made, his voice low and dangerous, full of an authority he never showed to anyone. "This is Number One. Someone has kidnapped my wife. At the PT Bangun Jaya warehouse in the southern industrial area. A black car, no plates. I need all eyes and ears on the streets looking for that car. Now. Mobilize everyone. And find Kevin Santosa. Torture him. Force him to confess. I'm sure he's behind this."
From the other end of the phone, Rey, the feared "Number Six" in Maduna city, immediately responded obediently and without question. "Understood, Boss. It will be done immediately."
Davin got into his car, slamming the accelerator hard. The ordinary-looking Kijang Innova shot off like an arrow, leaving the panic in front of the warehouse behind.
He called Vania's number, but it was inactive. This made him even more certain that Vania was the one kidnapped.
His usually calm face now radiated the terrifying aura of a war general.
Every muscle in his body was tense, every sense on high alert. The man who had pretended to be weak and timid for three years was gone. All that remained was Davin Tanjaya, the successor to the Giant Corporation, the boss of The Bad Boys, and now, a husband who would destroy anyone who dared to hurt his wife.
The hunt had begun. And the city of Maduna would never be the same after today.