Juliana and Blana were busy celebrating.
"My enemy's mother was killed two days ago, and she hasn't come to work until today," Blana said with a smirk.
"Who is that? I don't know her," Juliana replied.
"Sabastine's girlfriend, Anita! I know we had a deal."
"Yeah, I was going to pass as Sabastine's wife."
"Exactly! But now there won't be any need for that again. That stupid girl will be going away with Edward on a business trip for one month. I am planning a 'welcome back' surprise for her," Blana laughed.
"Hmm, I trust you, girl. Just in case you need my help, I am available."
"Sure, I know that. Oh, that reminds me... how is he?" Blana asked, smiling.
"Who?" Juliana asked, looking pleased with herself.
"Hmm, don't pretend. Edrado, of course!"
"Oh! He is so sweet. He is now doing anything I ask of him, just to save his daughter's life."
"And who and where is this daughter?"
"Still looking for her, my dear. Until then, I don't know. But that girl you call your enemy... I mean Anita, or whatever you call her... You mentioned her mother's death. What exactly happened to her mother? How was she killed?"
"I don't know much about it. It's just a mixed-up story that I don't care about. But why did you ask?"
Juliana just smiled mysteriously. "Never mind."
"If you say so, my dear friend. It's time for me to go."
"Okay dear, let me see you to the door." Juliana stood up to escort her.
************
Edward was ready to leave and was waiting impatiently for Anita, who was sluggishly coming down from her office. On seeing her boss, she hurried up. Sabastine was right there with her, holding her bag and handing it over to the driver to put in the boot, all while staring intently at Anita.
"Is it that you deliberately keep me waiting here or what?" Edward snapped.
"No Sir, I am sorry, I was just..."
"I was talking to her since I am going to miss her," Sabastine cut in quickly.
"We are leaving here, just for one month. Get that into your head. And take care of this whole place while I am away, Mr. Lover Boy," Edward said sarcastically. "Can we go now?" He turned to Anita.
"Yes sure Sir, after you Sir."
The driver opened the car door for them, and they drove away. As soon as the car was out of sight...
"Hi Sab," Blana appeared from behind him.
Sabastine turned sharply. "What do you want?"
"Care to greet your colleague again?"
He hissed loudly and walked away from her.
"Blana, you know what you want," she whispered to herself. "So don't allow anything to hinder you." She went back inside.
As she entered her office, she avoided looking at anyone and went straight to her desk. Emily, one of the workers, and her friend laughed mockingly at her.
"She's just trying to talk to him because Anita is not around," Emily whispered.
"Imagine the ignorance! She doesn't know anything. The battle is complete," Handral added.
"She's just deceiving herself," Emily scoffed.
"Let's work, my dear, cause she has missed her chance."
They both smiled and continued with their work.
********************************************
Meanwhile markus was busy searching for Anita as instructed by his boss. He returned to report.
"Mr. Jago, the water side is clear. We can ship the goods by sea."
"Okay. Well, before you came in, we were discussing my late friend, Mr. Leonan."
"Okay Sir, so what about him?"
"He was my partner, but after he was killed, his son Edward refused to continue exporting drugs using the company's name."
"We need to threaten him because we must get his consent right now," Edrado said. "We need a very big and well-known company's name with the owner's approval."
"So how do you intend to achieve that?" Jago asked.
"I was able to gather some information about him. He is out of the state, and the company is under the control of one of his most trusted workers—Sabastine. I think we can use him against him."
Markus, who was scared and wanted to protect his brother, opposed the idea. "I think I have a better idea."
Jago looked interested. "What is your idea?"
"I think we should try to threaten Edward instead of Sabastine. Since Edward owns the company, without his approval, signature and permission, we or no one can use it."
"That is interesting," Jago said, suddenly interested. "So there is no point targeting Sabastine." He turned to Edrado. "Let's go for Edward instead."
"Sure Sir, I will be working on that," Edrado agreed.
"If you need any help, I am available," Markus offered, feeling satisfied with himself.
Edrado, noticing his attitude, just nodded. "Okay."
"So we need to get to work." Jago walked away as he finished talking, leaving the two of them.
Immediately Jago was out of sight, Edrado turned to Markus, who was drinking.
"What are you hiding? I noticed the way you turned the whole thing to your favor."
"Nothing! I just came up with something that you didn't think of," Markus defended.
"For your information, you are protecting someone. But don't worry, I will find out."
"I am not hiding nor protecting anyone!" Markus lied, trying to deny it.
Edrado walked away without saying another word.