Viona found herself contemplating the decision she had just made. Surrendering to Reigha's proposition left her feeling like she might have taken a plunge into the abyss. A shiver ran down her spine as she thought about the potential consequences of her actions. It wasn't her nature to trust easily, especially not someone like Reigha Arsalan.
However, she couldn't ignore the fact that Reigha's offer provided her with the perfect cover to keep her brothers, Angkasa, Gilang, and Galih, at arm's length from the enigmatic Giovanni Arsalan. And on top of that, the peculiar overlap between the Amethyst and Arsalan businesses, despite their stark differences, presented a unique opportunity for her future entrepreneurial endeavors.
"We'll sign a contract that includes: One, all Sei-related activities must not interfere with my schooling and must align with my schedule. So, you'll need to contact me at least 2 days in advance when you require Sei. Two, you must assist Amethyst with anything I request. Don't worry; you can add your own conditions, but I won't ask for anything illegal or against the law. Three... if you want Sei, then you must treat her as Sei, a 30-year-old independent career woman. And finally, during our working relationship, I don't want you involved in any scandals with anyone. Deal?" Viona asked, her raised eyebrow and challenging gaze betraying none of the inner turmoil she felt.
"Deal!" Reigha responded quickly, a seemingly easy agreement that puzzled Viona. The Reigha Arsalan she knew wasn't one to readily concede to anything. Moreover, Reigha hadn't displayed this much warmth or openness in their past encounters, at least not until seven years later. Viona couldn't shake the feeling that something significant must have transpired in those intervening years, and she suspected that Giovanni Arsalan was somehow at the heart of it.
Nonetheless, Viona recognized that this transformed Reigha could work to her advantage. She might build a strong rapport with him much more swiftly than she had initially anticipated. Perhaps, she thought, she could also find a way to help Reigha deal with Giovanni in the future. Such an arrangement would surely be mutually beneficial.
With a sense of resolve, Viona rested her chin on her hands and observed as Reigha made a phone call to someone, presumably to draw up the contract based on her terms. Her emotions were a swirling maelstrom within, but she managed to maintain a mask of cold neutrality.
A few minutes later, Reigha concluded his conversation and glanced at Viona, who regarded him with a seemingly unfazed expression. His raised eyebrow silently inquired why she was studying him so closely.
Viona simply shrugged, "I just didn't expect you to be so... desperate to bring Sei on board," she replied casually, her voice devoid of judgment.
Reigha smiled faintly, as if he found solace in confiding his frustrations to her. "That's true. Several times, I've attended events that required a partner, and I always brought my assistant along. From the way people look at me, they probably think I'm gay because of it. Besides, I'm tired of materialistic women who keep trying to seduce me. Ugh. They're so annoying," Reigha confessed candidly.
Viona shrugged once more, her demeanor betraying nothing more than indifference. "So... when are we going to sign that contract, and when do I start working?"
"Dave is preparing it right now. I'll also ask Dave to send you some information you need to know about me. Ah... that reminds me, I should ask for your number," Reigha said as he took out his phone and saved the number Viona provided, his countenance growing more at ease.
A sense of satisfaction danced in Reigha's eyes, which did not escape Viona's notice.
With a nonchalant shrug, Viona pushed her chair back and rose to her feet. Her tone was playful as she teased, "So, when we're done, should I call you what? Uncle Reigha?"
Reigha choked, caught off guard by her jest. "Wha- no no. Don't call me Uncle! I'm only 27!" he exclaimed, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush.
"Still older... 12 years older than me," Viona replied innocently, seemingly oblivious to the awkwardness she had just introduced.
"I'd rather you call me 'Mister' if you're in a school uniform. And Sei can... ah, can I ask Sei to be a woman in her mid-20s? I don't want to hear weird conversations from people. And Sei can call me 'Mas'," Reigha said, scratching his cheek awkwardly, as if deliberating on the best way to address their working relationship.
Viona offered a noncommittal shrug. "Sure. It's not a big deal," she replied with her characteristic nonchalance.
"It's a pleasure working with you, Miss Amethyst," Reigha said, extending his hand in a gesture of camaraderie.
Viona accepted the handshake, sealing the unspoken pact that had been formed between them.