Chapter 24
It’s possible that Aurora is quite lucky. She even feels like this time God is on her side.
After getting Sandy’s contact that she took directly from Alex’s phone, the next day Aurora immediately contacted him. Making an appointment, then conveying her intention to ask for help. Aurora had to act quickly. She didn’t want to waste any more time investigating and gathering various pieces of evidence to trap her miserable husband.
“I need Lumire’s financial report for the past year. I know this isn’t Mr. Sandy’s department. But, I believe only Mr. Sandy can help me get it.”
At that moment, Sandy was a bit puzzled. How could he not be, knowing that Aurora is the daughter of the company owner and also one of the shareholders? It wouldn’t be difficult for her to ask directly without going through an intermediary. But, after thinking carefully and listening to Aurora’s explanation, Sandy realized that Aurora indeed needed his help.
“Alright. I’ll try to get what Mrs. Aurora asks for.”
As a gesture of gratitude and his dedication to the Harperwood family, Sandy agreed to Aurora’s request. He would try to get what she needed.
Two days later, Sandy contacted her again. After gaining access, he immediately made an appointment at a coffee shop to hand over what Aurora needed.
“All the company’s financial inflow and outflow data for the past year has been copied and stored in this drive, Madam.”
Aurora smiled. She reached for the white envelope containing the drive given by Sandy.
“If there’s anything else missing and Mrs. Aurora needs something else, don’t hesitate to contact me directly. I’m ready to assist Mrs. Aurora anytime.”
Aurora nodded. She was truly grateful for the help Sandy had given. She had suspected that her father’s staff could indeed be trusted. If his track record were bad, how could he have served in the Harperwood family’s company for years?
“Thank you very much for your help, Mr. Sandy. If I need further assistance later, I will contact you directly.”
“With pleasure.”
After that, Aurora hurried to visit Rayyen at his law firm office. There, her cousin was already waiting. Indeed, they had made an appointment today to continue their previous discussion.
“Have you got what I need?”
Aurora nodded. After being seated, she immediately handed over what Rayyen needed. For heaven’s sake, she couldn’t wait to see the results of her cousin’s investigation.
“These are all the financial reports from Lumire. Yesterday, I also asked one of my friends working at the bank to send copies of the credit card transactions Alex has been using.”
“Good. Let’s see whose money Alex has been using to please Nicole.”
Then Rayyen seemed to contact someone from his phone. Asking them to come to the room immediately.
“Is there anything I can help with, Sir?”
Ricky Harald appeared entering the room. He greeted Aurora and then approached Rayyen who was sitting.
“You check the financial reports in this drive. Analyze and check where the funds are flowing.”
Ricky nodded. Before leaving the room, Aurora called out to him.
“This is Ricky, the younger brother of Dr. Ezra, right?”
Ricky smiled, nodding.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.
“Yes, Mrs. Aurora. I’m Ricky, Ezra’s brother. I’m sure Mrs. Aurora is impressed because I’m more handsome than Dr. Ezra, right?”
Aurora laughed. While Rayyen immediately sighed in annoyance. Irritated by Ricky’s boastful remarks that were always overly confident.
“No need to exaggerate.”
“If you look closely, I am indeed much more handsome, Sir. Unfortunately, not many pay attention. So, they’re unaware of my handsomeness.”
Rayyen simply nodded. He waved his hand, instructing Ricky to continue what he had been ordered to do.
“I just remembered that Ricky works at your law firm, Ray.”
“He’s been interning here,” Rayyen confirmed. “Ricky is one of the best lawyers in my firm. He has resolved many major cases. And, you should know, he’s supposed to be matched with Dilara.”
Both of Aurora’s eyebrows furrowed. It seemed like there was something bothering her that she needed to ask her cousin about.
“Dilara? Our cousin from Turkey? Do they know each other? I thought Ricky already had a girlfriend.”
Rayyen leaned back on the sofa, nodding, confirming Aurora’s recent guess. Until now, Ricky had always brought his girlfriend whenever there was an opportunity to introduce her. But who would have thought that their serious relationship couldn’t continue?
“Yes. Initially, he was dating Tiara, Alinna’s assistant.”
“Oh, right. I remember meeting Tiara several times. So, why didn’t they just get married? They’ve been together for a long time, haven’t they?”
Rayyen nodded again.
“Even if it’s been a long time, Ricky still couldn’t get his parents’ approval.”
Aurora frowned. She was both puzzled and curious.
“Why not? What’s the reason they weren’t approved? Isn’t she of Arab descent?”
“It’s not because of that. But, Tiara is not Muslim. So, no matter how much they’re forced, they can’t unite. Unless Tiara is willing to convert to Ricky’s faith.”
“That’s so unfortunate. That’s why, before continuing a relationship, it’s better to commit first. Where is it heading? Just for fun or serious for the next step. And, is Ricky okay with being matched with Dilara?”
Rayyen shrugged his shoulders, unsure about this.
“Ricky said his parents have agreed. Who wouldn’t want to be in-laws with Dilara’s parents? But, I’ve warned Ricky too. If he doesn’t love her, he shouldn’t force it. He better not make Dilara sad.”
Aurora burst out laughing.
“Back to Alex’s case, let me know as soon as the results are out.”
“Don’t worry. Tonight I’ll check everything immediately. You just pray that Alex indeed used company funds to please his mistress. That way, it’ll be easier for you to take this case to court. Whether it’s civil or criminal proceedings later, the decision is in your hands.”
Aurora pursed her lips. She couldn’t wait to give her husband a present.
***
Aurora intentionally came home early this afternoon. Initially, she had told Alex that she would work late like the previous night. Not because she had any tasks or work to finish. Aurora intentionally came home at around nine or ten almost every night because she was reluctant to meet and engage in conversations with her miserable husband for too long.
Truly, ever since she found out that Alex was cheating again, Aurora felt disgusted. She even tried to be patient because every night she still had to sleep in the same bed as her wretched husband.
When she arrived home, Aurora found Alex taking a shower. As she sat down on the sofa, she heard Alex’s phone ringing repeatedly.
Feeling annoyed, Aurora got up from her seat. Glancing at Alex’s phone on the nightstand, she found a series of text messages from a number that seemed familiar.
“This is Nicole’s number, isn’t it?”
As if struck by a bolt of lightning, Aurora was immediately curious. She intentionally opened the text messages Nicole had sent to Alex to read their contents.
+62853 1234 5678: Darling, are we still on for dinner tonight?
+62853 1234 5678: Darling, you promised. You said Aurora would be working late tonight.
Aurora clicked her tongue. Irritated as she read the messages Nicole had sent. Apparently, knowing she would be coming home late, Alex deliberately made dinner plans with his cursed cousin.
Damn it!
Lifting her face momentarily, Aurora made sure Alex was still in the bathroom. Annoyed, she replied to the text Nicole had sent.
Alex: Where do you want to eat?
+62853 1234 5678: How about Wolfgang’s? I’ve been craving their steak since yesterday.
Aurora grew even more irritated as she read Nicole’s message. The woman had the audacity to ask Alex to take her to a luxurious restaurant known for its expensive and premium quality.
Alex: Alright. Shall we meet there? I’m afraid of traffic if I pick you up first.
+62853 1234 5678: Okay. I’m getting ready. If you arrive first, let me know which table reservation number.
Aurora didn’t reply to the messages anymore. In the next moment, she immediately deleted all the messages Nicole had sent.
Fortunately, Aurora quickly returned Alex’s phone to its original place. If she had been a few seconds late, perhaps what she did would have been discovered because not long after, Alex emerged from the bathroom and immediately asked.
“Why are you already home?”
Aurora began to undress, intending to clean herself up.
“Why? Don’t you like me coming home early?”
“Not like that. You said you’d be working late.”
Without putting on a top, Aurora walked lightly towards Alex. Approaching, she stared intently while wrapping both her hands around Alex’s neck.
“I don’t know why, but I want to come home early and take you out. It’s been so long since we’ve eaten out, right?”
Alex smiled. It had been a long time since Aurora had acted like this.
“Eating out?”
“Yes. Let’s consider it a date. Do you want to?”
Of course, Alex did. He nodded repeatedly. Agreeing to Aurora’s invitation to dine out.
“Okay. I’ll get ready right away. So, where do you want to have dinner?”
“How about Wolfgang’s? I really want to have steak dinner with you. Like the old times when we were just married.”
Alex grinned widely. Once again, he nodded in agreement.
“Alright, hurry up and shower. Then we’ll go straight there.”
Aurora smiled meaningfully this time. Wondering in her heart what would happen when they arrived at the restaurant. Should she expose her husband’s affair tonight too? Ah, let’s see what happens later.