CHAPTER 19: PRS 19

While some people can recover from adversity after a major storm, others choose to wallow in despair and refuse to move forward. They prefer to blame fate, believing life has cruelly tortured them, without the courage to examine whether the steps they have taken so far are right or wrong.

Scarlet is a prime example. After her family fell into poverty, she began to be ostracized by the friends who had always praised her. This pressure and shame frustrated her, until she finally took the wrong path in an attempt to recapture the pleasures of a glamorous life and gain recognition from those around her.

"If I’m poor like this, who cares about me? They just insult me, laugh at me," she muttered softly one night, as she returned home with a dejected expression. "But if I have money, they’ll all be humble again."

From then on, Scarlet began frequenting several nightclubs in the city of XX. There, she earned money to support her hedonistic lifestyle.

Unlike her older sister-in-law, Arlina, who is intelligent and educated, Scarlet lacks any special abilities. She could only rely on her voluptuous body to attract horny men. She wasn’t particularly beautiful, but she knew one thing: her body and her moves in bed could be used as a weapon to earn money.

That night, in one of the busiest clubs, Scarlet was seen gyrating her scantily clad body on the dance floor. Flashing lights shone on her, loud music blared, and several pairs of men’s eyes followed her every move.

"There’s a client in VVIP room 4," a fellow female employee whispered to Scarlet.

Scarlet nodded with a faint smile. "Okay, I’m coming now. I hope it’s a good night."

After touching up her makeup in the restroom, Scarlet stepped into the private room. Several of her colleagues were already inside, serving the pot-bellied male client. The strong smell of alcohol permeated the room.

"Apparently, tonight’s client is quite generous," Scarlet thought, her eyes sparkling. "If I can satisfy him, I might make a big profit."

Scarlet was never picky about her clients. For her, as long as she had a lot of money, she would gladly serve anyone. That’s why the club owner preferred calling her over other women who were often picky about their guests.

A few hours later, Scarlet was writhing on top of the fat man who had hired her. Her movements were lewd, making him moan in pleasure. That night, she even had to serve two men at once.

"You get drunk so fast, sweetie," said one of the men with a hoarse laugh.

"Never mind," Scarlet replied, taking a sip of her drink. "The important thing is that you’re satisfied, and I’m happy too."

Her body was exhausted, her hips nearly falling apart, especially since both men had taken aphrodisiacs. But when she saw the thick cash in her hand, all fatigue vanished. Her smile widened with satisfaction.

Meanwhile, at the marketing office of the Matani Raya Complex housing complex, Revan was chatting with Bento, the security guard on duty, while taking deep drags from a cigarette.

"Sometimes we have guests at this time of night," Bento said casually.

Revan, who had only been working there for a few weeks, tried his luck. Sure enough, around ten o’clock at night, a customer arrived to view the house.

"My wife has been here several times," the customer said. "But I only have time tonight, before leaving tomorrow for overseas. I have to make sure the house she wants is suitable."

Revan nodded politely. "Of course, sir. Let me show you. All the house specifications are on the note."

Using a small note left by Bobi, Revan explained the details of the house and the available amenities. The customer seemed satisfied.

"Then, I’ll give you a down payment of ten million," the man said, pulling out cash.

Revan was surprised but pleased. He quickly made a receipt and handed it to Bento. After the customer left, Revan slipped a red bill into Bento’s hand.

"Here, for cigarettes, sir. Thank you," he said, then walked away with light steps.

On the way, his mind began to play tricks. "Bobi said the down payment was only five million. But that man gave me ten. If I take half, who knows?"

Unbeknownst to him, that small decision would drag him into a deep hole: prison, or even death if the company owner found out. But Revan didn’t care. Just like his sister, Scarlet, he chose the wrong path to regain a taste of luxury.

At home, their mother, Margaret, smiled with satisfaction as she received money from her children. She didn’t care where the money came from.

"The important thing is, I can shop again, I can join the socialite social gatherings in XX city, even if it’s not as exciting as before," she said with satisfaction.

Joseph Mahendra, the father, was busy with his fading business. After his company’s collapse, he could only rent a two-story shophouse for an office and warehouse. He had no idea his children had already gone down the wrong path.

Meanwhile, elsewhere, Alesio Xander sat reading the collaboration proposal Isabella Clark had given him.

His expression was cold. "Alexo, book a ticket to City XX. I have business to attend to there."

"Yes, sir," Alexo replied, then quickly rescheduled his boss’s schedule.

On his monitor, Alesio stared at the profile of Isabella Clark, the 22-year-old who saved his son and grandfather. "Is all this a coincidence, or is she really part of a bigger game?" he muttered.

As long as his family’s killers remain undiscovered, he won’t easily trust anyone.

On the other hand, Isabella didn’t realize she was under suspicion. She was actually pleased when Alexo heard that the big boss wanted to meet to discuss the proposal.

"So you want to venture into real estate now?" asked Jery, his friend.

Isabella smiled as she sipped her coffee. "Why not? If there’s an opportunity, you should try it. It’ll not only gain experience but also expand your business network."

Jery chuckled. "You’re so ambitious. But I like your enthusiasm."

They both chuckled. Isabella continued, "I also have plans to open a stationery and printing shop branch in XX City. I happen to have a house there."

Jery looked at her seriously. "Then, maybe I can open a branch of the Hidup coffee shop there. Imagine if this were successful, wouldn’t that be a huge achievement?"

"Right!" Isabella exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "We can grow together."

Unbeknownst to her, they were discussing many grand plans, with enthusiasm and infectious laughter.

However, unbeknownst to Isabella, her steps were bringing her closer to Alesio Xander a mysterious man who harbored many dark secrets.