CHAPTER 32: PRS 32

After finishing her campus activities, Isabella Clark decided to go to her cafe on Jalan Pahlawan. Besides giving her employees new uniforms, she also had an appointment with Jery, who happened to be on business nearby.

As soon as she arrived at the cafe, Isabella spotted Jery chatting casually with the barista and immediately called out to him.

"Jery, have you been here long? Sorry if you kept me waiting. I was stuck in traffic at the intersection earlier," she asked with a warm smile.

Jery turned and returned the smile.

"Not long ago, only about five minutes ago. Besides, I just got home from work, so the timing was perfect," she replied casually.

After patting the barista, her old friend, on the shoulder, Jery quickly followed Isabella to her private office. The room was simple yet elegant, with a calming aroma of coffee.

"Congratulations," Jery said, settling down on the plush sofa across from Isabella. "I heard you’ve been busier lately. Two stationery stores in front of Campus U and B have opened, plus a new cake shop on Jalan Tamrin. You’re truly amazing, Bella. You’ve managed to expand so much in such a short time."

Isabella smiled, her cheeks slightly flushed.

"Thank you, Sis. That’s why I wanted to meet you today. There’s something I wanted to talk about. I need your help again with my latest project."

She opened the dessert box she was carrying and pushed it toward Jery.

"Try this, Sis. This is one of the items I’ll be selling later. I want to know your opinion on the taste and appearance."

Jery took a small fork and tasted it.

"Wow, this is really delicious! The texture is soft, the sweetness is just right, and the appearance is beautiful. So... are these the kinds of cakes you want to sell in your new shop? If they’re this good, they’ll definitely sell well."

"Yes, Sis," Isabella replied, sipping her fruit juice slowly. "I hope Brother Jery can help me find a chef who’s truly an expert in desserts. I only need one main person, and then he’ll hire several assistants to help him. I want someone professional with at least five years of experience."

She paused, then added,

"Besides sweet and beautiful cakes like this, I also want to sell traditional cakes. I plan to make that my shop’s signature. The location is strategic, with many government offices and schools nearby. So I think this business has great potential, especially if I can become their regular customer. I also plan to accept pre-orders for big events."

"It sounds like you’ve planned it thoroughly," Jery said, impressed. "You’ve even thought about the consumer market. The market segmentation is clear."

"Of course. And for the bread, I’ll source from Royal Scott Bakery. I happen to have a small stake there, so negotiations will be easier. I’ve already spoken with them, and it seems they’ve agreed to be a regular supplier," she added with a confident smile.

Isabella’s explanation stunned Jery. He never imagined that the 22-year-old girl who had only asked for his help in starting her first business would now have soared far, surpassing him in terms of achievements.

Moreover, Isabella had also successfully established a partnership with Luluss Corporation, one of the country’s property giants. This amazed Jery even more. He truly couldn’t believe that the girl who once seemed innocent would now become a sharp, visionary, and passionate young businesswoman.

As a small, growing city, City XX was now beginning to recognize Isabella Clark as a successful and inspiring young businesswoman. Initially, many considered her a mere newcomer with no influence. But over time, seeing how quickly she had grown, opening several branches in just a month and collaborating with Luluss Corporation, many people began to take notice of her.

Some were envious, some were in awe, and others sought to get close for personal gain.

Many wanted to collaborate with her, including some big names in the culinary and fashion industries. However, Isabella was always selective. He only accepts collaborations that truly align with his vision and master plan, as directed by the Phoenix System, which helps him analyze the best business opportunities.

"Okay," Jery said after a moment of thought. "Give me two days. I’ll contact some acquaintances who might be suitable chefs for your shop. I happen to have several chef contacts who are looking for new locations."

"Thank you, Jery. I’ve really found this helpful," Isabella said sincerely. "I trust you’ll know the right fit. You’ve been in the culinary world for a long time."

After finishing her business with Jery, Isabella waited for the afternoon shift to arrive, then gathered everyone in the front area of the café to distribute the new uniforms she had brought.

"These are for us, Sis? Seriously? These are expensive branded uniforms!" asked Lian, the barista who had worked there the longest, gazing in awe at the neatly wrapped black branded uniform.

"Of course," Isabella replied, smiling. "The ones you’re holding are just for you, Ian. The others got them too, just in slightly different styles. But the colors are the same, so they’re uniform. I want our café to have a strong identity."

The employees cheered, overjoyed. Such well-known branded work uniforms were unusual for them. They knew they would cost a fortune, probably more than five million rupiah per set. To them, it was like a grand gift from a boss who truly cared.

Isabella smiled at their reaction.

"I just want you to feel comfortable working here. Appearance is important. Our café is frequented by young executives and employees from foreign companies around here. If you look neat and professional, it also reflects the quality of this place. We have to make the best impression on every customer who comes in."

Jery, sitting in the corner of the room, smiled as he watched the scene. He spotted Siva, one of the new employees, enjoying an iced cappuccino with a happy smile.

"Siva, are you comfortable working with Isabella?" Jery asked, approaching her.

"I’m so comfortable, Sis! Sometimes I can’t believe it’s real," Siva replied, her eyes sparkling. "A boss this good is so rare. Beautiful, intelligent, and... generous. We’re all grateful to work here. It feels like working with family."

Jery nodded slowly.

"Thank goodness. At least after this, your mother won’t have to work for someone else anymore, right? She can focus more on taking care of your father and younger siblings. I know your family really needs support."

Hearing that, Siva lowered her head in emotion.

"Yes, Sis... If it weren’t for you suggesting I take this opportunity, I might not be as lucky as I am now. Thank you, Brother Jery. You’re like a guardian angel to me and my family."

"Ah, don’t be like that. I’m just helping out a little," Jery replied humbly with a small laugh. "We were comrades in arms back then. We’re both going through hardships, so we have to help each other."

The two of them laughed softly, remembering their difficult times a few years ago.

Isabella, watching from afar, smiled faintly. Deep down, she felt Jery and Siva were a perfect match. For some reason, her heart calmed seeing them share a laugh like that. Secretly, Isabella planned to match them up someday.

Not wanting to disturb her, Isabella returned to her office. This time, she wanted to contact Brandon, a man once known as a thug, but now a reformed man who had channeled his former subordinates into security guards at several businesses.

"Hello, Mr. Brandon? I’m Isabella. I need four new guards for the shophouses I just bought. Can you help me? I need someone trustworthy and professional."

"Of course, Miss Isabella," the deep voice of the man on the other end answered enthusiastically. "I’ll bring the guards over tomorrow afternoon. They’re guaranteed to be trustworthy. I’ve personally trained them and have security certificates."

"Thank you, sir. I’ll wait until tomorrow. Oh yeah, please prepare their complete documents as well."

As soon as the call ended, Isabella breathed a sigh of relief.

"One thing’s done," she muttered. "Now all that’s left is to find out about the Rose Evil mafia and why they’re targeting Alesio Xander’s family. This is getting more and more mysterious."

She stared at her laptop screen, which displayed the results of the decoded codes. But before she could read them, Siva rushed in.

"Sis Isabella, sorry to bother you. The security guard at the front said there’s someone who wants to meet you in the lobby. He said he’s been here three times. He seems very serious."

Isabella looked at Siva with a raised eyebrow.

"Who said that? Did you have an appointment?"

"His name is... Mr. Demon, Sis. He said it was urgent and he had to meet me in person."

The name made Isabella’s heart beat a little faster. She didn’t feel familiar with the person, but curiosity led her to meet him.

As soon as she reached the lobby, she stopped. There stood a strange man in his fifties, well-groomed and with a strong aura of authority. Upon seeing Isabella, the man immediately stood from his chair.

"Miss Isabella Clark?" his voice was deep, but calm.

Isabella’s heart beat faster. There was something in the man’s gaze that felt... strange and familiar at the same time. She didn’t know why, but a strange feeling crept into her chest, a mix of wariness and unwarranted fear.

"Y-yes, it’s me," she replied softly. "Excuse me, do we... know each other? I don’t recall ever meeting you before."

Mr. Demon smiled faintly.

"We’ve never met. But I’ve been looking for you for a long time, Isabella. A very long time."

Deg.

For some reason, Isabella’s body tensed. The empty hole in her heart that she had thought was tightly closed suddenly felt like it was opening again.

Siva, who was standing behind Isabella, immediately put on a wary expression, ready to protect her if anything happened. Isabella gripped his hand tightly.

"Okay, then... let’s talk inside, Mr. Demon. I want to know why you’re looking for me. And please explain in detail."