Part 40 # Madam X
Delighted to see promising results, Seno observed with passion the exotic plants flourishing in the cultivation area.
“You’re so beautiful….”
The ultraviolet rays gave a magical touch to the vibrant leaves. Joy and hope bloomed in Seno’s heart. This was the turning point he had been waiting for in his project.
“You will prove it to the world, Dolalopa!” Seno exclaimed with enthusiasm, calling out the secret name of his project. He hoped to change the world with this discovery.
While Seno celebrated his success, in the futuristic laboratory, Dr. Hanung tried to catch up with Seno, who was walking so fast. “Boss, wait! We need to detail the data further. There are some things we need to make sure of…”
However, Seno’s determination was unshakeable. He was truly satisfied with this promising progress. “We can discuss it later. Right now, I want to take a closer look at our hard work.”
They stepped out of the glass room into the laboratory. Seno’s shouts of joy had spread to all the staff, creating a wave of euphoria among the researchers who had previously been burdened with uncertainty.
“Thank goodness! For months we’ve been confined here, and it turns out not to be in vain….” whispered one of the guards. He took off his goggles for a moment and smiled meaningfully at his colleague.
“You’re right!”
Cheers and applause accompanied the happy news. It was as if a child had been born into the world. Everyone was pleased with the development of this project, especially after their beta project failed testing and claimed lives. Although… that was still kept secret.
“We will shine in the future. I’m very confident. S Group stocks will experience a significant increase! HAHA!” Seno continued to fantasize and eagerly await the success of the illegal drug he was developing.
How else could he get that valuable information if not from… Madam X.
“Incredible,” whispered a woman who had just arrived. Like Seno, the middle-aged woman gracefully walked into the assembly hall in the all-white room, complete with hazmat suits and other safety gear to avoid contamination from hazardous substances.
“Ma-Madam?” Seno turned and swallowed hard. How… could she be here?
“You haven’t forgotten our promise, have you?” Madam asked with a sly smile playing on her lips.
Seno tried to remember. “What date is it?” he asked the bald-headed assistant on his left side. The assistant quickly checked the watch worn on his left wrist.
“I-It’s April 15th. Boss,” he said.
They just realized that today was supposed to be the monthly meeting between the S Group and Madam X as the co-founder of this secret laboratory. Yet Seno had just wanted to keep this progress secret for longer. He was looking for ways to measure efficiency and reduce production costs so that profits for his side could flow optimally.
It was too late.
“Please come in, Madam….” Seno invited the honored guest into the director’s room on the left wing of the building. With a sour expression, Seno personally led her.
Their relationship was… superior and subordinate, not equal partners. Madam X was the founder of this project along with a massive injection of funds that had made Seno a new wealthy figure in the healthcare industry even without the support of a famous tycoon.
“Result?”
“Okay! Madam! This drug will be ready for launch in a few months,” Seno confidently replied.
He handed over the latest research document containing all the data and findings related to the illegal drug project. Madam X accepted the document, then began to read it carefully. Her sharp eyes scrutinized every detail recorded.
“Seno, this is truly remarkable. You’ve overcome all obstacles and challenges. I’m really proud of you,” praised Madam X, still focusing on the document she held.
Seno smiled proudly at the praise. “Thank you, Madam. This is all thanks to your support and trust.”
Although pretending, Seno had to give the impression that he would obediently submit to every decision of the main supporter. In his heart, Seno continued to try to find a way to escape from the grip of Madam, who had long nurtured him.
“You know that this success carries great risk, don’t you? Are you sure you can control it?” Madam’s eyes suddenly turned serious. Behind her goggles, Madam stared sharply at Seno, who seemed to be thinking about something else. Who knows what.
“I’ve prepared everything. We have a good launch strategy and the security of this laboratory is guaranteed.”
Madam X nodded satisfactorily. “Alright. I trust you, Seno. But remember, every action has consequences. We must always be prepared to face them.”
“I understand, Madam. We will take full responsibility. You don’t need to worry,” Seno said confidently.
The meeting continued with discussions about marketing plans, distribution, and the confidentiality of this project. Madam X provided valuable insights and suggestions, given her extensive experience in the hidden business world.
Seno listened carefully, although his mind was still busy trying to find a way to cheat Madam’s share of the profit, which was so pressing on every determination and dignity.
The naive and clueless Seno was no more. This time, Seno was a mature man who had to be independent. That meant he also had to break free from Madam’s grip and her… unreasonable conditions!
“How’s Lara? Is she okay?” Madam asked after evaluating every piece of data she
received.
“Lara is fine. Our child will be born in about 4 months,” Seno lied. How could Lara be fine, when they had argued just recently? Of course, Seno was just making up stories.
“You… must take care of her.”
“Of course, Madam.”
“Good. Did you bring her photo?”
“Y-yes? A photo? Here it is….”NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.
Seno handed over a printed photo to Madam. A photo of Lara in a pose as she drank tea from her favorite cup.
Madam stroked the photo paper with a wistful look, as if… she had found a precious treasure.
For a moment, everyone in the room fell silent as if time had stopped. Seno observed Madam’s reaction carefully, but at the same time, he tried to hide his discomfort.
Their relationship was not just professional, but involved layers of complicated and often unspoken relationships.
“Lara…,” murmured Madam X with a smile. “You’re lucky to have someone like her by your side.”
Seno smiled thinly, feeling relieved that his lie about his relationship with Lara didn’t seem suspicious. “Yes, I know. She is my inspiration. Lara is an amazing life partner.”
Madam X nodded understandingly. “Alright, let’s get back to business. I have some additional ideas for our product marketing. We can leverage the usefulness of this drug and build a strong image in the market. After that, you know, right?”
“Yes, Madam. You don’t have to worry. We will definitely succeed.”
As the business discussion continued, Seno tried to distract himself from this meeting. He knew that Madam X had a secret that he didn’t know about, and it involved her relationship with Lara. Nevertheless, Seno needed Madam X’s support to achieve greater success.
Seno didn’t want to cross the line and make Madam’s anger the cause of the destruction of their secret project.
“In that case, I’ll take my leave.”
Madam walked away, leaving the laboratory. Seno nodded understandingly and escorted her to the exit.
After Madam left, the atmosphere changed. The staff returned to their cheerful selves, after previously… having to keep their composure so as not to disturb their bosses’ concentration.
“Phew….”
Seno breathed a sigh of relief because this meeting had brought good impact on the development of their project. However, his relief only went so far. A sudden shout startled Seno and the bald-headed man next to him.
“Boss! Trouble! There’s a virus in our computer system!”
“W-what?!”