The port development pitch lasted nearly two hours. Arka—playing the role of Mr. Arjuna—commanded the room with a quiet confidence that even surprised himself. He presented the proposal with the poise of a seasoned businessman, occasionally nodding to his colleagues to elaborate on technical specifics.
"As you can see here," Arka gestured to the profit projection chart displayed by Mr. Baskara, "our initial investment is indeed higher than our competitors, but the long-term returns are significantly more substantial. This port isn't just a construction project—it's a legacy for future generations."
The Governor's secretary, Mr. Hadiningrat, watched the presentation with the sharp gaze of a veteran bureaucrat. He scribbled notes now and then, but his expression remained unreadable.
"Interesting," the secretary finally said once the presentation concluded. "Your proposal is certainly comprehensive, Mr. Arjuna. But one thing concerns me—if the Damar Group offers five percent less, wouldn't that be more beneficial for the government's budget?"
Arka smiled calmly. He had anticipated this. "Certainly, if we only look at the numbers on paper, sir. But let me ask you—would you buy the cheapest pair of shoes for daily use? Or would you invest in quality, even if it costs a bit more?"
A few people in the room exchanged knowing smiles. Mr. Hadiningrat raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Quality always speaks louder than cost," Arka continued. "And in this case, saving five percent now could lead to twenty percent waste over the next five years. Not to mention potential safety issues from using subpar materials."
The secretary gave a slow nod. "A valid argument, Mr. Arjuna."
"Additionally," Arka added, sensing the moment was right, "we're prepared to provide a five-year maintenance guarantee at no extra charge. Does the Damar Group offer anything similar?"
Silence answered him—an unspoken testament to their advantage. Mr. Baskara shot Arka a look of open admiration.
"Very well," Mr. Hadiningrat said at last. "I'll review all proposals and confer with the Governor. A decision will be announced within three days. Thank you for your time, Mr. Arjuna, and your team."
After the obligatory handshakes and small talk, Arka led the group out of the conference room. In the hallway, Mr. Baskara couldn't contain his excitement.
"Incredible, Arjuna! That maintenance guarantee—you never mentioned that before!"
"Improvisation," Arka replied with a cryptic smile. "Sometimes a calculated risk wins the game."
"And that shoe analogy—brilliant! You were on fire today."
They were heading toward the exit when a sharply dressed man approached them.
"Mr. Arjuna Wijaya?" the man asked.
"Yes?" Arka replied, alert but composed.
"My name is Rio Darmawan. I'm the personal secretary of Mrs. Kayla Indriani." He handed over a sleek business card embossed with gold lettering. "My employer watched your presentation from the observation suite. She was thoroughly impressed and would like to invite you to lunch."
The name Kayla Indriani struck a chord. Arka recalled it from the real Mr. Arjuna's files—one of the wealthiest investors in the eastern region, owner of multiple mines and vast plantations.
"Now?" Arka asked, quickly assessing the situation.
"If you're available. Mrs. Kayla prefers not to delay matters that interest her."
Arka glanced at Mr. Baskara, who gave him a subtle nod. "Go," Baskara whispered. "This is big. Kayla rarely shows interest in anyone."
"Very well," Arka said to the secretary. "I'd be honored."
Rio led Arka to the back of the building, where a row of luxury cars was parked. A glossy black sedan with tinted windows stood out among the rest.
"Please," Rio said, opening the door.
Inside, a woman sat with an elegance that bordered on intimidation. Kayla Indriani—around forty, hair neatly coiled, eyes sharp and calculating. Her navy dress was understated but clearly expensive, accented only by a single diamond necklace.
"Mr. Arjuna," she greeted with a cool smile, extending her hand. "A pleasure to finally meet you in person."
Arka shook her hand with measured warmth. "The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Kayla. I'm honored by your sudden invitation."
"I dislike wasting time," Kayla signaled the driver. "And your presentation proved that time spent with you wouldn't be wasted."
"You watched the presentation yourself?"
"Of course. I make it my business to monitor projects that could shift the economic landscape. This new port—it's intriguing."
The car cruised smoothly out of the government complex. Arka gazed out the window, trying to guess their destination. "May I ask where we're headed for lunch?"
"Avara," Kayla answered simply. "I trust you're familiar?"
Arka concealed his surprise. He'd heard of Avara—a restaurant so exclusive it required either a membership or an invitation from an existing member.
"Of course," he nodded confidently. "It's been a while since I visited."
The ride continued with light conversation about the city's economic developments and ongoing infrastructure projects. Arka spoke cautiously, preferring to listen and respond with calculated remarks that wouldn't reveal his limited knowledge.
Avara turned out to be a colonial-style mansion perched on a hill, overlooking the city and harbor. The grounds were manicured and tightly guarded. Their vehicle was inspected before being allowed through the gate.
As they stepped out, Arka noticed several other high-end cars in the lot. This wasn't just a restaurant—it was a gathering place for the elite.
"Mrs. Kayla," an elderly maître d' greeted them. "Your private table is ready. And welcome back, Mr. Arjuna."
"Thank you," Arka replied politely, hoping the real Mr. Arjuna had indeed been here before.
They were led to a private room with a large window framing the harbor view. A round table for two was elegantly set with fresh flowers and scented candles.
"You must attend a lot of project tenders," Arka began once they were seated and had ordered drinks. "Do you have a particular interest in this port?"
Kayla looked at him with a sly smile. "Straight to business, Mr. Arjuna? No pleasantries?"
"I admire people who don't like to waste time," Arka said, echoing her earlier words with a confident grin.
"Touché," Kayla chuckled. "Very well. Yes, I have a vested interest in the new port. My mining operations require a more efficient distribution channel. The current ports are overcrowded and outdated."
"And you want to ensure the project goes to the right hands."
"Exactly. I've reviewed the Damar Group's proposal. While their numbers are lower, their technical plans… raise some red flags."
A waiter arrived with their drinks and menus. They paused to order—Arka wisely choosing Kayla's recommendation to avoid appearing unfamiliar with the upscale cuisine.
"What sort of red flags?" Arka asked after the waiter left.
"They plan to use cheaper materials for the foundation, disguising it with fancy finishing. It might look good on the surface, but structurally, it won't last." Kayla took a slow sip of her wine. "And frankly, I'd rather work with you than with Mr. Damar."
"You know him personally?"
"We've partnered on smaller ventures. He's... too cunning, even by my standards." Kayla smirked. "And that says a lot, considering my own reputation."
Arka chuckled, making a mental note. "So, you're planning to invest in the port?"
"I'm considering it. Depends on who wins the tender," she said, locking eyes with him. "And whether that winner can accommodate my interests."
Their meals arrived—deceptively simple dishes with exquisite presentation and aroma. Conversation shifted to lighter topics, though Kayla occasionally asked personal questions about "Arjuna," which Arka answered with careful ambiguity.
"You seem different today," Kayla said suddenly, studying him. "There's something about you that's changed since we last met at the Governor's banquet."
Arka's heart skipped, but his face remained calm. "Oh? In what way?"
"I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe the way you speak? Or your demeanor? You seem… bolder." Kayla tilted her head. "But it's an interesting change."
"Perhaps the port project is simply that important to me," Arka replied smoothly. "It shifts one's perspective on what matters."
"Hmm." She didn't look entirely convinced, but let it slide. "Anyway, I'm hosting a small gathering at my estate tonight. A few selected business partners and key officials. You should come."
"Tonight?"
"Yes. Think of it as a chance to meet the people who might influence your tender outcome," she said with a knowing smile. "And perhaps... discuss our potential collaboration further."
Arka recognized the golden opportunity. "I'd be delighted, Mrs. Kayla. What time?"
"Eight sharp. Rio will send the full address to your office." She waved for dessert. "And, Arjuna... wear something formal. Tonight will be important."
After lunch, Kayla offered him a ride back, but Arka politely declined, saying he had errands to run in the area.
"Then I'll see you tonight," Kayla said with a nod before stepping into her car.
Once her vehicle disappeared down the road, Arka took a deep breath. He had to think fast. Playing Mr. Arjuna had granted him incredible access—but with it came rising risks. The longer he stayed in this role, the closer he got to being exposed.
He decided to return to Arjuna's office. With the confidence of an executive, he hailed a rental car and gave the address.
Mr. Hendra greeted him at the door with a cheerful face.
"Mr. Arjuna, I'm glad you're back. Your secretary left some messages for you earlier."
Arka had nearly forgotten about Arjuna's actual secretary. "Where is she now?"
"Ms. Dita is in a meeting with Legal regarding the new contracts. She'll return within the hour."
Arka nodded, committing the name to memory. "I'll be in my office. Please don't disturb me for the next hour. I need to prepare for tonight's gathering at Mrs. Kayla's estate. And ask Dita to dig up a background report on her."
"Mrs. Kayla's event?" Mr. Hendra looked impressed. "That's quite an honor, sir. Only a handful are ever invited to her home."
"Indeed," Arka replied with a knowing smile, before heading upstairs.
Inside Arjuna's private office, Arka locked the door and immediately began going through the meticulously organized files and cabinets. He needed to absorb everything he could—about Arjuna's business dealings, his contacts, and most of all, about Kayla Indriani.
He found a leather-bound agenda filled with meeting notes, key contacts, and personal annotations. Several pages referenced Kayla—previous meetings, discussions about a port-mining partnership, and handwritten notes describing her: Smart. Manipulative. Always has a hidden agenda.
"Interesting," Arka murmured.
He also found a formal invitation for tonight's gathering—printed on fine cardstock, with gold-embossed lettering and an elite residential address.
Just as he was digging into more detailed documents about the port project, a knock echoed at the door.
"Mr. Arjuna?" came a woman's voice. "It's Dita. I've brought the legal report you requested."
Arka quickly gathered the scattered papers. "Come in," he said with authoritative calm.
A woman in her thirties entered, carrying a stack of folders. She looked sharp and composed, her small glasses accentuating the seriousness of her expression.
"This is the risk analysis report for the port project," Dita said, placing the files on the desk. "Also, Mr. Baskara sends his compliments. He was thoroughly impressed with your performance today. He's confident the tender will go to us."
"Good. Anything else I should know?"
"Yes. Mrs. Anggie called twice. She asked whether you'll be home for dinner."
Arka nearly choked. Mrs. Anggie? Who was that—Arjuna's wife? No documents had mentioned a spouse. Even the tea shop owner that morning said Mr. Arjuna was unmarried.
"Ah, yes," Arka cleared his throat. "Please inform my wife that I won't be coming home for dinner. I have an important engagement at Ms. Kayla Indriani's residence tonight."
Dita blinked, confused. "Your... wife, sir?"
"Yes. My wife," Arka replied with strained confidence.
"But you don't..." Dita hesitated, then stopped herself. "Forgive me, sir. Perhaps you're joking? As far as I'm aware, you're not married."
Arka laughed, masking the blunder. "Of course, Dita. Just testing your focus. Well done, you passed."
She smiled awkwardly. "Of course, sir. And one more thing—the background report on Ms. Kayla has been compiled by our intel team. Would you like to review it now?"
"Yes. Bring it in."
Once she left, Arka let out a long breath. A small misstep, but one that could've cost him dearly. He needed to stay sharper.
Dita returned moments later with a thick folder labeled "Confidential." For the next hour, Arka immersed himself in its contents—Kayla's complete profile, her business empire, political links, even a few well-kept secrets unearthed by Arjuna's surveillance network.
"Incredible," Arka whispered. Kayla wasn't just a mining tycoon—she was a kingmaker, operating behind the scenes with influence far deeper than most imagined.
Arka decided to take the essential documents back to the inn. He needed to check on his mother and rest before the banquet. With Arjuna's face, he had no trouble ordering a carriage.
"Take me to the eastern district," he told the driver, picking a location far from the inn to avoid suspicion.
Once dropped off near the market, he waited until the carriage left, then made his way to the inn on foot, weaving through quieter alleys. After making sure he wasn't being followed, he finally arrived.
Inside, his mother looked visibly better. He found Doctor Wijaya seated beside her, instructing her on herbal remedies.
The Doctor turned, eyes widening at the sight of "Mr. Arjuna." "Cousin? What are you doing here?"
Arka's heart skipped. He'd forgotten he still wore Arjuna's form.
He quickly composed himself. "Ah, Doctor Wijaya. I came to ensure that the patient I recommended received the best care."
"Of course," the doctor said, still puzzled. "You're done with your meetings already?"
"Yes. Sooner than expected," Arka replied smoothly. "How is—"
"Nirmala," his mother offered, eyeing him curiously. "My son is very concerned about me."
"He's very attentive," she smiled. "But I don't recall meeting you before, sir?"
"We met briefly last night," Arka lied easily. "He told me about your condition, and luckily, my cousin happens to be the best healer in the city."
Flattered, Wijaya nodded. "Madam Nirmala is suffering from fatigue and a minor lung infection. Not serious, but she needs rest and treatment. I've prescribed the necessary remedies."
"Thank you," Arka said. "May I speak with you outside for a moment, cousin?"
In the hallway, Arka lowered his voice. "Make sure she gets the best care. I'll cover all expenses."
"Of course, Arjuna. Though I must say, it's unusual for you to be this invested in a stranger's health. What's really going on?"
"Her son... Arka... shows promise in business. I see an opportunity to invest in his future."
"Ah, always the businessman," Doctor Wijaya chuckled. "Alright, I'll ensure her full recovery. By the way, how did the tender go today?"
"As expected. But there's something more intriguing—Kayla Indriani invited me to a dinner at her estate tonight."
The Doctor's eyes widened. "Kayla? That's big news, cousin. She doesn't just invite anyone. Her dinners are where real power moves happen."
"Is that so? Fascinating."
"Very. Be careful with her. She's brilliant and beautiful, but dangerous. No one knows how many officials and tycoons have fallen to her schemes."
Arka logged every word in his memory. "Thanks for the warning. I'll keep my guard up."
After Wijaya left, Arka faced a dilemma. He needed to return to his true form to speak with his mother, but he also had to prepare for the banquet. Peeking into the room, he saw her asleep from the herbal brew.
He took the chance to slip into the small bathroom at the end of the corridor. There, he removed the Cadurian ring.
Pain returned—muscles shifted, bones cracked, skin rippled—as his body morphed back to its original state. He gritted his teeth to muffle the scream.
Back in his real body, he stuffed Arjuna's luxurious clothes into a bag and changed into his plain attire. Then he returned to the room just as his mother was waking.
"Arka, you're back," she smiled weakly. "Doctor Wijaya was so kind. And earlier, a wealthy man claimed to know you. Said he was the Doctor's cousin?"
"Yes, Mom. That was Mr. Arjuna Wijaya. I met him by chance last night and told him about you. He was kind enough to help."
"People in this city are better than I thought," she murmured. "Though strange—he left so suddenly without saying goodbye."
"Maybe something urgent came up. A man like him is probably very busy."
They chatted for a while, Arka doing his best to hide his nerves. Time was slipping away.
"Mom, I'm sorry," he said at last. "I have to go again tonight. Mr. Arjuna invited me to an important meeting that might lead to a great opportunity."
His mother looked at him with pride. "Go, my son. This could be your chance. I'm already feeling better thanks to the Doctor's medicine."
Once he made sure she had everything she needed, Arka snuck back to the bathroom and transformed again. The process, while still painful, felt slightly easier this time.
Reassuming Arjuna's form, he slipped into the refined suit he had stashed earlier. After one last check in the mirror, he exited through the back door and hailed a cab toward Kayla Indriani's estate.