Even A Family Is Useless

The Grand Hall of the Ratcha Corporation is pack with a bunch of CEOs from around the country. They are a group of members from an elite club called The Gold Club. It's exclusive only for registered members with an impressive net income per year.

In short, this is a gathering of a bunch of boring millionaires.

As usual, the monthly meeting will he held at the assigned venue by the club president's choice. The Ratcha Corporation building is situated in the middle of the heart of the city; a good access for everyone. A strategic location indeed.

"Aside of the ballroom event, is there anything, anyone wants to discuss?" Praew; Tan's personal secretary infuses a question.

"There's an issue to be concerned, actually..." One of the CEOs raises up his hand.

All eyes dart on him now. A middle aged man–probably in his 50s– inhales deep, being calculative for a brief moment.

"I don't know about the others, but two days ago, I received a police visitation regarding on Tony Sawati's death..."

Now, the hall starts to whisper.

"I thought, he passed due to a cardiac arrest?" Jupe raises his curiosity.

"So as we thought. But, the cardiac arrest was triggered by some...drugs. That's according to the coroner's report that the police gave to me," the man replied honestly.

"Someone killed him?"

Gushes resonate around the hall once again. Most of them turned pale by the news. Jupe glares at Tan; the man sits silently on his chair.

"Mr. Ratchana, you have a close relationship with Sawati. Did you know about this?" Jupe asks, almost whispered to the man.

Tan shakes his head faintly. "It's either we missed the visitation, or the police had no chance to meet us. So far, there's no sight of them here," says Tan calmly.

"Mr. Ratchana..."

The conversation disperse when another man calls for Tan. He lurks at the man, looking at him with his calm demeanor.

"I heard the police did came to the funeral, but not for the deceased..."

"What do you mean?" asks Tan.

"I saw them talking to your son. Kinda heated conversation, too! He almost threw a punch when your daughter's PA stopped them."

The man's explanation makes Tan simmers inside. He frowns as he glares at Jupe. The man also watches the speaker full of curiosity.

"Maybe, they were trying to reach out for Mr. Ratchana, but they didn't allow it. Besides, who came to the funeral to investigate a case?" Jupe sounds annoyed. "That's why Mr. Parapat stopped them."

Everyone nods, as they share the same feeling. Tan glares at Jupe, who later nods faintly, assuring the man that everything is under control.

"You have such a protective children, Mr. Ratchana! Even your step son is a reliable man! Lucky you!" a female CEO praises Tan, making the man flutter in pride. He nods, relays his fatherly expression from his face, although deep down inside, he already arranges a meet with Gi to ask him about the matter.

"I think, it's nothing more than just a mistake. The coroner is a human after all, right? So, there's nothing to worry about. Moreover, Mr. Sawati has no enemy, and the reason is somehow bullshit," Tan calmly closes the conversation about the matter.

"Maybe the deed was made by that movement..." All eyes now dart on the other CEO; a young man, perhaps in his early 30s.

"What movement?" asks Jupe.

The young man shows a news snip from his smart phone. "It's a gang. A group of slumps who believe we are the rich people who brings nothing but a mess in the country. It's quite radical as well; targeting mostly rich people like us."

"Sounds serious..." another male CEO from the corner of the table spurs his worry. "Now, should we take some action? Arrest them before they come for us?"

"We can't do that without any proof. Besides, this group has a lot followers. You might catch one or two underlings, but never the head. It's a waste of time," the young CEO replies.

"And... For that, we conclude this topic. I think, there's nothing to be worry about. If it's true–the movement– the only precaution that we can take right now is to hire more bodyguards," Jupe suggests.

And, it seems like everyone is agree with it.

***

"How long would you keep that from me?! If it's not for the meeting, I won't know it!" Tan slams the oak table in front of him. His office feels stoned cold even though the conversation is on heat.

Gi doesn't reply, nor he lifts his eyes to look at his angry stepfather.

"What does the police want?" asks Tan, again.

"They... Wanted to questioning Cè..."

"Reis? Why her?"

This time, Gi raises his sight at Tan; piercing the man with his gaze.

"You know why they targeting Cè, Mr. Ratchana. I don't need to mention it here. You know what he did to her years ago..."

"I don't think that relates to his death–"

"Oh, that's what you thought! But, it seems like an injustice brings revenge. And revenge can turned deathly. According to them, that can be a motive," Gi explains, while suppressing his anger.

"See! Told you that report is nothing but a menace to us! And she dared to do it even when I asked her not to! Now, everything comes back to us and bites us off!" Tan gushes and grunts. His brows entwine and face turns red.

"So, do you think she should just let him attack her, again and again? Some things only need once to prove how severe it is! We don't need a second time for it!" Gi feels like his head is pluck off from his body.

That's how angry he is!

"I can't believe, after so many years, you're still choosing a wrong side, Mr. Ratchana! Your daughter had been raped by your friend! Not once, but twice!"

"That's her fault for allowed him to do that to her!" Tan shamelessly blames Reis. "I already told Sara, girls are nothing but a shame to the family! But, she insisted to keep Reis when I asked to give up on her when she was still a baby! Now, look at the shame that your beloved Cè did to our family!"

"Mr. Ratchana!" Gi's voice raises up until the max. He stares at Tan in disbelief. Then, realizing that anger can't never solves anything, he calms himself for a moment before jolts from the chair and storms towards the door.

Something click him before he decides to turn around and take a look at Tan.

"This is why I never call you por, even until now. You're not worth to be called that!" Gi spurs his last word before leaving the room, slamming the door behind him.