Davin realized that to truly change the dynamics within the Santosa family, especially in the eyes of Sri, Vania's mother, he needed not only to elevate Vania's status but also his "own status."
For three years, he had been a disgrace, someone considered useless and a burden. Now, with Vania's victory at Laguna Group, it was the perfect time to slowly "improve" his image.
After the successful meeting at Laguna Group, Davin waited for Vania in the lobby with his "new look." His old motorcycle was nowhere to be seen.
Instead, a brand new silver Toyota Kijang Innova was neatly parked in front of the entrance. It was a standard company car for mid-level managers at his subsidiary, which he had easily arranged to "receive."
As Vania emerged, her face still glowing from her success and slightly dizzy from all the sudden attention, Davin greeted her with a smile.
"Van, good news," he said, trying to sound excited like someone who just got a job. "I was accepted! I'm a Junior Manager in the operations division at Laguna Group. The salary... you won't believe it, eighty million per month! And this," he pointed to the Kijang Innova beside him, "is the company car."
Vania's eyes widened. Today was truly a day full of surprises. Not only was her proposal accepted and she was treated respectfully by Joni Lunggana, but her husband, who had always been considered a loser, had suddenly landed a prestigious job with a substantial salary.
"Davin, that's... that's amazing!" Vania exclaimed, almost in disbelief. She jumped and hugged Davin, feelings of happiness and relief flooding her.
For the first time in their marriage, she saw a glimmer of hope for a better future, an acknowledgment that perhaps her grandfather's choice wasn't entirely wrong. "We have to celebrate! Right now!"
Davin smiled, feeling the warmth of Vania's hug. It was a hug he rarely received. "Of course. Let's celebrate. You choose the place."
With enthusiasm, Vania immediately named the most famous premium restaurant in the city, "La Mirage." A place they usually only heard about from the stories of their wealthy cousins, a place previously impossible for them to visit.
The two of them got into the Kijang Innova, which still smelled new. The interior was clean and comfortable, a stark contrast to the beat-up motorcycle they usually rode.
The drive to the restaurant was filled with light conversation and Vania's bright laughter; the burden that had been weighing on her seemed to evaporate for a while.
Upon arriving at "La Mirage," the luxurious atmosphere was immediately palpable. Crystal chandeliers, white linen on every table, and waiters in neat uniforms. However, there was a fairly long queue in front of the door. The restaurant's reputation was clearly well-deserved, attracting both locals and tourists.
Vania sighed a little. "Wow, the queue is so long, Davin."
"It's okay," Davin replied calmly. "We'll just wait. Today is our special day." He held Vania's hand, giving her reassurance.
They stood patiently waiting their turn, enjoying the evening atmosphere as dusk began to fall.
Vania excitedly recounted the details of her meeting, about how Joni Lunggana had crushed Kevin, and about the big project she would lead.
Davin listened attentively, happy to see Vania so enthusiastic.
Suddenly, a commotion at the front door caught their attention. A group of people, about five or six, dressed in very expensive clothes and with an arrogant, entitled attitude, walked straight to the entrance, ignoring the long queue of people who had been waiting patiently.
"Hey, we want a table! The name is Kevin Santosa!" one of them said, his voice loud and demanding.
The restaurant manager, trying to calm the situation, looked confused. "I'm sorry, Sir. We have a queuing system. And I've checked, there is no reservation under the name Kevin Santosa for tonight."
"Fool! I am Kevin Santosa! Grandson of the owner of Sentosa Group! We don't need to queue! Get us a table now!" the man—who turned out to be Kevin—shouted.
His face was still red from the incident at Laguna Group, and now he was trying to vent his anger and assert his "status" here.
Vania closed her eyes, feeling embarrassed and annoyed. She had just felt free from the family drama, and now her annoying cousin showed up again, humiliating himself and dragging the family name through the mud.
"Davin, that's Kevin," Vania whispered, her voice a mix of anger and shame.
Davin nodded slowly. His usually calm eyes now hinted at something deeper. He saw how the restaurant staff were being treated disrespectfully. He saw the people waiting patiently in line starting to murmur in annoyance.
"This isn't right," Davin murmured. He released Vania's hand. "Wait a moment, Van."
With a calm yet suddenly authoritative stride, Davin approached the commotion. Vania could only stand frozen, amazed at the change in her husband's demeanor.
"Kevin," Davin said, his voice low but clear, cutting through Kevin's yelling.
Kevin turned around, and upon seeing Davin, a sneer immediately formed. "Hah? The ride-hailing driver? The trash! What are you doing here? This is no place for you. Go back to the street food stall!"
Davin didn't take the bait. Instead, he looked at the restaurant manager. "Is it true there's no reservation under his name?"
The manager, feeling pressured, nodded weakly. "Yes, Sir."
Davin then looked towards the queue. "And everyone here has been waiting patiently, correct?"
"Yes, Sir."
Davin then stared at Kevin. "You heard that, Kevin? Here, everyone is equal. No one is special. Respect the queue, or please leave."
A waiter called Vania's name, meaning the table for Davin and Vania was ready.
With his face still flushed red with anger and shame, Kevin Santosa watched as Davin and Vania were ushered into the La Mirage restaurant.
It felt like a hard slap in the face in public. His blood boiled. He, the eldest grandson of Heidi Santosa, was being turned away, while the ride-hailing driver and the lowly staff member were being treated like royalty.
"Impossible!" he fumed inwardly. "I won't let this happen!"
With a rough gesture, he grabbed his phone. His arrogant pride spoke. He was sure that his grandmother's good relationship with the owner, or at least the management of this restaurant, could be used to turn the situation around.
"Get your General Manager! Now!" he barked at the restaurant manager, who still looked uncomfortable. "Tell him that Kevin Santosa, grandson of Heidi Santosa, wants to speak to him! My grandmother is a loyal customer and has business ties with this restaurant!"
The restaurant manager, caught between the rules and a powerful guest, finally nodded weakly and turned to find his superior.
Meanwhile, from inside the restaurant, Davin, who saw the incident, only smiled faintly.
He knew exactly how this would end. Calmly, he sent a short message to Joni Lunggana: "Kevin is trying to use his grandmother's influence at La Mirage. Might need to remind him who the real boss is."
Joni Lunggana, who was enjoying his meal elsewhere, immediately replied: "Understood, Young Master. That restaurant belongs to Your Family. I'll call the General Manager there immediately to handle it."