"Of course we're ready, boss! We'll carry out every order and instruction you give us," Nayaka said enthusiastically.
"Don't worry, boss. We'll definitely give it our all on this mission," Luis added with no less energy.
"Good." Lars gave a relieved nod. "The matter of the kidnapping... no, I mean the mission to rescue Danny Warner, I'm leaving it to the two of you, along with Ken, who'll monitor things from a distance. Make sure you all stay connected."
Lars walked over to Luis and Nayaka, who stood side by side, and gave both of them a firm, warm pat on the shoulder. "Remember, stay alert and always be cautious."
"Ready!" Luis and Nayaka shouted in unison, while Ken simply gave a nod.
"A mission like this? Leave it to the pros!" Nayaka said proudly, patting his chest with confidence.
"Then what about me and the others?" Clara suddenly chimed in. "Boss Lars, is there a role for me?"
"Of course there is," Nayaka smirked, clearly aiming to tease the only girl in the room. "You stay back and cook for us. No need to go wandering around. Isn't that what girls are supposed to do?"
"Exactly! Girls shouldn't be tagging along with us tough guys on an adventure. What can you even do besides...?" Luis added, egging him on.
"Well, here's the thing—Clara's just chubby. She can just sit here and play those Molly games," Nayaka teased as he flicked a strand of her hair playfully.
Clara's hair became a bit messy due to Nayaka's mischief.
"What Nayaka said is true. You should just stay behind and guard the base. Don't meddle in men's affairs," Luis said dismissively. "You'd only be a burden if you came along."
Clara's lips pursed in irritation. She felt insulted. The jokes were way over the line and not even remotely funny.
She promptly reached out and pinched Nayaka's arm sharply. "Save that kind of talk for the other girls you mess with, you land-crawling crocodile!"
"Aaahh!" Nayaka winced in pain from her pinch.
"Hey, ugly, let go! That hurts!" he yelped, still wincing.
But the louder Nayaka yelled, the tighter Clara twisted. "Nope! Not letting go!"
"But it was just a joke!" Nayaka protested.
"Whatever!" Clara snapped, still clearly offended.
"Enough!" Lars barked, cutting the tension.
The room fell silent instantly, like a swarm of crickets stomped underfoot.
"This isn't the time to be fooling around. Everyone will get assignments based on their own expertise," Lars said in a commanding tone.
"Sorry, boss. We went too far. We were just trying to lighten the mood. Honestly, this mission has me a bit scared," Luis admitted, then turned to Clara. "Clara, I'm really sorry, okay?"
"Me too, Clar," Nayaka added, extending his hand for a handshake.
"Hmph!" Clara turned away with a scowl, clearly not ready to forgive them.
While Luis and Nayaka scrambled to win Clara's forgiveness, Lars was deep in thought about the next phase of their plan. Truth be told, he had doubts too.
Part of him wanted to visit his grandfather and bring him a few gifts. But another part of him loathed the idea of seeing the two people he despised the most—Diana Legiani and Romario Warner.
Lars paused, considering what he'd do at Heru Warner's upcoming birthday party—his grandfather—and he came to a surprising decision.
"I'll go to the party and bring them a few surprises," Lars suddenly announced, shifting the mood in the room immediately.
Everyone turned to Lars, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Yes," Lars confirmed without hesitation. His sharp gaze then moved toward Clara, who was also staring at him. "And Clara... will you be my wife?"
CRASH!
The glass in Zane's hand slipped and shattered on the floor. The beer in his mouth spilled out uncontrollably.
PFFFTT!
Kevin sprayed out the soft drink he had just sipped and started coughing violently, nearly wetting himself.
THUD!
A stack of files Ken had been reviewing scattered across the floor as his grip failed.
THUMP!
Clara's heart slammed in her chest, as if someone had just landed a boxing blow.
The world seemed to freeze. The earth stopped spinning—or so it felt—after Lars asked Clara that monumental question.
Clara stood there, mind clouded with disbelief. She didn't know how to react or even if this was real or some wild dream she was having.
After all ... who didn't dream of becoming Lars Warner's wife?