A trap all along

As the dust settled in the grand hall of Park Construction's headquarters, the atmosphere remained tense but tinged with a sense of relief. David stood beside his father, Edward Park, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within him. Relief, vindication, and a simmering anger at the betrayal he had faced from those closest to him.

Edward addressed the room once more, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "It's clear that there are deeper issues at play here, issues that go beyond mere accusations and misunderstandings."

He motioned for his own private legal team with a gesture to step forward, and as they did, they began to present their findings. Documents were displayed on the screen, revealing a web of deceit and corruption that had infiltrated the highest levels of the company.

"It pains me to say this, but there are those among us who have put their own interests above the well-being of the company," Edward remarked, his tone grave as his eyes coldly scanned through the room. "These individuals have colluded with outside forces to undermine our integrity and sabotage our success."

As the evidence unfolded, shock rippled through the room. Board members and shareholders exchanged nervous glances, realising the extent of the betrayal that had taken place under their noses.

Edward turned his gaze towards Alexander, his expression stern. "And you, disappointment of my bloodline, how easily can you be manipulated by Emily Lee and her family's interests? Your blind ambition has clouded your judgement, and you have allowed yourself to be used as a pawn in their game. You betrayed family and company for this?!"

Alexander shifted uncomfortably under his father's gaze, unable to meet his eyes. The weight of his betrayal hung heavy on his shoulders, and he knew that there would be consequences for his actions.

Edward turned back to the room, his gaze sweeping over the assembled members and making everyone shiver. And releasing a sigh once again,

"It has come to my attention that there have been rumours circulating about my health," Edward continued, his gaze sweeping over the assembled crowd. 

"But I am here today to tell you that those rumours are false," Edward declared, his voice ringing out with authority. "I do not have a tumour, nor am I in poor health. I have allowed these rumours to persist as a test, a test of loyalty and integrity within our company."

Gasps of surprise echoed through the room as Edward's revelation sank in. Board members and shareholders exchanged stunned looks, their minds reeling with the implications of Edward's words.

"As chairman, it is my duty to ensure the integrity and success of Park Construction," Edward continued, his tone resolute. "And it has become clear to me that there are those among us who have betrayed that trust."

"Those who have betrayed the trust of this company," Edward declared, his voice cold and unwavering. "There will be consequences. Strict actions will be taken against those who have colluded with outside forces to undermine our integrity and sabotage our success."

Shivers ran out of members attending inside the meeting hall in an instant. Edward was known for his tyranny and cold nature, so their fates were already set up for punishment now.

Edward paused, his eyes locking with David's. "I am proud of you, David. You have faced adversity with courage and resilience, and you have emerged stronger for it. We will root out the corruption that has taken hold of our company, and we will rebuild with integrity and honour."

David nodded, a sense of determination burning within him. The moment a father praises his child is the moment the son cherishes most in life.

"Let this be a turning point for Park Construction. Let us rise above the betrayal and corruption that have plagued us, and let us forge a new path forward, united in our commitment to excellence and integrity."

With those words, the meeting concluded, and the members of Park Construction began to disperse. With faces filled with sweat, they left the room while just David, Alexander, Lucas, and Edward stayed inside.

"Alexander..." Edward addressed Alexander as he immediately stood up while trying to avoid meeting his gaze.

"I suggest you step down and take a rest now; the burden of company is too much for you. Go live in America or try some tours outside." Edward coldly said those words, staring at Alexander's face as Alexander tried to oppose him for a moment. "Father, I would surely improve."

"You lost the chance; I can't trust a broken kettle to hold my tea again." Edward coldly announced while gripping over Alexander's shoulders that Alexander had just gritted his teeth in pain and frustration and, with a nod, walked away.

As he did, Edward released a deep sigh and turned towards David. He took a glance over Lucas's back and complimented, "That child has quite the sharp mind."

Edward commented while staring at Lucas. David also turned to look over his father, and Lucas sensed the tension with a surprised look on his face as Lucas just sniggered as he commented.

"Thanks for the high praise." Edward, hearing such a reply and turning towards David, gave him a few pats on the back as he said, "You handled the situation well; let's meet again at night to discuss further details about breaking engagement."

David nodded quietly as Edward pushed him forward with a tiny smile across his face, and with that, David left the room along with Lucas.

"That was the greatest plot twist ever!" David sniggered as he was walking down the hallway with Lucas. Lucas just smiled as he replied.

"That's why I said at our first meeting that explaining things would be complicated." As Lucas said, a surprised look came across David as he questioned, "You? At that time, you weren't talking about the affair between my brother and Emily."

"Why would I be talking about that? I just revealed it at our next meeting. I just waited to collect evidence. It was easy to guess the whole situation was planned out by your father; he wanted to throw out bad branches to company, so he used you as his means to cut off rotten leaves; you were being played from the start," Lucas scoffed as he explained.

David felt shivers down his spine as he just thought about the level of psychological warfare Lucas and his father had been playing the entire time. Then, a deep sigh came across his face as he commented.

"I'm so relieved I didn't offend you that night, Hyung." David commented as Lucas just sniggered and, while smacking his back, just commented with a grin, "I told you nothing comes in free to the world. lol~ anyways, you are still giving me a flat, right?"

"I will arrange a big one," David nodded, and with that, they walked away, sniggering, and with that, it marked the end of a little side quest besides the main question, which still stood straight in front of Lucas and Jason.

*****

In one of many alleys in Seoul, various guys were seen unconscious on the ground, beaten up quite roughly with clear wounds on their bodies, bleeding hard for cracks in those wounds, as the only guy standing there in a hoodie was grinning with a little dagger in his arms as his pupils shone coldly under the quiet alley while he commented.

"Big bro is back fuckers who stole my money~"

*** Readers Help me power stones please 🥺 look at these thirsty cute obsessive eyes for your possession hehehe-! Ahem! Just give them as offering to God ***

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