Chapter 12: Truth

Its been awhile everyone. I decided to post chapters in both this novel and the lookism one when i have time, since i have a lot going on. The only thing i promise is at least 1 chapter a week.

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A few minutes before they left their Office

Jaehyun's voice carried a sharp, unyielding edge, his words deliberate and cold. "I've investigated Mother's death, and all evidence so far points to Castle. There's a high likelihood Cheon Ildo was involved—especially considering you took his throne. He may work under you now, but I'm not leaving until I have all the answers."

Minwook's face remained calm, though his eyes flickered briefly, an inscrutable glint. "Of course, we must uncover the truth behind your mother's death. But over the years, I've found no evidence to confirm a lead."

Then, almost as though dismissing the heavy subject, he managed a faint smile. "But finding you alive was a pleasant surprise, my son. Let's play a game of Go." He placed the board on the table, his hands steady as he laid out the black and white stones.

The Go board between them was a silent clash of intellect, a dance of strategy in which each black and white stone told a story. Jaehyun's hand moved with controlled precision, placing stones that hinted at his sharp, analytical mind—a mind clearly molded by the world of global business. 

His moves were bold, even daring, challenging his father with carefully laid traps and clever feints. The game grew tense, each move tightening the battlefield as their pieces interlocked in a complex web.

But Jaehyun had made a conscious choice to play a step below his true ability. He was cunning enough to keep Minwook on edge, to let his father see the breadth of his ambition and intellect. He displayed a shrewdness that was impressive, but it fell just shy of his father's seasoned wisdom. Minwook observed his son's tactics with an appraising eye, pleased by the depth Jaehyun showed, but interpreting his choices as those of a young, ambitious leader who still lacked the finely sharpened insight that only years of experience could bring.

In the end, Minwook won the game, his final move cutting off Jaehyun's last foothold. He leaned back with a faint, satisfied smile, certain that he'd glimpsed all of Jaehyun's abilities—a talent worthy of respect, but not a true threat to his own mastery. And Jaehyun, concealing his own satisfaction, merely offered a nod, hiding the depth of his strategy beneath a mask of polite defeat.

Jaehyun's face remained composed, a faint smile acknowledging his father's win. Inwardly, though, he knew the true depths of his ability had yet to be revealed. This was simply an opening move—a calculated restraint meant to keep Minwook's confidence in his own control over Jaehyun. To Minwook, His son was undeniably sharp and cunning, yet still within the bounds of paternal wisdom.

"Your strategy's improved," Minwook remarked, a note of approval in his voice. "But remember, there's always more to see with each move."

"Of course, Father," Jaehyun replied smoothly, the weight of his words carrying a promise unseen by Minwook—a promise that one day, he would show the full extent of his hand.

Minwook stood up, followed closely by Jaehyun, as they began to converse.

"Tomorrow, we have an exchange meeting with all the new pillars who have joined our ranks. You're welcome to attend as a guest and observe the proceedings," Minwook said, a smile on his face as he walked toward the door.

"That sounds intriguing. I'll definitely be there, Father," Jaehyun replied, a slight smile hinting at his lips.

As they opened the door, their bodyguards stood waiting outside, alert and ready to escort them.

They both glanced at their bodyguards, the formality between father and son thinly veiled beneath their smiles.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Chairman Choi," Jaehyun said, a polite smile playing on his lips.

Minwook returned the gesture. "I'll see you, Chairman Lee."

As Jaehyun turned and stepped outside, his expression shifted, the warmth of moments before dissolving into a terrifying, icy stare that left no trace of the polite smile he'd worn. His eyes, hard and unyielding, held a chill that could freeze anyone in their path.

As they exited the hotel, the driver opened the car door for Jaehyun. He slipped inside, settling into the seat, and closed his eyes for a moment. A bitter, hollow chuckle escaped his lips, devoid of warmth.

'Father, I always hoped you'd tell me the truth about Mom's death. You knew she—and we—were in danger, yet you chose silence. You chose your ambition over us.'

The thought settled like a weight in his chest, fueling the cold resolve in his gaze as he opened his eyes, as he picked up his phone and called someone. 

Jaehyun dialed Alexander Smith's number, the tone short before the CEO of JH PMC picked up.

"Chairman" Alexander greeted with a formal tone.

"Alexander," Jaehyun replied, his voice low but resolute. "It's time. I want the 100 people stationed and ready. Send them over immediately."

There was a brief pause as Alexander registered the order. "Understood, sir. They'll be deployed within the hour."

"Good. Keep them discreet and prepared for further instructions."

"Yes, Chairman. You can rely on us."

Turning to Director Kim beside him, Jaehyun's voice cut through the silence, cold and commanding.

"Make the accommodations ready for the men arriving tomorrow."

Director Kim nodded, unfazed. "Yes, Chairman. I'll prepare everything."

Without another word, they pulled away from the curb, the air thick with unspoken tension. The wheels of a long-awaited reckoning were finally set into motion, each step drawing them closer to the unfolding storm.

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I will maybe post another chapter today.