"Wait, wait, I'll call Kamal. How's this possible?" Taehyun muttered as he dialed.
No answer. Switched off.
"Fine. I'll do it my way." He stormed outside.
Taewon's blood boiled. For a moment he froze, fists clenched tight.
"Dad… I'm sorry. But you've gone too far this time."
He turned sharply. "Jisoo."
"Yes, sir." She hurried over.
"Tell Jin to prepare the car. I'm going to Han Group."
"And the meetings?"
"Cancel them all."
"But sir, Glow's CEO"
"Let Harin handle it."
"Yes, sir." She rushed off.
By the gate, Taehyun still stood with his phone glued to his ear, redialing in frustration.
"Let's go," Taewon said.
"Where?"
"Han Group."
"Why Han Group?"
"You'll know soon enough."
They slid into the backseat.
"Jin, drive fast," Taewon ordered.
"Yes, sir."
Taehyun sighed, side-eyeing him.
"At least tell me what you're planning."
"I'm sure Han Group's shares will drop today. They've already poured massive amounts into that project. Dad wanted this to happen. If we let it continue, the Hans will collapse exactly as dad planned."
Taehyun frowned.
"Then what are you going to do?"
Taewon leaned back, eyes dark.
"I'll make a counter-investment. Buy a portion of Han Group's shares and sign a temporary agreement. Enough to stabilize them before the market closes. If I stand with them now, it blocks Dad from moving in. And once Han Group recovers his takeover plan collapses."
Taehyun blinked.
"So, you're already going against your Father?"
"I don't care what you call it. But I won't let him destroy them just for greed."
(Han Group Headquarters)
Chaos. Screens flashed red, numbers plummeted, whispers spread like wildfire.
Minjoon sat stiff in the conference room, face pale as directors barked demands.
"What now? Bankruptcy protection? Should we"
"Enough!" Minjoon's voice cracked, but he forced calm.
The doors swung open.
Taewon walked in, Taehyun behind him.
"Taewon?" Minjoon rose, stunned.
Taewon gave a small nod. "Minjoon."
Whispers rippled across the table. Why was Kang Taewon here?
"I don't have much time," Taewon said evenly. "If you can spare a few minutes, let's talk in your office."
Minjoon hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. Let's go."
(In Minjoon's office)
Silence thickened. Taewon finally spoke.
"Your shares are plummeting. If it continues, Han Group won't last the week. I can help but only if you agree to my terms."
"Terms?"
"I'll inject capital by buying 12% of Han Group's shares today. Enough to restore market confidence. In return, you give me joint control of this project. And we sign a binding clause that prevents anyone else from acquiring your assets without your consent."
Minjoon narrowed his eyes.
"Why? Why would you risk this for us?"
For a moment, Taewon's gaze softened.
"Let's just say I owe someone."
Minjoon's chest tightened. Jihyun. His fists curled under the desk, but he didn't press further.
Finally, he nodded.
"Fine. Draft the papers. I'll sign."
(Outside)
Taehyun hissed,
"You didn't even tell him about Father?"
Taewon's eyes were cold.
"Not yet. The less he knows, the safer all stays. If Minjoon learns the truth now, retaliation will hit immediately. And I can't risk losing Jihyun in that war."
Just then, Minjoon approached.
"I spoke with the directors. Thank you, Taewon I'll repay you someday."
Taewon nodded calmly as his phone buzzed. Excusing himself, he stepped aside.
Taehyun immediately slid closer, grinning.
"So your problem's solved, huh?
Instead of Taewon, how about you treat me to dinner? I don't mind. I'll go anytime. I know you'll invite him, but since he's busy with your lovely brother, I'll take his place."
Minjoon glared, exhausted.
"In your dreams."
He turned away, but Taehyun trailed him.
"So that means you're not treating me? My Mr."
Minjoon stopped mid-hallway, his stare sharp as a blade.
"You can go back. Taewon already left. And stop being so casual around me
we're not close enough."
Taehyun smirked.
"How close do you want me to be?
Should I kiss you so we'll close the gap faster?"
Minjoon's face flushed red. He was about to explode when an employee interrupted nervously.
"Mr. Taehyun, Taewon is leaving. He asked me to call you."
Taehyun chuckled.
"Aww, too bad. I was about to kiss my master."
The employee bolted, flustered.
Minjoon glared furiously.
"Stay away from me!"
"Okay, okay. Sorry. Bye-bye, my lovely cute master, I'll call you later, i already got your number " Taehyun laughed and jogged off.
"Huh,"Minjoon turned
(In the car)
"You took long," Taewon said flatly.
"Ah, yes. I was collecting points."
"What points?"
"Secret."
Taewon shook his head.
"Oh, right, I almost forgot."
Taehyun leaned close, voice dropping. As he called someone,
"Find out about Kamal. His current location. Now."
"Yes, sir," came the reply on the phone.
Taewon shot him a sharp look.
"If this is what I think" Taehyun's tone darkened. "I'll end him."
Taewon's jaw tightened.
"What do you mean?"
"I think your dad knew all along you'd try to save this project.
Maybe he already struck a deal before we stepped in."
Taewon leaned back, eyes narrowing.
"I know. I never trusted Kamal. If he could deceive his own father for money, betraying us is nothing to him."
Taehyun gave a bitter laugh.
"True. But why i never thought about him like this"
"Ah.. forgot it,
So,Taewon your plan has an eighty percent chance of failure. You could lose everything you're buying into."
"I know," Taewon said firmly.
Taehyun studied him.
"Then how will you handle Uncle? He won't spare you if he realizes you're blocking him. And what if he targets you? Or Jihyun?"
Silence.
Finally, Taewon's voice cut through, low and steady.
"He can't. He won't be able to anymore."
Taehyun smirked "good"