My stomach is in knots as I take in the scene laid out before me. All my hard work, all my overtime...gone, just like that.
Who would do something like this? We'll never be able to replicate the prototype scans before the investors arrive...
"What the hell happened here?"
I turn at the sound of Sofia's voice. She looks just as shocked as me.
"We've been sabotaged! Look! These cuts were deliberate. They made sure we had nothing left for the presentation."
"Son of a–"
Just then, I hear a commotion from Lee Know's booth... As I approach, I see Lee Know holding a piece of his robotic arm. It's been completely destroyed.
"Not you too..."
Lee Know looks up and sees the shredded scans still in my hand. He reaches for me...then pulls back, remembering the crowd around us.
"I'm going to get him for this. It's one thing to sabotage me, but you–"
"You think Robin did this?"
"His booth hasn't been touched, and neither has any other division. Sofia and I are the only ones who got hit."
"He wouldn't. He couldn't..."
"He did."
Sofia appears behind me, her arms crossed.
"I guess it's comforting to know I'm not the only one Robin hates..."
"This is about more than you and me, Sofia. Robin isn't just hurting us. He's hurting the whole company."
"Don't blame me! He's your brother."
"He hasn't been my brother since Italy. You saw to that."
"Uh, now's probably not the time to bring up old wounds..."
I gesture toward the event center entrance, where the first wave of investors have arrived.
"We have to fix this. It's not too late. There must be something we can do."
"If we had more time, maybe."
"I hate to say it, but Min-ho's right. How can we possibly fix this much damage in five minutes?"
Lee Know and Sofia continue to talk, but I'm lost in thought.
I don't know how Lee Know can fix a broken robot, but there might be a way to save the environmental division...
I eye my booth from across the room, taking in all the staging details Sofia was careful to include. The exam table, the medical backdrop, the functioning CT scanner...
"That's it! I know what we can do. Lee Know, if I distracted the investors, would you have time to repair your robot?"
"If we're their last booth, then I think we'll just be able to get it done."
"What's your plan?"
"We may not have our prototypes, but we can show them our plastic alternative in action...with a live demonstration!"
Sofia and I dash back to our booth, where I do my best to clear away the mess. By the time Lee Know's father and his group of investors start to approach, everything has a semblance of order.
"I hope you know what you're doing..."
"To be honest, this is even better than our original plan. Everyone loves audience participation."
"Let's hope that's true."
"And here we have our environmental division, led by Sofia Russo." Mr. Lee introduces us to two investors.
"The environment, huh?"
"I mean, it's good for PR these days, but I'm not here to invest in a recycling program."
"I think you'll find that our work is much more valuable than a recycling program." Sofia informs them.
Antoine steps forward with a smile.
"Indeed. Have a little faith in the ladies. I had a chance to catch up with Sofia and her team yesterday. Did you enjoy your ride, (Y/N)?"
"It was an experience I'll never forget."
Sofia sends me a sharp look out of the corner of her eye. She expects me to make this work, no matter what. I take a deep breath...
"Lee-Russo Incorporated is the future of biotechnology. In the environmental labs, that means finding a way to make a real, sustainable difference without sacrificing our gold standard. We've developed a plastic alternative that'll reduce the ecological footprint of the medical community exponentially, but that's just the beginning. The possibilities for how this tech can be used for are endless. If you can dream it, we can help."
The investors nod along, their interests piqued. I run through my points one by one.
"As you can see from these figures, our plastic alternative is not only carbon-neutral to produce, but it's less expensive in the long run."
"That's all well and good, but what I'd really like to see is this prototype of yours... Where is it?"
"I'm glad you asked."
I gesture to the CT Scanner.
"We had this CT scanner retrofitted with pieces of our plastic alternative, and also included it in the materials of the printouts. I'd be happy to print out a scan for you, but first I'll need a volunteer from the group... Antoine, would you mind?"
"I suppose not."
I help him get settled into the scanner after removing all metal accessories, then take my place behind the computer and start the machine.
"While the CT scanner works its magic, does anyone have any questions?"
"Changing anything in the medical field seems risky. How will you convince the industry to adopt your tech?" one of the investors asks.
"Well, we'll let the tech do the talking. You're about to see the proof for yourself. And it's only a matter of time before the rest of the industry does too."
"But how much time?"
"Oh well, that depends on a number of factors..."
"–Including how much support we get today. With the right team, our tech could be the industry standard in just a few years."
"And what is the chemical makeup of your plastic alternative?"
"We've built it using lignin-based polymers, which comes from the cell walls of plants. It's the most organic plastic alternative currently in production."
"I didn't know that was possible."
"It wasn't...until us." Sofia explains.
As the CT scan finishes, I print out the scan and hold it up for all the investors...
"As you can see, there's no discernible difference between our new scans and the traditional options."
"This old noggin has never looked better. It's sleek, it's effective, and it's never been done before. I love it." Antoine says.
The other investors murmur their agreement, and Sofia flashes me a wide smile.
"I can't believe you pulled that off."
"Honestly? Me neither."
"This is just small taste of what the environmental division, and all of Lee-Russo, can do. If you'll follow me..." Mr. Lee urges with a smile.
Lee Know's dad leads the group of investors to the next booth, and Sofia follows after them.
Later, when I finally have a lull in investors, I make my way back to the robotics division booth to check on Lee Know...only to find him on his way to me already.
"You must've had quite the presentation. Everyone's already saying the environmental lab is the division to beat."
"I did what I could with what I had. What about your presentation? Did you manage to get your robotic arm working again?"
"We got it patched together just in time. It's not as polished as we wanted, but it's enough for a simple demo. Good enough, all things considered."
"I'm glad. I wouldn't–"
A shout of laughter interrupts. Over at his booth, I spot Robin charming the investors.
"Tell me more about the changes you've made to the manufacturing department."
"Well, to start, I believe in leading with a firm hand."
"Look at him. Is he seriously trying to flirt his way into an investment?" I ask Lee Know.
"Sabotage didn't work for him, so he must be expanding his repertoire."
I watch as Robin starts to lead one of the investors toward another room of the expo, away from prying eyes...
If we don't do something, Robin's gonna walk away with that investor's money...and with the win.
"I can't sit back and do nothing, not after he sabotaged us this morning. I'm going to stop him."
We follow Robin into the next room. He glances up as we approach, his expression angry and another emotion I can't quite place...
"(Y/N), Lee Know. Something I can help you with?"
I ignore him and hold out my hand to the investor.
"Hello. You were at my product demonstration not long ago, but we didn't get a chance to formally meet. I'm (YF/LN), and this is Lee Min-ho, who I'm sure needs no introduction."
"Of course not. It's nice to meet you both."
"All this innovation in one room... I don't know how you're going to decide between us." Lee Know smiles.
"You can say that again. Everyone has been so helpful and informative. Robin was just telling me about why he's drawn to manufacturing."
"Just something about creating things with your own two hands. And that there's no better division for making a profit." Robin fakes a smile to Lee Know and I.
"Did you also tell her about all the runoff and pollution? Manufacturing as an industry can be really harmful to the environment. And animals and low-income communities suffer the most because of it."
"You don't know that!"
"Actually, I do." I look to Robin.
"A good leader can take steps to reduce pollution, but..." Lee Know begins to add.
"They're exaggerating. Things aren't that bad."
"Oh? Do you have the data to refute their claims?" the investor questions.
"I, for one, am happy to share my sources. I'm a scientist, after all, so data is my lifeblood."
"And what are your qualifications again, Robin?" Lee Know asks.
"I use research! I use research all the time!"
By now, Sofia's noticed the four of us. She comes to join in with a fake smile for the investor's sake.
"I hope we're not spilling company secrets over here..."
"As if (Y/N) knows any."
"You mean the ones about your department fudging its financial records?" I blurt out.
"Robin, what records is she talking about?" the investor asks raising an eyebrow.
Robin glares at me, but I don't back down.
If he wants to fight dirty, then I'll fight dirty too.
"...Nothing. There have been some discrepancies lately, but I'm getting it sorted out."
"And you'll do it before the end of the quarter, right?" Lee Know asks.
"We wouldn't want anyone to make any big decisions because they were led astray." Sofia adds giving a grimace smile.
I can tell Robin is starting to crack under the pressure... Just then, I spot a familiar face over his shoulder...
Perfect. Julian is all the corroboration I need to prove my point.
I take a deep breath as I formulate my plan.
"You're right, Robin. I shouldn't make baseless accusations. Not when I already have all the evidence I need..."
With a clap of my hands, I capture the attention of several people milling about including Antoine Bisset.
"I know we're all very excited about what we've seen and heard today, but there's one last thing we should turn our attention to."
"What's this, then?"
"Have any of you met Julian? He works for the manufacturing department, mostly on the accounting side of things. We had a very interesting conversation the other day..."
I wave to draw Julian's attention, but Robin grabs my arm and pulls it down.
"You've made your point, (Y/N). You can stop now."
"Not until you do the right thing."
Robin grows still, finally realizing that he's trapped.
"...It's not my fault. I was under a lot of pressure."
"We're all under a lot of pressure..." Lee Know states.
"Okay, I'm officially lost." the investor says.
"You're not alone." another investor agrees.
Robin turns on me with an accusing finger.
"You've been after me since the start of all this. You wanted me to fail."
"No, Robin. I only wanted to be your friend. And as your friend, I'm telling you that it's time to admit what you did."
"Fine! You want me to say it? I told Julian to do whatever was necessary to make our department look good to investors here at the expo. And when that wasn't enough, I took a hammer to Min-ho's stupid robot and a pair of scissors to your stupid scans. I destroyed everything. Happy?"
"Not even a little...
"Well, this all makes my decision a lot easier." the investor states.
"Robin, we need to talk." Mr. Lee furrows his brows.
Robin opens his mouth to defend himself, but as he looks around, he seems to change his mind.
"Don't think this is the end of it. Not by a long shot."
Robin storms out of the event center, all eyes watching him go. It's clear from the buzzing conversation that his chances of getting any funding are long gone...
"Time to do some damage control."
"You mean time to scoop up all of Robin's leftover investors? Don't mind if I do."
Lee Know hangs back as Sofia marches off. He offers me a quick, comforting touch.
"You did the right thing, (Y/N)."
"I know... I just wish I didn't have to."
Lee Know squeezes my hand, then the two of us get back to work.
That evening, after the expo wraps up, Lee Know's dad gathers Lee Know, Sofia, and I in the lobby.
"I'm delighted to say that all of your hard work is about to pay off. The investors have spoken... Robins isn't here, of course, but just to cover our bases...the manufacturing division was well behind both of you." Mr. Lee states.
"Can't say I'm surprised after that...outburst earlier."
He got what he deserved.
Mr. Lee clears his throat and continues.
"While the investors were quite torn between the rest of you, the overall winner is... The environmental division! Congratulations, Sofia and (Y/N). You two really impressed everyone.'
"We did it?"
"Of course we did."
Lee Know's dad puts a hand on his son's arm.
"You should be proud too, Min-ho. It was a close race." he smiles.
"Thanks, Dad. I'm just glad everything worked out for the whole company." Lee Know returns the smile.
I catch Lee Know's eye and grin.
I can't wait to collect on my bet...
"This was a banner day for all of Lee-Russo Incorporated, so I hope you enjoy yourselves at the party tonight. Boss's orders!"
As the others start to leave, I turn to Lee Know.
"A party? Sounds fun!"
"Dad always rents out the Casino de Monte-Carlo as a thank you for everyone's hard work. I bet some of our colleagues are already there."
"Then we'd better get ready and join them."
Up in my hotel room, I shuffle through my luggage to find the right look for an evening at Monte Carlo's most luxurious casino.
"Lee Know and I have been dancing around each other all trip. It's time to make him pay up and take advantage of everything this city has to offer..."
"I'm all in tonight."
I do one last check in the mirror, then head downstairs.
By the time I arrive at the main doors of the casino, the party is in full swing. But my eyes are immediately drawn to one person...
"Wow, you look..."
I reach out to brush an imaginary piece of dust from his shoulder, letting my fingers linger.
"So do you."
Lee Know smiles and offers me his arm, a friendly, but not too friendly, gesture.
"Since it's your first time in Monte Carlo, let me show you around..."
The casino floor is busy as I settle a baccarat table. Everyone is flushed with the intoxication of the evening.
"So how do we play this one?"
"It's pretty easy. Whoever gets closest to nine wins. Players bet on either the player's side or the banker's side."
"In that case... I'll bet the players."
I watch as the dealer hands out the cards...and the banker wins.
"Aw man."
"Better luck next time. Here, you can use some of my chips."
I slide some of his pile toward me. Underneath the table, I can feel Lee Know's hand drop to my thigh.
"Lee Know..."
His fingers slide higher, scoring gently into my skin.
"What? I'm just trying to make sure every employee has a chance to relax tonight..."
I slide my legs open, welcoming Lee Know in. He teases his hand along my inner thigh, his fingers moving in deft circles.
"Such an–Oh!–attentive boss..."
Before I can continue, I'm approached by the casino manager. Lee Know and I disentangle ourselves before he notices anything.
"Excuse me, Mr. Lee, but we've cleared space for you and a guest in the high-rollers' room."
The manager smiles at me, clearly impressed with my look.
"Sounds fun. What do you think, (Y/N)?"
"Lead the way."
Lee Know and I slip behind the velvet ropes to find a quiet, intimate room full of serious gamblers.
"Let's check out the craps game. I've always wanted to blow on the dice for good luck." I smile.
"I think we can make that happen..."
The two of us join a table just as a round comes to an end. The dealer offers Lee Know the dice to be the shooter as everyone makes their bets. I toss my chips on the table, not entirely sure what I just bet on but too distracted by Lee Know's arm winding around my waist to care.
"Now what do we do?"
"I'm going to roll, but first I need some good luck..."
I lean in and brush my lips against Lee Know's cheek, catching the corner of his lips as I do.
"For luck..."
"I'm certainly feeling luckier now."
Lee Know turns to the rest of the table and clears his throat, then tosses the dice. A cheer goes up from the other onlookers, so I assume it was good.
"Wooo!" I cheer.
"Couldn't have done it without my lucky charm."
The round continues, and I start to pick up on some of the rules...
"Come on, six!" I urge.
I'm about to give Lee Know more luck when a familiar face joins the game.
"Is this spot taken?"
Without waiting for a reply, Sofia settles in right next to me.
"Have you two noticed that a certain someone isn't here tonight? The poor thing. Robin must be humiliated after what (Y/N) did to him today."
"I only did what was right. I did it for the company, not you."
"Either way, I can't remember the last time I had that much fun."
"Seriously, Sofia? Robin could've ruined the expo for the entire company. We're lucky things turned out like they did." Lee Know tells her.
"It's not luck if you've prepared for every contingency. But that's not my fault you haven't."
Lee Know pushes back from the table, his playful mood gone.
"I can't do this right now. I need some air."
"Lee Know..."
I watch as Lee Know stalks toward the exit, too taken aback to do anything. Then, after a moment, I move to catch up to him. I've only made it a few paces before Sofia's voice draws me to a halt.
"(Y/N), wait. You did good work today. I just...thought you should know."
"Thank you..."
I stare at Sofia for a moment, wondering if there's a catch.
"You don't need to look so suspicious. I told you this would be good for both of our careers."
I'm not sure I trust this new side of Sofia, but she turns on her heels and leaves before I can uncover any more information. I find Lee Know watching a game of roulette near the back of the casino. His frown immediately disappears when he catches sight of me.
"Sorry about that. I shouldn't let what Robin did get to me."
"It's only natural after what he did. I can make it up to you by putting twenty bucks on red. Let's see if I can keep my winning streak going."
"If I recall correctly, I still haven't paid up on my last debt..."
Instead of placing the bet, Lee Know slips a key to his hotel room into my palm. There's no denying what he's offering...
"I have to say my goodbyes, but I'll be up in a few minutes... I'd love for you to join me."
A moment later, I'm left holding the keycard and an open invitation to meet Lee Know upstairs.
Now's our chance to spend the rest of the night together. No interruptions, no teasing, just...us.
I'm waiting for Lee Know in his room when he arrives a few minutes after me. I turn to face him from the window.
"Don't move. You look perfect there reflected against the moonlight."
With a smile, I openly defy Lee Know's command.
"People who lose bets don't get to tell me what to do."
I throw my arms around Lee Know, not caring that I've knocked him off-balance, and capture his lips with mine.
"What's gotten into you tonight?" he smiles.
"I just want you, and I'm not afraid to go after what I want anymore."
"Then let me help you with that."
Lee Know cups the back of my neck and returns my kiss, but I refuse to let him have control. This is my night, and I intend to make the most of it... I pull back, my chest heaving. I place my palm flat on his chest and push until his back is pressed against the wall.
"I can't wait anymore."
"So demanding..."
I grab his wrists and guide his arms up over his head, holding them there.
"Now you're mine."
"I've always been yours, (Y/N)."
I keep one hand at his wrists and run the other along his strong legs until I can feel the pulsating need of him through his slacks. He groans as I palm his growing desire.
"If you keep touching me like that..."
"What? Like this?"
I trace the shape of his length up and down.
"Yes...oh God..."
"I think we'd better get these clothes off, don't you?"
"For both of us."
The two of us are a scramble of rough hands and torn fabric as we help each other out of our clothes. Soon, our clothes pool together on the floor. He pulls me back into his arms, pressing his bare body along mine.
"I think it's time to pay up on our bet..."
"Then you know what to do. On your knees, Lee Know."
In a moment, he's settled in place before me, hands clasped behind his back.
"Like this?"
I nod and stroke his face. I like having him at my disposal like this. I glance around the hotel room, taking in my options... I grab an ice cube from the ice bucket and trail it over Lee Know's skin. He immediately pulls back from the cold.
"Oohhh..."
"Ah, ah, ah. Hold still."
Lee Know takes a deep breath, then nods. He's ready for me this time. I touch the ice cube to Lee Know's chest, tracing lazy patterns across him.
"That feels..."
I let a few icy droplets fall on his nipples, and his breath catches. Then I lean in and lick them up with my warm tongue...
"Yesss..."
Finally, I relent. I toss my prop to the side and lean back against the wall. I motion for Lee Know to join me, and he crawls to kneel between my legs.
"I want you to kiss me."
"Where?"
I slide one knee up onto his shoulder, opening my center to his gaze. I trail my fingers down my body to my core...
"Here..."
His eyes darken as I show him exactly what I want him to do to me. He pulls my hand aside and replaces it with his tongue.
"Oh God, yesss..."
My hand finds the top of Lee Know's head, and I coax him to apply more pressure as I moan his name.
"Lee Know... Touch yourself."
Lee Know's eyes snap to meet mine, but I don't waver.
"I want to watch you touch yourself while you make me cum with your mouth."
Lee Know curses under his breath as one of his hands moves to comply.
"That's so..."
Lee Know trails off as he leans in to kiss my center again. He seems determined to show me what he means, even if he's at a loss for how to tell me. My eyes are locked between Lee Know's thighs as he works himself over with his hand. The tension that has been coiling in my core threatens to explode as he lavishes my button with his tongue.
"Just...like that... Lee Know, I need..."
"Me too."
"Take me against the wall."
The request is barely out of my mouth before Lee Know has helped me into position. He picks me up, holding me against the wall as his length brushes up against my center.
"Yesss..."
I let my head fall back as his hips thrust forward, filling me. One hand is at my waist, the other braced over my head. I feel him surrounding me complete, inside and out, but it's still not enough.
"Lee Know, I need more..."
He reaches to cup my cheek.
"Are you sure?" he asks with his caring smile.
"Please. I need you."
That's all the answer he needs. Lee Know moves faster against me, his hips pistoning in and out, building the pleasure within me with each thrust. I lose track of everything except Lee Know...his touch, his moans, his pleasure...
"Now, (Y/N). Finish with me."
His command sends me over the edge, crashing into the sea of ecstasy together with him.
"...Lee Know!"
Later, the two of us are settled in bed, wrapped in each other's arms.
"We should gamble more often."
Lee Know chuckles as he leans over to kiss my cheek.
"I don't know if that's the main takeaway from this trip, but I certainly enjoyed our little bet."
"And the best part is, we have the whole rest of the night together. For once, I want to fall asleep in your arms."
Lee Know nestles closer to me, his embrace tightening.
"Sounds perfect. Sweet dreams, (Y/N)."
"Sweet dreams, Lee Know."
My eyes drift shut as I enjoy the luxury of having Lee Know all to myself...
The next morning, I'm up bright and early to check out of my room. I'm making my way through the lobby when I spot a familiar face whispering into his phone in the corner...
"The expo was a disaster. We need to start Phase Two now."
Robin! Who is he talking to? And what's Phase Two?
I'm still debating whether I should eavesdrop more when he hangs up the phone and starts walking my way!
"...What do you want?"
"Nothing, I just–"
Robin leans in close and harshly whispers...
"Stay out of my way, (Y/N). You have no idea what game you're playing. I thought I could just leave you out of it, but... If you're going to insist on being a part of this, then I'll take you down too."