Chapter 7: The Storm.

Jung Group HQ.

Ji Won’s POV.

"We deduced that there were moles in the company and investigated to sniff out both the moles and their employer. I won't disclose who they are but one confessed to everything and mentioned who their partner was. Aside from failed promises to protect and promote her, she was not getting any benefit from their employer."

"And what about the article?" Mrs Kwon asked.

"We were able to speak with the reporter."  I gestured to Baek Jin telling him to play the recording from our conversation with the reporter.

"I do not know what you're talking about, can I return to work now?" A defensive frightened voice said.

"Sir, you have to trust me. I am not here to harm you. We will not sue you if you confess to your crime." Him-Chan persuaded.

"I'll be let off the hook?" He asked, still unsure.

"Completely off the hook, you have my word," Him-Chan reassured.

There was some silence and rummaging for a few seconds. "Here, this is a much safer place." The voice said. "I genuinely do not know their names. I had just received Miss Ae Ra's package when a vehicle stopped in front of me."

"Do you remember what vehicle it was?" Him-Chan asked. "It was a Benz, not sure which one but I can recognize it if I see it again."

"What happened after the vehicle stopped in front of you?"

"A man in a suit told me to get in. We went for a drive around the block and he explained what I had to do alongside a non-disclosed contract and a sum of ten million won."

"That's a lot of money for what you did, isn't it?"

"It is. I'd never gotten that much in my life. I knew I could get in trouble since I received such a large sum but I couldn't resist." He confessed. "I have loans to pay and a sickly child that's in the hospital more times than she's home. I guess they looked into me and figured I'd be an easy target." He broke down. "I am sorry for whatever harm I may have caused." He apologised.

"The man behind the money, can you recognize him if you see him?"

"Yes, I can describe him too if you want. Oh... and there was one more person."

"Who was it?"

It was quiet for a minute then there was a loud crash. "I shouldn't have spoken to you."

The recording ended.

"After getting the reporter's confession, we provided security for him and his daughter because he was scared for their lives. The mole from the Marketing Division eavesdropped on a rather private conversation and was almost caught by Miss Lee."

"Then, is the Chairman sick?" Mrs Cho asked.

"They were talking about his health and she overheard Miss Ae Ra and Him-Chan arguing about a doctor's appointment. She did not hear the full conversation and tattled to her employer in a hurry." I answered monotonously.

The board still seemed unconvinced by my answer. "The fake news came as a shock to the Chairman's wife and she insisted they go on vacation. That's why he's not bulging," It was irritating that I had to disclose such private matters to them just to get them to stop doubting,

There were strained laughs shared amongst themselves as they accepted my explanation. "It's amazing how well you handled this." Mrs Cho encouraged me.

I smiled politely at her, "Thank you. That's not all that's been uncovered though. Isn't it interesting how quickly you all were gathered? It was during the news, not after it."

"We received an anonymous text saying some nonsense about how the Chairman was going to die and leave the company to you..." Mr Ling cleared his throat. "Our purpose for coming was to confront Chairman Jung and think of a solution together as we always have done." He said with a frown.

I let the silence drag for a while before leaning forward. "Aren't you curious to know who was behind that anonymous text?"

"I have a particular guess as to who was behind this nasty scheme but please, indulge us. I am much obliged." Mrs Kwon grinned as she sat forward.

I turned to Baek Jin and signalled him to upload the pictures Him-Chan managed to get from the surveillance system. It was extremely hard to get my hands on this but I managed to with the help of Mr Dae, a detective and friend. He got the footage from the reporters' workplace and traced the car to its owner.

The owner was none other than Mrs Shin. We also managed to get pictures of the man who paid the reporter to switch the articles. It was Mr Ling.

When I discovered he was the culprit, I had to spend more time investigating him. With the help of Detective Dae, I found out the reason why Mrs. Shin and her son were able to get away with so much was because of him. He did a sloppy job in court yet he always won his cases.

How?

Because he had access to money— company funds to be precise. He was quick to bribe the judge no matter the cost. We discovered he had ten slush fund accounts as well, where he and Mrs. Shin diverted money without the company's notice. Detective Dae needed more time to track their paper banks, but for now, we have enough evidence to arrest them.

"Who would've thought that the company's lawyer was working with the treasurer to steal company funds?"

Mr Ling slammed his fists on the table aggressively. "Except you have proof of this I suggest you shut up. It is foolish to make such accusations otherwise!" The Chinese man yelled while pointing his fat warty fingers at me.

"I can assure you when it comes to 'accusations' I always make sure I have enough proof to back up my claims."

He laughed bitterly. "How dare you threaten me?! It looks like your dead mother did a terrible job at raising you. You are so rude and full of yourself! Just watch! I'll have you lick the floor and beg me for this sort of humiliation! Do you have any idea who I am?" He pushed his chair back.

I had done my utmost best to keep my emotions in check all through this meeting. I have been respectful to everyone even though it was not reciprocated. So how dare he insult my mother?

"You will not speak of my late wife in that manner ever again, Mr Ling." My father's voice reverberated calmly, but in that calmness was a brewing storm.

He lifted his head slowly and held Mr Ling's gaze. "You have done so much damage without a show of remorse. I will do everything in my power to make sure you rot in jail, mark my words, Mr Ling."

He fell to his knees in an instant. "F-forgive me s-sir, I w-asn't thinki- Chairman Jung, I prom-" Mr Ling begged but kept shut when he locked eyes with my father.

Mrs. Shin stared at me vengefully.  Without further ado, I turned swiftly to Baek Jin. "Let them in."

"Will be my pleasure, sir." He moved swiftly to the door and let the policemen come in. The room fell silent as four men in police uniforms came in. Detective Dae greeted me and I returned the greeting and pointed at them. "Arrest them."

"Mr Ling and Mrs Shin you are both under arrest for stealing company funds, defamation against Mr Jung Joo Won, framing Miss Lee Ae Ra, aiding and abetting Mr Shin Chul Hee in sexual assault, violence against several persons as well as drug abuse and lastly for bribing judges and causing victims to suffer even in the court."

"What?" Mrs Shin stood up angrily.

"T-there has to be some sort of mistake!" Mr Ling cried out as he violently thrashed around trying to flee from the incoming police.

"You have the right to remain silent, any and everything you say or do, can and will be used against you in a court of law," Detective Dae announced before the others handcuffed them.

"What are you doing?? Let me go! I demand a lawyer." Mrs Shin struggled out of their grip.

"You have the right to speak to an attorney and to have an attorney present during any questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you at government expense. Cuff her." He ordered.

"Ji Won! I will make you pay for this, I swear you will not get away with this." Mrs Shin threatened.

"Chairman Jung! Your son is mad! I'd never do that to you! Please stop them!" Mr Ling cried out to my father.

Everyone watched as they dragged them out of the room. I locked eyes with my father.

– Flashback –

"What is this news about me being the CEO?!" I yelled as I barged into his study. I breathed heavily waiting for his response.

"You were upset when I said I neither believe nor trust you." He stared straight into my soul.

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion, what was he getting at? "I was, but I no longer care about whether or not you believe or trust me." I stared at him, unflinchingly.

"There are currently some weird things going on in the company. If you can resolve the case, I'll learn to trust and believe you. I won't force you to agree to this. The decision is up to you, however, it's the only chance you'll ever get from me"

"Thanks for the offer but my answer is no." I glared at him. I loathed myself for constantly chasing after him, begging for his acknowledgement. I had no intention of being the child who longed after his father's approval.

"You don't get it do you?" He locked eyes with me, his grey eyes as cold as could be. "You don't have a choice."

I swallowed hard and bowed my head, that was a threat. One I was all too familiar with. "I apologize, Father."

"Him-Chan will assist you, be obedient so we can handle things properly."

"Understood, Father." I bowed and excused myself but he stopped me.

"This will be the last time you ever act out, Ji Won." He warned.

I tried my hardest to hold down my nerves grabbed the door handle and glanced at him. "I will not disappoint you." I walked out.

– Flashback Ends –

I wonder if my father knew things would turn out this way.