Chapter 18: The Breaking Point

The Unsettling Revelation

Albeirt leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed the news. Yura and Han Ko stood across the room, their expressions tense.

"Are you sure?" Yura asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. "A Creatis-based start-up? And they're launching their project in New York?"

"It's confirmed," Albeirt said coldly. "Wang Soo is behind it. He's planning to make his grand comeback on the global stage."

Han Ko slammed his fist against the table. "He's like a cockroach! No matter what we do, he keeps coming back. What's our next move?"

Albeirt's lips curled into a smirk. "We're not done yet. If Wang Soo thinks he's safe, he's gravely mistaken."

Later that evening, Han Ko cornered Albeirt in the office. His frustration had reached a boiling point.

"Why are you doing this?" Han Ko demanded, his voice sharp. "Why go to such lengths to ruin Wang Soo? This isn't just business for you, is it?"

Albeirt's expression darkened. For a moment, he was silent, as if weighing whether to reveal the truth. Finally, he spoke.

"You're right. This isn't just about business," Albeirt admitted, his tone venomous. "It's personal. Ever since we were kids, Wang Soo has taken everything. The spotlight, the accolades, the trust of people who mattered. And now, he has something far more dangerous—information."

Han Ko frowned. "What do you mean?"

Albeirt leaned closer, his voice a low whisper. "Wang Soo holds the power to turn Creatis upside down. He has dirt on every corrupt government official and corporate leader in this city. Including your family and Yura's."

Han Ko staggered back, his face pale. "Why would he have that kind of information?"

"Because he's not just some idealistic entrepreneur," Albeirt said. "He's been watching, gathering intel for years. And if he ever decides to use it, we're all finished."

Later, Yura confronted Albeirt in private. Her voice was unsteady, a mix of fear and curiosity. "If Wang Soo really has this information, why hasn't he used it already? Why let his name and reputation get dragged through the mud?"

Albeirt's expression was unreadable as he poured himself a drink. He swirled the liquid in the glass before answering.

"Because he thinks of people like us as nothing but specks," Albeirt said, his tone dripping with bitterness. "Wang Soo would never lower himself to use that information to survive. It'd make him believe he's no different from us."

Yura's eyes widened. "So he's just… letting this happen?"

Albeirt chuckled darkly. "For now. But make no mistake, Yura. He'll eventually use it. And when he does, we're all destroyed. That's why we have to stop him before it's too late."

Yura left the conversation unsettled. Her mind swirled with conflicting emotions. Could Wang Soo truly be the threat Albeirt painted him to be? Or was Albeirt manipulating her fears for his own gain? For now, she resolved to stay cautious, but the seeds of doubt had been planted.

Meanwhile, Albeirt poured himself another drink, staring out the window. "Enjoy your moment of triumph, Wang Soo," he muttered under his breath. "It won't last."

The following morning, Albeirt, Yura, and Han Ko convened in a hidden corner of a luxury hotel. Spread out on the table before them were documents, a laptop displaying encrypted messages, and a stack of photographs detailing Wang Soo's team and movements.

"This is it," Albeirt said, pointing to a highlighted entry on the screen. "The project announcement at the New York convention. That's where we strike."

Han Ko looked skeptical. "We've tried everything. What makes you think this will work?"

"Because this time," Albeirt said, his eyes glinting with determination, "we'll cut off his lifeline. We'll isolate him completely. No allies, no resources, no escape."

"And how do you propose we do that?" Yura asked, arms crossed.

Albeirt smirked. "We've already planted the seeds of doubt among his network. Now, we escalate. Cyber-attacks, leaked misinformation, and targeted pressure on his team's families. We'll make them question their loyalty to him."

Yura hesitated, glancing at Han Ko. "This is risky. If it fails…"

"If it fails, we're no worse off than we are now," Albeirt interrupted. "But if it succeeds, Wang Soo's project will collapse before it even sees the light of day."

Han Ko frowned but nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But this better work."

Yura sighed, her mind still conflicted. She couldn't shake the feeling that they were playing a dangerous game—one that could backfire spectacularly.

As the meeting adjourned, Yura lingered behind. "Albeirt," she said quietly, "are you absolutely sure about this? About Wang Soo using that information?"

Albeirt's expression hardened. "Yura, I know him too well. He's waiting for the perfect moment. Right now, he's playing the long game, but make no mistake—if we don't stop him now, we're finished."

Yura nodded slowly, though her doubts lingered. As she walked away, Albeirt watched her with a calculating gaze. "Stay sharp, Yura. This isn't the time for second-guessing."

End of Chapter 18