Chapter 16: The Takeover

"What's the update?" Ji-hoon demanded, his voice a harsh whisper that brooked no dissent, as he settled into the plush leather seat of the car. The city lights flickered through the tinted windows, casting fleeting shadows over his chiseled features.

Hae-ra, seated beside him, handed over a sleek tablet, its screen alive with a live news broadcast. Her eyes were sharp, her tone unwavering. "Yes, everything is proceeding according to the plan," she replied, "and the police are already on the move."

Ji-hoon's gaze locked onto the headlines rapidly scrolling across the screen, each one more damning than the last:

"BREAKING NEWS: Joo Kyung-soo Suspected of Tax Embezzlement."

"KS Construction Exposed: Violating Building Codes and Zoning Laws Under the Guise of the 'REBUILDING THE FUTURE' Project."

"KS New Havens - A Complete Scam?"

Each headline hit Ji-hoon like a hammer, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Yet, instead of worry, a strangely satisfying smile spread across his face. This chaos was not a surprise; it was part of his design. He had been waiting for this moment, anticipating it with a mixture of dread and exhilaration.

One by one, new headlines continued to pop up on Ji-hoon's 4-inch by 6-inch tablet screen, their stark black-and-white text spreading like wildfire through the digital realm. It was chaotic, and the pandemonium was palpable, yet it only fueled Ji-hoon's resolve.

Hae-ra glanced at him, her eyes searching for a sign of his thoughts. But Ji-hoon was a fortress, his expression giving nothing away except that expectant, almost triumphant smile. "This is just the beginning," he murmured, more to himself than to her.

"As we draw near to the conclusion of our meeting, I trust everyone understands the importance of our investment in KS," Jung Sung declared, his voice resonating with a blend of authority and urgency. He delivered this final statement with poise as he wrapped up the pivotal meeting convened to scrutinize the new investment list, attended by all the major shareholders, including the astute Mr. Cha.

This gathering was more than just a routine discussion; it was a significant ceremony marking Jung Sung's potential ascent to the roles of CEO and Chairman. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, as this investment list served not only to broaden their network of connections but to forge alliances that would ultimately benefit their personal ambitions rather than the company's well-being or the interests of its employees.

With a serene smile playing on his lips at the end of the long, polished table, Mr. Cha felt a rush of anticipation coursing through him. The culmination of years of toil and sacrifice was tantalizingly close, just a few more steps to grasping the dream that had always seemed just out of reach. It was a dream that had been kept from him, hidden away by the shadow of his father's ambitions, a treasure his sister had no right to claim, and a victory that should have been his from the very beginning.

But none of that mattered now; he had clawed back everything he had lost, and the only thing left was to make it official. 

"As expected from the future Chairman and Mr. Cha's son, the report is incredibly detailed and clear," one of the attendees remarked, his voice filled with admiration. One by one, the others chimed in, each voice layering onto the atmosphere of excited anticipation. 

"Absolutely! I can't believe we waited so long; we should have made this investment ages ago."

"Of course, with Jin Hee having had her grasp around this company, progress was bound to be slow," another participant added with a hint of exasperation.

As the conversation shifted to gossipy chatter, the mood around the table sparkled with a mix of intrigue and exhilaration, each person eager to indulge in the thrill of newfound possibilities.

"Honestly, it wasn't all her fault," someone chimed in, their voice dripping with biting sarcasm that hinted at a twisted kind of sympathy. 

"I mean, it was the previous chairman who forced her into this position. That poor girl must have felt so pressured." 

Sarcasm hung heavily in the air, contrasting sharply with the hushed murmurs. While some members of the room chose to remain silent, others seemed to revel in the chaos, allowing their tongues to run free without a second thought.

Mr. Cha leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile playing on his lips as he observed the unfolding drama. 

"Well, I suppose I can rest easy knowing that Mr. Cha has such a reliable son," Yang In Suk said, his tone dripping with humble mockery. "Soon enough, he himself will become a reliable asset for the country, won't he, Mr. Deputy Minister?"

In a shrewd move, Yang In Suk chimed in, positioning himself closer to Mr. Cha in hopes of securing favor. "Absolutely! Knowing that Eclipse Entertainment will be under Jung Sung's stewardship is indeed reassuring." His eyes darted around the room, seeking the nods of agreement that would affirm his calculated flattery.

Suddenly, a voice broke through the tension like a clap of thunder. 

"Who the hell actually died and made Jung Sung the CEO?" The doors to Jung Sung's right burst open, and Ji Hoon strode in, radiating an authoritative presence that commanded immediate attention from everyone in the hall. His expression was fierce, eyes alight with determination, as he surveyed the room, challenging the silence that enveloped those gathered.

Flabbergasted and visibly shocked, Mr. Cha stood abruptly, his piercing gaze locking onto his secretary, who stared back at Hae Ra with wide eyes, as if silently demanding an explanation: WHAT EXACTLY IS THIS? 

The atmosphere in the hall crackled with tension, each attendee eager for answers. However, Ji Hoon seemed unfazed by the mounting anticipation. With determined strides, he approached Mr. Cha's opulent chair, a smirk playing on his lips. 

"Thank you for taking care of it, uncle," he said, sarcasm draping his words like a heavy cloak. 

He stepped confidently into the center of the table, right where the chair sat, radiating authority. 

"So, you all decided to throw a little soirée and neglected to invite the main attraction?" Ji Hoon scoffed, the mockery evident in his tone. His fingers danced over the scattered papers, fluttering in the breeze created by the grand ceiling fan above him, which whirred against the lavish backdrop of the room's polished grandeur.

"Ji Hoon-ah..." Mr. Cha interjected, his voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty, the words flowing out with an uneasy politeness that hung in the air like a delicate thread. "We are discussing something of considerable importance, you know. And even though you've been discharged from the hospital, you really ought to take some time to rest, don't you think?"

With a warm smile that could illuminate even the darkest corners of a room, he gently ran his fingers through Ji Hoon's hair, each movement radiating a deep, protective affection reserved exclusively for his beloved nephew. 

"Wow... that's just gross."