Chapter 23 – When Empires Collide
The war had begun.
Joon didn't believe in reckless battles. Every move had to be calculated, every strike designed to shatter his enemy's foundation without giving them a chance to retaliate. But the Phoenix Conglomerate was different. They weren't just a business empire—they were an old beast, with roots so deep that removing them could cause the entire city to crumble.
Soo-ah paced beside him in the dimly lit room. "Hwan isn't an opponent we can take down in one strike. He has deep connections—politicians, underground syndicates, military contracts. This isn't just about business."
Joon stared at the digital map projected in front of them. Red lines connected corporations, politicians, law enforcement, and black-market deals—all leading back to Hwan.
"We don't need to take him down in one move," Joon said calmly. "We just need to expose him first."
Min-soo leaned against the table, smirking. "So we make the people turn against their own king?"
Joon's eyes gleamed. "Exactly."
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The first strike came through the financial sector.
Hwa-young, a renowned art critic with deep ties to wealthy collectors, released a public statement questioning the legitimacy of Phoenix Conglomerate's investments. A single article spiraled into an industry-wide probe.
Then came the leak.
Soo-ah had acquired confidential documents linking Phoenix Conglomerate to a series of money-laundering operations. She released them strategically—first to a few trusted reporters, then to the authorities, and finally, to the public.
The backlash was immediate. The conglomerate's reputation took a hit, and their stockholders started pulling out.
But Joon knew this was only the beginning.
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Hwan was not a man who sat back and watched.
Less than 48 hours after the leak, a series of incidents began unfolding across the city.
A fire broke out at Bridge to Hope, destroying years of community work. Min-seo barely managed to evacuate the children before the flames swallowed the main hall.
Hyun-soo was ambushed on his way home, forced into a brutal fight against masked men before escaping with broken ribs.
And Joon… Joon received a single, chilling message.
"You may have started this, but I will finish it. You took my money. Now, I take everything."
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Joon stood before the remnants of Bridge to Hope, the ashes still smoldering. His people—his family—had been attacked.
It was no longer just a game.
Joon turned to Kyung-tae. "Prepare our next move."
Soo-ah's voice was cold. "We hit them where it hurts."
Min-soo cracked his knuckles. "Time to shut down some big names."
Joon exhaled slowly, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. The beast had finally bared its fangs.
Now, it was time to tear them out.
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