Chapter 29: Departure

Taehyung leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping rhythmically against the desk as his cousin, Kim Min-jae, entered the room. The man, slightly younger than him, had an air of calm competence, his sharp features exuding confidence.

"You're really leaving?" Min-jae asked, settling into the seat across from him.

Taehyung nodded. "I need you to handle things while I'm gone. Everything's already prepared—the financial reports, the upcoming deals, the list of trusted executives. You'll have full control over the company until I return."

Min-jae frowned slightly but nodded in understanding. "You trust me that much?"

Taehyung smirked. "I wouldn't be leaving my empire in your hands if I didn't."

Satisfied, Min-jae accepted the documents handed to him. Taehyung wasted no time in calling a company-wide meeting, gathering all employees into the grand conference room. He stood at the front, his presence commanding absolute silence.

"I'll be away for a few months handling a business operation elsewhere," he announced, his deep voice echoing through the room. "During my absence, my cousin, Kim Min-jae, will oversee all operations. Any concerns or decisions will go through him."

A murmur rippled through the crowd, employees exchanging uncertain glances. This was unprecedented. Their powerful, enigmatic CEO stepping away from his empire?

Jungkook, standing at the back, felt his blood run cold.

What?

Taehyung was leaving?

His heart pounded as he stared at the man addressing the employees with unwavering authority. Where the hell was he going? And why did he feel a sinking sensation in his chest, like something was slipping out of his grasp?

The meeting ended, and the moment Taehyung stepped out, Jungkook was on his heels, pushing past lingering employees to follow him. He stormed into Taehyung's office just as the older man was about to pour himself a drink.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Jungkook demanded, voice sharp.

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, setting the glass down. "Good to see you too, Jungkookie."

"Cut the crap," Jungkook snapped. "You're leaving? For months? Where are you going?"

Taehyung exhaled slowly, studying Jungkook's reaction with mild amusement. "Handling some important business."

"That's not an answer," Jungkook hissed. "You're not running a small shop, Taehyung. You can't just disappear for months."

Taehyung smirked, leaning in slightly. "Worried about me, are we?"

Jungkook scowled. "I don't care what you do. But I deserve to know where my—" He paused, catching himself before he could say 'mate.' His jaw clenched. "Where my rival is going."

Taehyung chuckled darkly. "Still in denial, huh?"

Jungkook scoffed before replying, "What can I do? My mate was so sweet, but you are a complete asshole. Tell me the truth, Taehyung."

Taehyung studied him for a long moment, controlling the laugh that almost erupted, his expression unreadable. Then, with an almost predatory smirk, he finally said, "I have things to take care of outside the country, Jungkookie. Things far more difficult than corporate meetings and boardrooms." His gaze darkened, a storm brewing beneath his eyes. "And when I return…" He leaned in, voice a low promise. "I expect you to still be waiting for me."

Jungkook stormed out of the office, cursing under his breath. He had given himself to Taehyung just to remind him of their past life, and still, this jerk was leaving somewhere instead of going home with him.

Taehyung erupted into laughter once Jungkook left, shaking his head in amusement. His angry little pout was both cute and sexy at the same time.

With a smirk, he grabbed his coat and stepped out, heading straight for his mafia base. Yoongi was waiting.