Pasadena

"Ah! Shit!"

The loud bang as he toppled off his bed can be heard throughout the silent penthouse. Coincidentally, his assistant arrived at that opportune moment.

"Young Master?! Are you alright?"

"ISLA! Get up here!"

Jaejin sounded out of character. It wasn't like him to sound so agitated. Isla didn't ask and directly made her way to the second floor. Knocking on the door, she entered upon his permission. Her eyes swept over the messy bed and Jaejin's exasperated expression as he focused on his phone.

"My dear assistant. Can you please tell me what my thorny Rose did last night?" he asked with a stiff smile.

"Oh! Okay." Her countenance shifted from professional to a friend with the latest gossip.

"It all started during the day. The news was sent out of the handover of HW Financial Group to the new successor, Neil Min. The entire company shares and assets were signed to him. A press release confirmed this.....

"What now?!" Jaejin interrupted. His head turned sharply in Isla's direction, causing a minor whiplash. This news built on his initial shock from that $10 Million deposit.

"You heard right. On the cusp of that development, the main branch in Korea was taken down by Min Hanjool's corporate rival - Baek Chun. Isn't that funny?" Isla continued with a wide grin on her face.

"Uh... yeah!" He, on the other hand, was dumbfounded. His so-called father lost his biggest source of living. He must be livid right about now.

"The best part is that Min Hanjool suffered a stroke. Talk about weak willpower," she added. The last sentence was filled with disdain and wonder.

Jaejin's lips twitched in amusement. It wasn't polite to laugh at other's misfortune but it was certainly funny by the re-telling. "Well that reactions seem appropriate," he commented over a slight cough.

"To top it off, his right-hand man ditched him in the hospital, taking away the last accessible company funds. The wife has to pay the hefty medical bill that was left."

"Pfft! HAHAHA HAHAHA! NO WAY! NO WAY!" Jaejin couldn't hold back his laughter.

Loyalty was never there. The man he placed above his family and handled his affairs left him high and dry. Unbelievable.

Isla snickered and tried to compose herself. Jaejin's laugh was too infectious. 
"Well, Druex, the second young master's best friend finished his part of the job and then visited Min Hanjool last night. He got him to sign your mother's old divorce papers that were still hung up in court. Those documents stated that he has to pay alimony and child support which will be changed to emotional compensation to you due to your age. I think the money should be in your account now. Oh, and great news young master."

"It's not my birthday but I'm getting such marvelous gifts. Go on." Jaejin teased with laughter coating his voice.

"Your mother will be here this afternoon." Isla had the brightest smile on her face as she relayed the news. She bounced on her toes in pure excitement.
Jaejin's reaction was similar to a blooming flower. The expressions on his face turn from amusement > to surprise > to unbridled joy.

"What! Are you serious?!" He ran to her side and pushed her to repeat her words. He was already bouncing on his toes unable to stop his excitement. 

"Yes, young master. Everything is being set up. She will be here by the time you return from classes."

"My mom... She's finally free! She's coming here." His words of joy became shaky as the unexpected sob try to be heard after he calmed down. He didn't expect to be so emotional over such news. This is what he was aiming for since he left New Mexico. His lover did it in a matter of weeks. 
"This guy! Dammit. He's so fucking amazing", he gushed holding his smiling face.

"You're happy. The game is near its end."

Jaejin sobered himself.
 Yes. She's right.
This game began to make him happy and to deal with those who wronged him. He felt his cheeks burn when he remembered his immature confession last night. 
"Did he realize it?" he murmured lowly.

"But young master, did something happens earlier?" Isla asked. She made herself busy by tidying the room and setting out an outfit for the day.

"I was shocked by the deposit I saw in my account. I didn't have a clue where it came from, so I had to ask."

"I guess, he didn't leave a message about it. The money you and your mother received was three-quarters of the price the Han family paid to cut ties with your mother. They didn't want to have a bad image on their businesses from the previous slandering article."

The amusement died from his body when he heard that piece. Isla began to feel uneasy by the abrupt silence that enveloped the room. Placing her attention back on Jaejin, she took a step back in momentary disbelief. The joy from earlier was gone. His gaze was now blank with an expressionless face. A slow smile made its way to his lips. It was too frightening on such an innocent-looking face.

Isla inwardly cursed. 'Dammit, Master Eros, how far did you corrupt the little cherub?!'

                                                                                 ~~~~~~~

Jaejin's mood was unbalanced during his morning routine. When he left the hotel, a call came in. 

Balance Restored.

It was Eros.

"What do you want me to do? I can have their stocks drop in five days."

Jaejin glanced at the frowning Isla beside him. He knew she reported his mood to Eros. Like the dominating boyfriend he was, Rose was willing to destroy decades of a family business for his happiness.

"Aiya, why are you so bloodthirsty? It's okay. I made some money from them and mom is coming over. I'm happy. You can play with them in the future if I remember," he answered. He couldn't stop the goofy smile from forming on his face.

"Fine. If you change your mind, say the word."

"Yes. Yes. How are you?" Jaejin no longer wanted to talk about relatives he never met and only had a genuine dislike.

"I'm good as I can be. I should be home earlier than planned. Things here in Vegas are moving quickly. The last move should be happening around now." Eros's steady voice was like an ongoing melody in Jaejin's ear, leaving him relaxed as he spoke. When he said the word home, he blushed. His imagination began to run wild. 

They will be living together.

So many things can happen.

He began to cough violently in embarrassment when the memories of the last night they spent together came to mind.

"Love? Are you okay? Did you come down with something? Have Isla run to the pharmacy."

"HAHAHAHA! Calm down, Rose. Dirty thoughts invaded my mind."

Silence.

Eros coughed lightly on the other end of the phone. "It's too early, love," he said softly.

"It's infectious, huh? Moving on. Are you ready to meet my mother?"

"Yes!"

Jaejin was silenced once more. "A bit of hesitation would be nice," he complained over the straightforward answer.

"You're my husband, why should I hesitate? I am looking forward to meeting Mother-In-Law."

"Gosh!" Jaejin's face was burning at that moment. He hid his face in his hand and double over in his seat to hide the silly smile.

"Jin?"

"Yes, baby?" Eros's tone was serious upon calling his name. He heard a sharp intake of breath on the other side before he spoke once more.

"When I return, I won't allow you to run away after you tell me clearly."

Mimicking what he did the previous night. Eros ended the call without room for a rebuttal. Jaejin wasn't upset, his face was hotter and his heart was banging on his chest. 

   Eros figured it out.

"I won't run away this time," he whispered to himself.

                                                                            ~~~~~~~~~~~~

"In the latest news, reports of building code violations and mismanagement of accounts against a reputable company has been retrieved by the relevant authorities. The anonymous helper laid claims against the Macallis Corporation earlier today, quoting from the evidence they gathered. The authorities verified these files and made necessary preparations. In addition to violation of building codes, claims of inferior materials being used, unchecked foundation, shoddy electrical work and discontinued plumbing materials were also reported to be used and have been done to marked apartment buildings. The buildings under the Corporation have been under the spotlight for more than three years due to its multi-million dollar development and luxurious amenities. New residents rushed to claim the apartments starting at $300k per year excluding utilities. This cost was expected to cover the best of everything to have a safe home, now with news of such inferior materials being used and living in a space that can crumble at any moment, the residents are outraged. Lawyers have been hired and are trying to get into contact with the relevant department at the Macallis Corporation. 
We have word from the Building Inspector office that the claims are true. Each report have been verified......"

On a business channel with low viewership, a blinding news report began as the core of a storm to hit the financial world. Ongoing reports of Macallis' hidden deeds began to surface. The first attack by these anonymous whistleblowers began in the real estate sector. It was the foundation of the illustrious Macallis Corporation. 

Every time this news was broadcasted, the giants behind the scene took note of this and made necessary precautions. To uncover such facts, the person behind it all had to be beyond their own capabilities. Which business magnate doesn't have some unscrupulous means to reach further than their peers? If word gets out, all that they gain will vanish.

The report moved from one channel, to another - having such a scandal on a company that was just in the spotlight was like blood to these sharks. The reputable online magazines caught a whiff of this fresh blood and began to fight for it. Anything for views, right?

Slowly but surely, the storm was forming.

                                                                              ~~~~~~~

Unaware of the devil he crossed, Josef Macallis was leisurely eating breakfast while his daughter Sherida was droning on about something. He gathered bits of pieces of her complaint that weren't wrapped up in hysterics. 
This was a rare chance for all three to be at the dining table and having a somewhat comforting meal. 
Josef glanced at his daughter then at his wife who was listening attentively. He ignored the two and turned his attention to his assistant who entered the room.

"Kyle! We are having a family meal," Naomi Macallis admonished.

The man gave her a distracted nod and continued on his way to his boss. 

Naomi looked to her husband for some sort of support but it was useless. 

Sherida saw this and sneered disdainfully at her father and his subordinate. She clicked tongue and continued on with her problem. Her father blatantly ignored her from the start and her mother was trying her best to understand. Both of them were useless.

Josef reached for the folders Kyle handed him and began to read promptly. As he got further in, the confusion was clear on his face. 

It was all straightforward. 

The report on Min Hanjool's change of heart was clear in the investigative report. Josef couldn't believe that the tightfisted chairman willingly gave his company and fortune to that waste. He would have easily believed it if it was the first kid but not the bastard.
There was no sign of tampering of documents or bribery within the company. It all came from the chairman's office.

He then turned to the last folder. His bewilderment turned to amusement. Peals of laughter filled the room, startling his wife and daughter. 
"This is perfect." Josef's eyes gleamed as he read the report of Min Hanjool's demise. With the takeover of the Korean main branch, and the handover of its subordinate company to a bastard child, the stocks will fall due to public opinion. Uncertainty and pressure will topple them. 
The report also stated the number of resignation of employees, the limited company funds and the absence of Administrator Cho.

With Hanjool hospitalized, who will run the company?

The wolves will start to hunt the new and inexperienced Chairman.

Josef knew the level of competence of that child. He had him investigated when he caught the whiff of a live-in mistress on Hanjool. It was easy to find them both with his connections and Hanjool's weak foundation. 

"What of the legal wife?" he asked going over the report once more.

"Only the divorce agreement between the two was found," Kyle answered.

"He agreed? He was keeping that woman on a leash to gain favors in Upper Class. Plus, if he had her, then the son will show up later. The kid has a great business sense but he's corrupted now. His affliction will ruin the company's image. Good riddance for me. I dodged a fucking bullet," Josef returned.

"He signed. It was made public a few hours ago."

"She's no longer important. Let's forget those two. Contact the companies that owes us in New Mexico, let them put pressure on HW Financial. Create an article of their brush with bankruptcy, this will light a fire under their remaining clients. This will force them into a corner. They will want help, that's when we will swoop in for the kill. Acquiring HW Financial is another step in going fully national. Since the lowkey way was ruined..." Josef sent a sharp glare at Sherida and continued. "... we only have this chance."

"Yes - " The sharp ringtone of an incoming call cut of the words of Kyle. He quickly answered the call.

"What is it?"     "Suppress it and make a press release stating that we will corporate ...."   "WHAT?!"

From the reaction to the conversation, Josef felt uneasy. He can easily point out that something out of their reach happened.

Kyle's face paled as he took on a professional tone. "I will, sir."
He ended the call and turned to Josef to report to him.

"Excuse me, sir."

The interruption this time came from the butler. The gentlemen seemed off when he called out to Josef.

"What is it, Richard?" he asked impatiently. Josef wanted to know what was going on. Was it the company? If so, why did they call Kyle's phone and not his?

"Sir, the FBI and the local police are here with a search warrant."

                                                                                   ~~~~~~~

Las Vegas

"What exceptional service."

Jian rolled his eyes at Eros's comment. No one will believe that he placed the duties of the feds in the same category as a fast food worker.

The two were watching the live feeds of the FBI scouring the Macallis Corporation and each subordinate companies. The sight of tactical geared agents and domineering police captains pressuring white collared workers was amusing to the two

A grin was on Eros's face when he enlarged the feed showing the cops pushing their way into the Macallis' home and into the dining room where the family gathered. With a few clicks, he accessed Sherida's phone to get a closer view of her terrified face. 
"What do you think of a reunion between her and the Alsworth brat?" he mused.

"Rose, no more sub-plots," Jian warned. He switched to the feed of the human trafficking ring being taken down and made the necessary notes of the time and the number of agents it took.

"Fine. They're getting boring anyway. So fucking predictable now. Send out the second news. This time national level."

"Once we get the statements and relocate these women, we can return to Pasadena. Are you thinking about letting him meet the family earlier than planned?" Jian saw the lost of interest to the fun he created leave his face and changed to a guy going through his first puppy love. 

"Yes but I will wait for him. He's still wary about certain things. When I return please lessen my schedule. I want to date my husband in the most proper way." 

The determined expression on his face was too good to pass up. Jian quietly took a photo and posted it in their friend chat.

  <Photo>
Jian: He's ready to propose. Who's up for that bet?

Druex: What proposal?! Didn't they skip a step already? They're living together now.

Jhoel: He didn't skip a step. He mixed them up a bit.

Nico: Why does he look like he just created a master plan?

Jian: Hmmm. You're right.

Noir: I realized something when I met the young master.

Nico: Oh? What was it?

Noir: He has a poisonous tongue under that delicate flower look.

Jhoel: Ummmm....

Jian: Well...

Druex: Rose corrupted the child, didn't he?

Noir: ....

Nico:.....

Jhoel: ....

Jian: Have a good day everyone.

"What are you doing?" Eros asked his friend who was now spaced out.

"Nothing important. Since we are in the waiting period, do you want to go hang out? It's been a while."

Eros hesitated and took a look at the people on the streets happily going about their lives. A major operation was going on and they were all oblivious. They were living the life of carefree. He frowned at the thought of the word. 
Carefree. Huh!

It won't hurt to relax.

"Sure. I never went to a casino. That seems fun."

"That sounds.... good." He was trying not to show his surprise upon hearing Eros's suggestion. Usually he rejects any invitation to go out with them. This was a good change. Jian quickly arranged a car before Eros changed his mind. 

Eros calmly thought over what he should where to a casino  and made his way to the room. He was highly pleased with himself on taking the initiative to 'hang out' with his friends.
'Maybe I could do the same with Jin', he said inwardly. A bashful smile was on his face as he planned future dates with his lover.

While getting dressed, his phone rang. He didn't expect a call from anyone. His friends were outside or in New Mexico. His brothers and sister were busy. As for Jaejin, his classes were about to end but he will be pre-occupied after. 
Looking at the caller ID, he was pleasantly surprised. He quickly answered the call.

"Shaun!"