40 I Feel So Useless 4 (1/2)

As he parked his car outside the club, he recalled about this afternoon's conversation with Samantha. He blamed himself partly because it could've been handled better. But he was just human, he wasn't perfect. His emotions got to him and he couldn't bring himself to just stand quietly at the side and do nothing. This is when he realized that maybe... Samantha means so much to him more than he thought. Because if not, even after all the incidents, he shouldn't be affected like this, right? If he didn't like her so much, he could've probably just ignored the things that have something to do with her.

So when he knew about it this afternoon, the things that he bottled up and decided to ignore before just exploded. But he didn't hate her, he couldn't hate her. He's just feeling hurt. Although it has just been a month since they dated, the emotions that he felt and is currently feeling isn't something that he can control. It's not as if he can dictate himself not to feel this and that. He is hurt, what can he do?

Thinking about it, he still understands her. Though not completely, he understands why she didn't want to burden others. Aren't most people like that? Sometimes even if he does not notice it, he's also like that. Disturbing his train of thoughts, his attention was brought to the noise by the club's entrance.

”Watch your step, sis.”, Seo Joon said as he held Samantha up with her arm draped over his shoulder.

”Seriously, Samantha. Are you trying to kill yourself?”, Hannah complained.

Samantha just beamed at her best friend.

Daniel Cho remained seated in his car and watched them from afar. At first, he opened his car door but then he closed it after a few seconds. He thought that maybe this is something that they both need.

When Seo Joon drove home, Daniel turned his car around and headed towards The Fortress. And when Liam saw his brother, he smirked. ”Come, I'll treat you tonight.”

”I'll take you up on that. Also, we need to do something tomorrow.”

--

The next day at the Cho Corporation.

Assistant Ahn just entered Daniel's office and said, ”Boss, everything's ready. Just waiting for your signal.”

Daniel nodded, ”Let's wait a little longer.”

”Yes, Boss.”

2 hours later, Liam came into Daniel's office with a tablet on his hand. ”Look. It's time.”, he said as he handed a tablet to Daniel.

Daniel read the article that was published by Trident's PR. It contained an explanation and proof to clear their name. At the end of it was a warning that they are going to take legal actions after a thorough investigation against the person who is slandering their company.

When Daniel finished, he turned to face Liam, ”Execute the plan.”

”What the hell is this? I thought everything is perfect? You said you'd take care of this?”, CEO Nan yelled at one of his people.

The people in the meeting room all fell silent. They actually believed everything that Kevin had said and didn't think that he would be making up stories. They were so excited to topple their opponents over that they became idiots; idiots who didn't do any further investigation to make sure their information was true.

A few minutes later, one of the executives dashed inside the meeting room with a very horrified expression. ”Sir,...”

”WHAT?!!”, the CEO was already irritated because of the article from Trident earlier so his reaction was harsh.

”Sir, Cho Corporation has pulled out their investment on the new project and canceled all our collaborations with them.”

The CEO stood up from his seat and stomped angrily, ”What did you say?! How is that possible? That's a breach of contract! If they do that, they have to pay a lot of money!”

”S-sir... they just called. They said they don't care how much they have to pay. They want to sever ties with us.”

The CEO's face paled. He immediately got out of his office and into his car. He drove towards Cho Corporation. When he got there, he was all sweaty and his appearance is disheveled. He was truly worried that he will lose his company.

When he got to the entrance, he walked hastily and asked the receptionist to see President Daniel Cho. The receptionist recognized the man before her and she was already briefed to not allow him inside.

”I'm sorry, Mr. Nan, the President is busy at the moment.”

”B-but, this is something important, please tell him I'm here.”, he said as he wiped his face with a handkerchief.

”President will not see anyone today. I apologize.”

CEO Nan became nervous, but before he could say anything else, his secretary called him on the phone. ”S-sir, Cho Corporation's PR released a statement. Take a look at their site.”

He gulped and clicked on the link that he received, his eyes widened.

In the article were concrete pieces of evidence of Quantum Solutions' CEO and other executives involvement of underhand dealings, and immoral deeds towards their competitors. The statement says that Cho Corporation will not tolerate this, and the company doesn't want to be in any way associated with corrupt people.

After reading the article, the CEO noticed the stares around him. He was currently inside Cho Corporation's den and he's very humiliated. His business is finished. He did not only lose their chance to participate in the bidding process but he may also have to file for bankruptcy and most probably be thrown into jail; with Cho Corporation's influence, Quantum Solutions is beyond redemption.

CEO Nan quickly got into his car and sped off.

Meanwhile at the CEO office,

”Boss, CEO Nan was looking for you at the lobby. He ran away just now, I guess he has read the PR's statement.”

Daniel was looking outside through his floor-to-ceiling glass window as he said, ”Send someone to keep an eye on him.”

”Yes, boss.”

---