Courting The Champion

21 - Way Ahead Of You

Arabelle

“I will get straight to the point,” Min Suk says seriously. I look at her expectantly.

“Most of you are under contract, alongside some who could not be here today, due to criminal charges,” she says.

I can tell that Andrew really doesn't want to be here. He would rather be at home or with his students.

Min Suk pauses and looks at each and every one of our faces then continues. “You will continue with your contracts as agreed on contract terms,” she announces. Almost everyone  starts mumbling in disagreement but with no one loudly and clearly stating their refusal. She continues to talk over everyone.

“AND... The only way to get out of contract is to contest it in a court, in which you will obviously lose a lot of money. All of that money you earned during your fights will be paid back to us for damage,” Min Suk adds on. I look at Andrew who looks like he's ready to leave. I wonder why because he should be concerned since he's still under contract.

All in all she was right. If Andrew was to refuse to continue fighting for this company he'd be sued for millions. Of which he doesn't have much.

All I know is Andrew would not care to lose it. He hasn't spent a penny of the money that he earned on the one fight he had, the moment he found out that it was dirty. He still has that money in an account, probably ready to pay it back to the company. We have been surviving on money that he earns from his students' affordable monthly fees. He got a basic car and we live in a good neighborhood. That's all we need.

“That is all that I have to say as acting Chairman. I'll give some space to Mr Smith,” Min Suk says motioning to her son, Beth's brother, Daehyun.

Daehyun gets up from his seat and moves over to the front of the room. “I am not one to sugar coat things. So yes, it is true my father is involved in a number of crimes. The company is at a deficit. All the money acquired by illegal means has been confiscated,” he pauses. 

“All of it. We have further been banned from competing globally for a period of five years, however we are able to resume any fights within the country,” he announces. Andrew is actually now paying attention.

“I cannot be held responsible for my father's actions. Quite frankly, I believe he is not worthy of his seat as Chairman. Which is why I'll be contesting for him to be from his seat  with immediate effect, in the stockholders' meeting this week, and have him give up all of his shares in the company,” he says curtly. Everyone including Andrew and I, seems shocked by his revelation.

“I, unlike Mrs Smith, am not forcing anyone to be here. You were earning illegal money. Now, if you fight, you will be getting the exact amount you worked for. Your money comes from the tickets that spectators buy and from the World Boxing Fund, that means, very little compared to what you are used to getting,” he says and looks at everyone to see if they understand.

“That being said, If you have any requests or questions, you may come to my office. Good luck to all of you who have successfully terminated your contracts,” he says and looks over at Andrew giving him a curt nod. I furrow my eyebrows in confusion. Daehyun moves back to his seat but does no sit back down.

“That's all. Please pass by the secretary's desk to receive your new schedules and renewed year planner,” Min Suk says and walks out of the room with Daehyun in toll.

Everyone else starts leaving. Beth walks over to me.

“Hey!” she exclaims happily. I smile at her.

“Why didn't you tell me that you were a Smith? I thought we were friends,” I say and she looks at me sadly.

“Tell you that I'm the daughter of a criminal? I thought I'd drop the bomb a little bit later, is this your... Andrew?” she raises a brow and I nod.