Crimson Park

Chapter 18

The car ride to Dongnam's office was so tense you were suffocating. You knew something was up the moment you got the call. You just weren't sure exactly what it was for. Did he find out about the Chairman? Sheyanne? Or was it something else?

Since Taesub and Joohyuk were still technically supposed to be injured Jungkook was the only person who could escort you, and you worried about that most - especially if things went South.

"Whatever happens in there, I need you to stay calm and to not react. Do you understand me?" You looked across the console to ensure he was getting the message.

"Yes," he nodded.

"I'm dead serious, Jungkook. As far as you're concerned, you don't even know my name. You need to remember that you work for him - not me."

"I thought this was just routine?"

"We were just attacked during a meeting no one was supposed to know about, and he's found one mole already and is looking for more. I don't know what's going to happen, but I can handle it. But to do that, I need you to handle your shit in there, so that we can both walk out without any issues."

He nodded an uncommitted "yes."

"Jungkook!" you scolded.

"Yes. I got it."

When you arrived you were escorted up to Dongnam's office by four of his personal security - and that set your alarm bells ringing. But you kept your calm as you made your way down the corridors and up the stairs until you were finally standing in front of his office. You could see him clearly through the floor to ceiling industrial windowpane wall, as well, the intricately carved, white-handled revolver laying on his desk.

When you were summoned inside alone, and Jungkook was left outside flanked by security, you stood opposite him while he glared at you from behind his desk. You avoided looking at the gun entirely, holding Dongnam's steel gaze with yours which was made of iron.

"My niece is back for fall break, and she told me something very interesting. The Chairman had given her to you after the auction."

"That is correct sir," you said matter-of-factly.

"Why?"

You tilted your head ever so slightly. "You know why."

His face didn't move an inch, but you knew he didn't like your answer. He pulled himself from his chair, rounding his desk to lean against the front, crossing his arms as he now stood mere feet from you.

"Have I not been good to you, Ms. Park?"

"You have sir."

"Then why is it that you defy me?"

"Technically, sir, I did not defy you.

"Do not run your tongue at me. It was defiance. Inconveniently, after your defiance, we find an undercover cop in our midst, and someone leaked our meeting location to the Cheonan and killed more than a dozen of my men."

He reached backwards, grabbing his gun, and in one smooth motion pointed it right between your eyes.

You heard the commotion in the hall, and your heart squeezed- knowing that Jungkook was trying to get to you. But you stood like a statue, your expression stoic, your arms crossed in a statement under your chest, but also silently begging for Jungkook to stop.

He did stop, but only after a heavy fist clocked him across the jaw, incapacitating him enough for four men to restrain him.

Dongnam motioned with the gun for them to bring him into the room, and they did, seating him partially dazed in a chair, and holding him there by their hands on his shoulders.