𝑸𝑼𝑬𝑹𝑬𝑵𝑪𝑰𝑨 || 𝐉𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐧

20

Jake had just come downstairs when he heard his dad's voice from the study. He occasionally visited them and spent all his day at his study, working or smoking.

He paused at the door, listening.

"Isn't that the guy whose place you stayed at?" his dad asked, looking at the article on his computer. 

Jake didn't need to look to know which article it was – the one announcing Park Sunghoon as the heir to the Soonyang Group.

Jake's fists clenched at his sides, his anger rising. He stormed into the study, unable to keep silent any longer. "What do you want, Dad?"

His dad looked up, his expression as cold and calculating as ever. "I want you to be friends with Sunghoon."

Jake's jaw dropped. "You can't be serious."

"I am," his dad replied, his tone matter-of-fact. "It would be beneficial for our family if you maintained a good relationship with the heir to Soonyang Group. It could open up opportunities for collaboration."

Jake was scared of his Dad, yes, but after seeing how his mom is getting sick because of this darned family he can't just turn a blind eye. Also, he isn't the heir anymore. he has nothing to loose. maybe he does, but it dosen't matter anymore.

Jake's vision blurred with anger. "You're unbelievable. You called him poor and filthy, and now you want me to be friends with him just because it suits your business interests?"

His dad's eyes narrowed. "This is about what's best for our family, Jake. Sometimes you have to put personal feelings aside for the greater good."

"The greater good?" Jake shouted, his voice trembling with rage. "You don't care about what's best for our family. You only care about your business and your image. I'm a person, not a tool for you to use."

His dad stood up, his demeanor icy. "Watch your tone, Jake. I'm still your father."

"And you're still a hypocrite," Jake shot back. "You can't just manipulate people like this. I deserve better than to be used by someone like you."

"You're being naive," his dad said, his voice low and dangerous. "In this world, power and influence are everything. You'd do well to remember that."

"I won't be a part of this," Jake said, his voice firm. "I won't befriend Sunghoon for your schemes. If you want him to be your pawn, you'll have to do it yourselves."

His dad's eyes flashed with anger. "You're making a mistake, Jake."

"No, Dad," Jake replied, his voice steady. "You're the one making a mistake. You're throwing away everything that really matters for the sake of power. And one day, you'll realize just how wrong you are."

"I see you are crossing your limits now that you are no longer the Heir. . . .don't try to fight me, it won't end well for you."

"And as of Park Sunghoon, I'll soon have Soonyang down, I warn you." the man spoke with such certainity, Jake was scared for a second.

He didn't reply or stand their any longer. He left the room and went outside. 

He thought of talking to his grandfather and apologising for walking out the other day. His dad being on his side didn't matter, it was his grandfather that held all the keys.

Also, Sunghoon and Jay.

As if on cue, he got a call from Jay the moment that thought crossed his mind.

"Can we talk?" Jay's tone was raspy and sounded terrible. "sure, but, are you okay?" Jake asked.

He heard Jay sigh from the other side."feel like shit. I called Heeseung too, I need you both."