Passion and Power

Chapter 75

After the video of the fateful KCorp Board meeting played, the court room erupted in shock. Hanni had to fight to choke back a laugh, and she quickly covered the amazed smile that spread across her face. The recording was even more damning than she had imagined. Taehyung was faced away from her in the courtroom, but even just seeing the way he held his body, it was clear he was seething.

For her part, Minji didn't have to fight back a laugh. Despite all he'd done, she couldn't feel happiness about sending him to prison - or worse. She felt satisfied that she'd done the right thing, and relieved and confident that they wouldn't let him go after witnessing his plotting and callousness. It was the complete opposite of the persona he presented in court - and so obviously his true self. He'd already testified, so there was no chance for him to charm or explain his way out of it. But for Minji, it was only the happiness on Hanni's face that gave her a lift from the spectacle. She couldn't bear to look at her mother.

After that, the lawyers continued with a few questions for Minji, but it was clear that there wasn't more she needed to say. The trial wrapped up by the end of the week. Taehyung's lawyers still went through the motions of trying to save them, but it was clear the wind had gone out of their sails. Even though they were making big money working for Taehyung, even they had morals enough to struggle with the shocking scene and callous attitude of Taehyung towards the idea of creating a neurotoxin with the potential for starting a global pandemic for profit.

When the gavel came down and the judge called it finished, Hanni nearly collapsed in relief. She turned to Minji, hoping to wrap her in a hug. But Minji was distracted, staring at the jury members as they filed out, clearly trying to read their thoughts. After the jury disappeared, Hanni took Minji's hand and whispered:

"Time to go. You've done all you can do."

Minji turned to her with wide eyes. "It's in their hands now."

"It's going to be fine. You've saved them all. It only would have been a matter of time before Taehyung used his bioweapon. And they know it."

"I hope you're right."

***

Given the high profile nature of the trial, the jury was sequestered. All they could do was wait. Somehow Minji knew it wouldn't be fast, despite her crystal clear evidence against Taehyung. Not wanting to waste time, Minji initiated her plan to re-take KCorp, starting with reaching out to Haerin, to get her thoughts. Then, depending on her reaction, Minji might ask her to be involved. She did not want to pressure her in any way, but there was no need. Haerin jumped at the chance.

"Welcome back, Boss! Damn, have I missed you."

"I'm not back yet. We've got a long way to go."

"Yeah, I know. But I also know that if this is what you want, this is what you'll eventually get."

"Hmmm. Well." Minji pondered for several moments. "I guess we'll see about that."

***

And so, Minji spent her days planning and securing allies. Which, unfortunately for her prospects, no longer included Xiaoting and Xiao North, one of the most powerful and valuable tech companies next to KCorp. Even so, she couldn't face confronting Xiaoting about what she'd done, and until that happened she decided it was best to ice her out. Minji decided there were only so many crises she could take on at once. And while she lamented that she no longer had her most powerful and reliable ally, after what she had done the last time they were together, Minji could never trust her again. She left Xiaoting out of all her plans.

After business hours she would often head to her lab, which she had been working to expand since she left KCorp. The past few weeks had her inspired with ideas on new inventions. Even though she knew that Hanni had a much less demanding schedule, that if she just slowed down and took a break, they could be spending some well-deserved quality time together. But that wasn't the way Minji operated. Until Taehyung was behind bars, and until Hanni was safe from him, Minji would not rest. She just had to push a little harder. At least until the jury came back.