Passion and Power

Chapter 81

Much to her chagrin, just 5 days after her wedding Minji found herself in the city of Tokyo, waiting for the connection to the KCorp Board meeting in Seoul. The emergency meeting had been called by none other than Jihyo Kim herself. The company had taken multiple hits, not the least of which from the news of Minji's departure. She had quite a celebrity status, known for her genius and regular breakthroughs and inventions that always kept KCorp on top. Board members and shareholders were on edge, and the regular press reports about Taehyung and his nihilistic schemes hadn't helped the company escape the constant negative news cycle.

As shareholders began to sell stock, the price began to drop, which only caused more panic and unloading of large shares. Jihyo had called a meeting of the Board with the hopes they would agree to an unplanned shareholders meeting, to reassure them all and help stop the bleeding. Haerin was joining the meeting virtually from the Tokyo office in her role as COO. Minji was in the room but stayed off camera. No one knew she would be joining, and she was hoping to capitalize on the element of surprise.

As the members of the Board took turns complaining, Jihyo fought for control. Most felt a shareholders meeting would only make matters worse, as it would provide them all an opportunity to vent their frustration to the Board, and having so many angry people in a room would only incite them all further.

"This is all Minji's fault, leaving us high and dry like this!" Jihyo said in response to accusations of blame against her.

"It wasn't Minji's fault! The board members came after her for her association with Hanni! Accusing her of a conflict of interest, of taking advantage of the Board by pushing them to support Hanni's team!" Haerin interrupted.

"Well, clearly they did have a..." One of the board members started to defend himself.

"There was no relationship at the time! Besides, it was by far the best publicity investment we've ever made - and it came at a critical time, when Taehyung's stunts were at their worst. It helped us recover and then some."

"Until Minji's departure." Jihyo smirked.

"Again, who's fault is that?" Haerin fired back.

"May I remind you that as COO you are here as a courtesy, and only to answer questions if the members have them." Jihyo scoffed.

"None of that matters." Xiaoting broke in. "What she's saying is the truth. We need Minji back."

"We just need to give it more time." Jihyo said. "We have fantastic scientists, and with a few small breakthroughs and some hefty marketing efforts, we could be back on top again next year."

"Next year?" Several members exclaimed.

"Anyway, that's not true, Jihyo! Minji was not just a fantastic scientist. She is a genius in the lab and in running the company and motivating staff. We simply don't have a replacement for her level of charisma and brilliance." Xiaoting exclaimed.

"So kind of you to say." Minji chose that moment to move closer and make her presence known to the Board.

"Minji!" Xiaoting exclaimed, covering her chest with her hands. The rest of the room gasped.

"Goddammit, Minji!" Jihyo fumed.

"Would you like me to go, Mother?"

Almost every person in the room spoke up in protest of Minji leaving.

"Well?" Minji asked.

"You can stay." Jihyo mumbled begrudgingly. "Why are you here, anyway?"

Minji responded with a cat-like grin. "I'm so glad you asked."