THE FORGOTTEN DAD

Chapter 10: Clashing Titans

Emil Langston adjusted his cufflinks as he stood in the spotlight, the sleek, aerodynamic silhouette of the latest Langston Motors creation gleaming behind him. The car, named the Langston Titan R, was a masterpiece of engineering—fast, powerful, and a symbol of Emil's relentless drive for success. The launch event was the culmination of months of work, and the media and VIPs were all abuzz with excitement.

Beside him, Steven quietly observed the crowd, making sure everything was running smoothly. They were back in New York, where Emil's empire had taken root and flourished. This was his world, his domain. But even in this moment of triumph, Emil couldn't shake the unease gnawing at the edges of his mind—Jasmine, South Korea, the baby...

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted when he spotted a familiar face in the crowd. Dae Ho Kim, the heir to the Aurelius Hotels Group, one of the world's most luxurious and prestigious hotel chains. The Kim family had been synonymous with opulence and elegance for generations, their empire spanning across continents. Dae Ho was more than just a business rival; he was the man who had been lurking in the shadows of Emil and Jasmine's relationship, a constant reminder of the life Emil feared he couldn't provide.

As the event continued, Dae Ho approached Emil with a confident stride, his presence commanding attention. There was no need for pleasantries—both men knew why Dae Ho was there.

"I didn't think you'd have the nerve to show your face after everything you've done," Dae Ho said, his voice low and controlled, but laced with underlying anger.

Emil's jaw tightened, but he maintained his composure. "And what exactly do you think I've done, Dae Ho? Protect my own future? Build a life for Jasmine and our child?"

Dae Ho scoffed, his eyes narrowing. "Don't kid yourself, Langston. Jasmine deserves better than a man who betrays her trust and abandons her when she needs him the most. You've done nothing but hurt her, and I won't stand by and watch you ruin her life any further."

Emil took a step closer, his eyes locking onto Dae Ho's. The tension between them was palpable, a clash of wills and pride. "Listen to me, Dae Ho. Whatever you think you know about Jasmine and me, it doesn't change the fact that she's carrying my child. We have a history, a connection you'll never understand. No matter what happens, Jasmine will be my wife. You can stop waiting for her like a fool."

Dae Ho's eyes hardened, and he stepped even closer, his voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "You don't deserve to be a father, Emil. And you certainly don't deserve to be Jasmine's husband. I regret ever thinking she could be happy with you. I let her go, believing you could give her the life she deserved, but I was wrong. You've proven that over and over again. If Jasmine takes you back, it will be the biggest mistake of her life, and I won't stand by and let that happen."

Emil's fists clenched, his blood boiling at Dae Ho's words. But before he could respond, their heated exchange was interrupted by the arrival of several other VVIPs. The sudden presence of onlookers forced both men to mask their emotions, slipping back into the roles they were expected to play in the corporate world.

"Mr. Langston, Mr. Kim," one of the guests greeted them with a smile, oblivious to the tension that had just crackled between the two. "Such a pleasure to see both of you here. The Titan R is truly a marvel."

"Thank you," Emil replied, his voice smooth and polished, the perfect businessman. "It's an honor to have you here."

Dae Ho, too, switched gears, offering a courteous nod. "Yes, the Titan R is impressive, as always. Langston Motors never fails to deliver excellence."

The two men exchanged professional pleasantries, their earlier confrontation momentarily set aside for the sake of appearances. But beneath the surface, the rivalry between them simmered, both knowing that this was far from over.

As the night went on, Emil couldn't shake the image of Dae Ho's anger, the words he had spoken. It was a reminder that his battle was far from won, and that there were still obstacles standing between him and the life he wanted with Jasmine and their child.

But Emil Langston had never backed down from a fight. And he wasn't about to start now.