Beneath The Surface || KNJ

03

In the shadowy corridors of Park Corporation, Hana, the CEO, carried the weight of her position with a mix of determination and trepidation. Her ascent to the top had not been without its challenges, and now, the pressure was mounting from all sides.

Her own brother, Jimin, had been quietly calculating his moves, keeping a close eye on Hana’s every decision. Behind his supportive facade, he harboured ambitions of his own. Jimin's sharp mind and ruthless ambition made him a formidable contender, and the family ties only added to the complexity of the power struggle.

Meanwhile, her cousin Sangmin, ever the opportunist, saw Hana’s leadership as a stepping stone to greater power. Sangmin had been quietly undermining Hana's efforts, weaving a web of intrigue that threatened to destabilise her position. His tactics were subtle but insidious, aimed at creating doubt and discord within the company.

On the other front, Dongmin, Hana’s father’s old business partner and a significant shareholder, was another obstacle she had to contend with. His desire for control over Park Corporation was no secret. Dongmin’s experience and influence in the industry gave him a dangerous edge. He had the means to challenge Hana’s authority and reshape the future of the company to suit his vision.

In this turbulent environment, Hana was not just fighting for her position; she was battling to maintain the legacy of Park Corporation and her family’s honour. Every decision she made was scrutinised, every move calculated. Trust was a luxury she could no longer afford, and her once-familiar world had become a complex chessboard where every piece moved against her.

To navigate this treacherous landscape, Hana needed to be more than a leader. She had to become a master strategist, anticipating the moves of her rivals and countering their plans with precision. The stakes were high, and the future of Park Corporation hung in the balance.

In the heart of a city where power and influence danced in the shadows, Park Do-cheol wrestled with his thoughts, seeking a way to ensure his daughter's future was secure. The notion of arranging a marriage with Namjoon, the eldest son of the esteemed Kim Enterprises, struck him like a bolt of lightning.

Namjoon, despite his detachment from the business world, was still a key figure in the Kim empire—a lineage known for its might and reach. The idea was both strategic and personal, a means to safeguard Hana’s well-being and intertwine their futures.

Park Do-cheol, ever the determined father, decided it was time to broach the subject with his closest friend and confidant, Kim Seong-ho. Seong-ho was more than just a friend; he was family, a pillar of unwavering support. If anyone could sway the decision, it was him.

He made his way to Kim Seong-ho's residence, his mind racing with scenarios and arguments. As he entered the grand home, he was greeted warmly, though his demeanor was tinged with the gravity of his purpose. The conversation would be delicate, yet he hoped the bonds of friendship and trust would make the path smoother.

The sun had dipped below the horizon as Kim Seong-ho and Park Do-cheol settled into the plush chairs of the study, the atmosphere charged with the weight of their discussion.

“Do-cheol,” Seong-ho began, his voice laced with both concern and contemplation, “I understand the importance of this proposal for Hana’s future. But before I can consider it seriously, there’s something we need to address.”

Do-cheol leaned forward, sensing the gravity of Seong-ho’s tone. “What is it?”

“It’s about Namjoon,” Seong-ho said, his eyes clouded with a mix of paternal concern and hesitation. “He’s always been somewhat detached from the business world, and his past—well, it’s complicated. I’m not sure he’d welcome this arrangement, nor would it necessarily make him happy.”