Hypernova : A Sequel to Supernova

Episode 3.4 - Your True Motive

"Mr. Eren, Executive Park is here." Jorah's secretary alerted him.

"Go ahead and send him in."

A moment later, Executive Park strode into the office with his usual air of smugness

"Executive Park," Jorah rose and offered  a firm handshake that lingered just a moment too long. "I trust this must be something of utmost importance since  you asked to meet with me so suddenly?"

"Thank you for seeing me, Logan," Park replied, a touch of condescension in his voice as he sat down.

Jorah leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled under his chin as he regarded Executive Park, who had just settled into the plush leather seat across from him. The tension crackled in the air, heavy and thick, like a brewing storm. 

Both men gazed at each other like like Tigers ready to pounce and devour their prey.

Executive Park cleared his throat and adjusted his suit.

"Logan, I come not on behalf of myself, but because some of the board members have expressed concern about the NeuroMend Initiative," Park began, the seriousness in his voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

Jorah's lips twitched into a faint smirk, but his expression remained calm. "Of course. Executive Park has always been the voice of the people."

While Executive Park's jaws tightened at the thinly veiled jab, he didn't respond, leaving Jorah to continue. "What exactly are they concerned about, Executive Park? Perhaps we can put their minds at ease?" The upward lilt of his question bordering on sarcasm.

"Well, one of the biggest concerns is Kailen Kim's involvement."

Jorah's eyebrows shot up in feigned surprise. "I'm not sure I follow."

Park's lips curved into a thin, calculating smile, devoid of warmth. "We are all aware that you and Mr. Kim have a certain—history. Isn't it too much of a coincidence that he is now working on this project that you are funding?"

"That is pure coincidence," Jorah replied simplistically. "Mr. Kim being a part of the project has nothing to do with me. In fact, based on his qualifications, I am not surprised. His GPA is the second highest in the medical department and third overall in his school."

Park's brow twitched, irritation flashing across his face. "Still, your connection with him cannot be overlooked." 

"He and I have no connection." Jorah stated flatly. "And any interest I have in him does not go beyond his capabilities." He slid a document across the desk towards Executive Park.

"What is this?" Park asked, his tone challenging as he picked it up.

Jorah could see the understanding dawn in Park's eyes as he scanned the contents.

"So you see why Mr. Kim is an asset to this project in multiple ways," Jorah leaned forward, the chair creaking under the shift in his weight. " When he was the ambassador for SerenTech, we saw some of the highest sales from a launch in the history of Eren Industries. Not to mention every other product he's ever endorsed."

Executive Park's expression hardened. He couldn't deny the truth of the numbers, but it didn't quell the simmering animosity. "But your father fired him."

"I don't know why my father fired him." Jorah shrugged, his tone nonchalant as if dismissing a trivial concern.  "In fact, I'm thinking of seeing how Dr. Yong would feel about using him in a few marketing campaigns."

Park sat up straighter, surprise flickering across his face. "You can't be serious."

"I don't see the harm" Jorah replied. "He's already a part of the initiative. It's not like we will be hiring someone just for this purpose. So we kill to birds with one stone."