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CHAPTER 22 - Power Plays

A few hours earlier, on the other side of the city... In the 21st-floor office of Mr. Bae at Bae & Rose Inc., Suzy storms in, her heels clacking sharply on the floor.

"Daddy, Jimin isn't answering my calls! His secretary says he's  'feeling sick,' and what if he bails on me tonight at the event?" She throws herself into a chair, crossing her arms. "I 'really' don't want to show up alone—what am I supposed to do?" She pouts, voice dripping with frustration. 

Mr. Bae, calm and collected, barely looks up from his glass of scotch. "You came all the way here for this?" he says, voice deep and deliberate. "You already know Jimin has to go with you—whether he's sick or knockin' on death's door." He smirks slightly, gold tooth visible, taking a slow sip, eyes sharp like a man who's always in control. 

Suzy gives a dramatic pout. "Yeah, but he's been acting 'so' strange lately, talking about being in love with 'someone else' and wanting to break off our engagement." 

Mr. Bae raises an eyebrow, his calm demeanor not shifting an inch. "Jimin's old man promised that wedding's happening. He can kick and scream all he wants, but it's locked in, darling. You don't need to worry about that, sweetie pie." His voice, though gentle, has a tone that says no one crosses him—especially not Jimin. 

Suzy twirls a lock of hair around her finger, a sly look crossing her face. "Dad, he 'swears' he's going to fight it... but I 'love' him." Her voice has a sugary sweetness, but inside, she knows she doesn't give a damn about Jimin. 

The engagement's just a ticket to the lifestyle she craves and more popularity. She's got a spending addiction that her dad is completely oblivious to, and Jimin's just the wallet she needs to fund it. 

Mr. Bae, ever the oblivious father, has no idea of Suzy's real motives. To him, Jimin's just a means to an end—something to keep Mr. Park under his thumb. He doesn't stand to gain much from the marriage, but keeping Mr. Park on a leash? That's valuable in its own right.

"You want me to dig into this girl he's talking about?" Mr. Bae's tone shifts slightly, more serious now, almost like a mob boss making an offer that can't be refused. Suzy gives a slow, fake smile, the kind she's perfected as an actress. 

"Let's just say I'd 'love' to find out who this girl is... and maybe have a little chat with her." Her voice is as sweet as honey, but the venom behind it is clear. She's one of the highest-paid actresses for a reason—Suzy Bae knows how to play the game, even with her own family. A knock interrupts their conversation. 

"Come in," Mr. Bae says smoothly, setting his glass down with a soft clink. 

The secretary steps in. "The investigator you requested has arrived, sir."

Mr. Bae smirks, looking at his watch. "Right on time... like clockwork." 

"Yes, sir." The secretary gestures to Namjoon, who walks in with a confident smile. 

"Mr. Bae," Namjoon greets, extending his hand. 

"A pleasure." Mr. Bae shakes his hand firmly. "Welcome. This is my daughter, Suzy. Though, I doubt she needs any introduction." 

Namjoon glances at her, smiling politely. "Ah, the famous Suzy Bae. Actress, model, icon... Seen a few of your films myself. It's an honor to meet you in person." 

He offers his hand to her, trying to keep it professional. Suzy, without even looking at him, brushes him off and sinks into a chair next to her father. 

"Pleasure's all yours," she mutters with a flick of her wrist, as if dismissing his existence entirely. 

Namjoon's smile falters just a bit, but he holds it together. *Rich, spoiled brat,* he thinks, but he's not here to start trouble. Pulling out his notebook, he gets down to business.