SWEETHEART

Chapter-41

HI

The engagement had concluded, but the real spectacle was just about to begin.

Namjoon took the stage with Seokjin by his side. The golden lights cast a regal glow over them, but there was a weight in Namjoon's stance, a quiet storm brewing beneath his composed exterior.

Jeongguk and Taehyung stood near them. Jeongguk, ever the embodiment of control, had one hand casually tucked in his pocket, while his other arm wrapped protectively around Taehyung's waist. His grip was firm, a silent declaration that no harm would come near his husband while he was around.

Namjoon's voice rang through the hall, calm yet commanding. "Attention, everyone. We would like to make an announcement."

The guests stirred, their murmurs filling the silence. What more could there be to say?

Kim Jaehwan leaned back in his chair, swirling the glass of whiskey in his hand. His smirk was unwavering, but his sharp gaze studied his son with calculated suspicion. "What happened, son?" he drawled. "Anything special that I don't know?"

Namjoon met his father's gaze with an easy smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes. "You could say that, Father."

Jaehwan's brow arched, but he said nothing, waiting.

Namjoon exhaled, his voice firm and unwavering. "I won't keep you all in suspense. Tonight marks not just the beginning of my engagement with Seokjin, but also the beginning of a shift in power."

The air thickened, tension crackling like electricity.

Jaehwan's fingers stopped swirling his drink. His eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

Namjoon smirked. "Oh, nothing much. Just thought I'd share some news. You see, Kim Enterprises is a mighty empire, isn't it?"

He let the words settle before continuing, "But what happens when an empire has weak foundations?"

The murmurs grew louder. Some guests exchanged glances, others leaned in, eager for the drama.

Namjoon turned his gaze toward the crowd. "For years, my father has built his business on... questionable ethics."

His voice remained polite, but the sharpness in his words was undeniable. "And while that has worked so far, every empire eventually faces its reckoning."

Jaehwan's smirk didn't waver, but there was a flicker of irritation in his eyes. "You're speaking in riddles, Namjoon. Say what you mean."

Jeongguk let out a quiet chuckle from the sidelines, his voice a deep hum of amusement. "Oh, I think he's saying exactly what he means, Mr. Kim."

Jaehwan's gaze flickered to Jeongguk, his jaw tightening. He knew better than to ignore Jeon Jeongguk, the most powerful man in the country.

Namjoon took another step forward, his voice dropping just enough to send chills down spines. "Let me make it clear, Father. In the coming days, certain... financial discrepancies might come to light. Some missing funds here, some shady contracts there." He let the words hang before delivering the final blow. "Enough to cause quite a scandal, don't you think?"

A sharp inhale rippled through the audience. People whispered furiously amongst themselves.

Kim Jaehwan's entire body stiffened, but his mask of amusement remained. His fingers clenched around his glass. "You think you can challenge me?"

Namjoon tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Challenge you? No, no, Father. I'm simply... letting you know that change is coming. And this is just the beginning."