Anger never builds; it only tears down. In the heat of a single moment, it can feel like strength, an armor to hide behind. But when the fire fades, all that's left are the ashes of what once mattered. Anger doesn't solve anything-it devours patienc...
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Sometimes, the loneliest place is inside your own mind.
Chapter 43: Threats
Jung Gaeul sat behind her desk, her manicured nails tapping impatiently against the mahogany surface. Her expression was sharp, her jaw clenched so tightly that a faint muscle ticked near her temple. No matter how many deep breaths she took, her anger refused to subside.
She was out on bail, yes — but that didn’t make her free. The media hounded her every move, her company’s shares had dropped overnight, and half of her board members were threatening resignation. The damage was already being done.
The door opened, and Kang Bojun, her attorney, entered the office. His usual calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the chaos that filled the room. He placed his briefcase on the table and gave her a measured look.
“Ms. Jung,” he greeted, voice steady but low. “You shouldn’t have called for this meeting here. The press is watching you closely.”
“Let them watch,” she snapped, her voice dripping with venom. “They’ve already dragged my name through the mud. What more can they possibly do?”
Bojun exhaled softly and took a seat across from her. “You need to control that temper. Anything you do right now can be used against you. The prosecution already has enough material to build a solid case — you don’t need to give them more.”
Gaeul’s eyes narrowed. “And what exactly are they trying to prove? That I’m the mastermind behind everything? That I killed the Jeons? That’s absurd.”
“Whether it’s absurd or not doesn’t matter anymore,” Bojun replied calmly. “What matters is what they can prove in court. The evidence against you — especially the recording and the bribery files — is strong. The best move now is cooperation. Keep quiet. Attend every hearing. No interviews, no statements, and no retaliation against anyone involved.”
Gaeul scoffed and stood, pacing behind her chair. “You make it sound like I’m guilty.”
“I’m making it sound like I want to keep you out of prison,” he countered, his tone sharpening slightly. “The judge already allowed you bail under strict conditions. You’re under surveillance, Gaeul. One mistake — one single move that looks like interference — and the prosecution can request your bail be revoked. You’ll be behind bars until the verdict.”
She froze, her spine stiffening. For the first time, the reality of her situation began to sink in. Her empire was crumbling, her name was tarnished, and her every step was being watched.
“So what do you suggest I do?” she muttered, lowering herself back into the chair.
“Stay quiet and stay compliant,” Bojun said firmly. “I’ll handle the media narrative, but you must avoid public appearances. Let me negotiate the plea angle, though I can’t promise it’ll go in your favor. For now, prepare for trial. Gather your personal statements and review the timeline — I’ll need them by tomorrow.”
