His CEO

castles crumbling

THREE YEARS LATER

"Good morning. This is SBC News with a developing story that has shaken the business world today. Lee Haesoo, a former model and wife of prominent businessman Jo Jinhyuk, was arrested earlier this morning in connection with a massive illegal gambling operation that spanned multiple countries for the past decade."

I stared at the TV screen, and I still could not believe what I was looking at. The news anchor's voice echoed in my mind, trying to process my mother's involvement in this scandal. It's just been a while since Minhee's father was found guilty due to this issue after years of investigation and evading its prosecution, and now Lee Haesoo—my mother's name—is plastered across every headline.

"Authorities have confirmed her involvement in laundering money through offshore accounts linked to King's Group, her husband's company, as well as ties to a gambling ring operating out of Jeju Island by Kim Mincheol. Lee's arrest comes after years of investigation by the Financial Crimes Unit, which traced millions of won funneled through various shell companies controlled by Lee to cover gambling debts she had acquired over the years. Reports suggest that Lee sold off a significant portion of the Jo family's shares in King's Group to sustain her illicit activities. The sale of these shares has caused considerable disruption in King's Group, with its stock price falling over the past weeks."

As I was watching the news, my phone buzzed on the coffee table. I quickly answered the call as soon as I saw my father's name. "Abeoji?"

"Insung, we need to have an emergency meeting. The new investor will arrive today. I need you at the office as soon as possible."

I nodded, even though he couldn't see me. "I'll be there."

I hung up the phone, staring blankly at the TV screen for a moment longer. She may not have been the ideal mother, but to see her fall like this... It was surreal.

The news continued, with reporters speculating about the future of King's Group. The sale of our family's shares, her debts, the illegal accounts—it all painted a picture of a life I never really knew about my mother.

I grabbed my keys and rushed out of my condo unit to head to King's Group headquarters. The drive felt endless, even though it was barely a thirty-minute ride. All I could think about was the mess my mother had left behind.

When I finally arrived at the building, the atmosphere was as tense as expected. Employees whispered among themselves in groups. Everyone knew something was wrong. The news had already spread, and no one dared to look me in the eye.

I stepped into the elevator, pressed the button for the top floor, and leaned back, trying to compose myself.

The doors opened to the executive floor, where a hush fell over the office. I walked into the boardroom with the weight of everyone's gaze on me. My father was already seated in his seat as chairman. Other board members were there too as they murmured among themselves.

"Insung," my father greeted me with a tight nod. "Have a seat."

I sat down, and the room felt cold and somehow lifeless. I clenched my fists under the table, willing myself to focus. It was hard, though. Especially now that the empire my father built—the company I've dedicated my entire life to—is crumbling.

"As you know," my father began, addressing the room, "King's Group is facing a major crisis. With Haesoo's actions coming to light, we've lost the confidence of our shareholders, and the stocks fell significantly. But thankfully, we found a new way to move forward." He paused, glancing around the room. "Our new majority shareholder will be here soon."