Page 152 of Under Construction

"Mr. Kim?"

Lancaster’s voice slithers through the speaker, dripping curiosity. "Do you always answer your phone like this?"

Dennis's palm goes clammy against the phone. Then he remembers—spoiled heir, pretty face, easy mark. "Sorry sir, I just..." He lets his voice crack. "It's been hard since he..."

"It's okay." Lancaster's tone turns butter-soft. "You can talk to me. I'm here for you."

Dennis swallows bile. "Since he dumped me. Thank you for your support."

"If you ever need more... personal support, I could come see you." The invitation slides like silk over steel.

Dennis's stomach flips. But this is his chance to confirm everything. He thinks fast, inventing furiously: "I spoke to him, you know..."

"To who?" Lancaster's voice drops lower, smoother.

"To... Liam." Dennis holds his breath. "In Seattle. Chris's old partner—the one you helped."

Silence crackles over the line.

"He told me things didn't end well with you..." Dennis dangles the bait.

"Is that so?" Amusement colors Lancaster's voice. "Poor boy needed more attention than I could spare. And frankly—" A dark chuckle. "—you're much prettier. My taste has... refined since then."

Got him. The mask slips just enough.

"Mr. Lancaster," Dennis forces a stammer, drama club finally paying off. "I'm flattered."

"Then let me come see you." That warm laugh would work on anyone who hadn't seen behind it.

"It's still too soon." Dennis pitches his voice small, vulnerable. The tip of his pen digs into his thigh. "But thank you for thinking of me."

"Of course, Mr. Kim. May I call you Dennis?"

"Of course. Good day, sir."

"Please," that silky voice curls into his ear, "call me Christopher."

Dennis's pen nearly snaps in his grip. "Of course... Christopher. Good day."

"Talk soon, Dennis."

Dennis ends the call, fighting the urge to sanitize his phone, his ear, and possibly invent time travel just to erase the last five minutes.

By the second day, reporters swarm both their office and Lancaster’s downtown LA building. Dennis watches the morning news from his father's office, Jason perched on the desk beside him, legal papers scattered everywhere.

Breaking news on the Kim Industries fire—The anchor's voice draws everyone's attention.Security footage hasidentified two individuals at the scene, confirming suspicions of deliberate arson.

Jason leans forward. "They found the footage?"

Local authorities have launched an internal investigation, the anchor continues,following evidence that challenges their initial ruling of construction negligence.

The screen splits to show the Lancaster & Son logo.

Adding to the controversy, Lancaster & Son’s sudden interest in acquiring Kim Industries has drawn scrutiny from industry insiders. Sources report a pattern of similar acquisitions, followed by mysterious company failures.

"Of course they do," Jason mutters.

Particular attention centers on CEO Christopher Lancaster’s son—Chris's site ID photo appears on screen.—who worked as site manager for Kim Industries. His current whereabouts are unknown.

---