Page 168 of Under Construction

"Tomorrow," Dennis agrees, yawning into Chris’s skin. "But tonight is just us."

Chris pulls him closer until Dennis's leg drapes over his hip. For a few precious hours, they let their world narrow to this—just them, just here, just now.

57Turning Tables

The signing ceremony fills Kim Industries' main conference room with Sacramento's elite. The last rays of sunlight streams through floor-to-ceiling windows, catching on crystal water glasses and designer watches. Christopher Lancaster holds court near the podium, accepting congratulations with practiced humility.

Chris stands beside him, perfectly groomed in impeccable custom tailoring. His smile never wavers, even as his father's hand lands heavy on his shoulder.

"My son," Lancaster announces to yet another well-wisher, "finally ready to embrace his legacy."

Dennis watches from across the room, stomach churning. Beside him, his father checks his watch. Behind them, his mother and Jason try to blend into the crowd, making an effort not to look like they’re in on what’s about to unfold.

"Five minutes," His father murmurs in Korean.

The transfer documents lay pristine on the podium, waiting for signatures that will never come. Journalists crowd the back wall, cameras ready. Everything exactly as Lancaster orchestrated.

Everything exactly as they planned.

"If everyone would take their seats," Lancaster calls out, moving to the podium. "We can begin."

Chris catches Dennis's eye as he follows his father. For a split second, his mask slips—showing everything underneath. Then it's gone, replaced by cool indifference.

"Today marks a new chapter," Lancaster begins, "in both our companies' histories. My son's return home—" His hand finds Chris's shoulder again. "—and this merger represents everything I've worked towards."

The door at the back of the room opens. Heads turn as Jessica walks in, Isabelle beside her.

Lancaster's voice falters. "What—"

"Everything you've worked towards?" Jessica's voice carries to every corner. "You mean everything you've stolen?"

The room erupts in whispers. Chris steps away from his father, that perfect smile still in place.

"Hello, Christopher." Jessica moves closer, heels clicking against marble. "Miss me?"

Color drains from Lancaster's face. "You're dead."

"Clearly not." She reaches the podium, placing a thick folder beside the transfer documents. "Though you certainly tried."

"Security!" Lancaster barks, but no one moves. His eyes dart around the room, finding his men held in place by Dennis's father's security team.

"It's over, Dad." Chris's voice comes gentle. Almost kind. "We have everything. The falsified permits. The corporate takeovers. Grandfather's murder."

"You ungrateful—" Lancaster lunges for Chris, but Dennis is already there, stepping between them.

"Don't," Dennis says quietly.

Lancaster's laugh turns ugly. "You too? After everything I offered?" His eyes narrow. "What did he promise you? Love? Devotion? You’ll learn the hard way—I made him exactly like me."

"No." Chris moves to stand beside Dennis, shoulders straight. "You tried. But I learned something better from you—how to play the long game." His smile turns sharp. "I'm exactly enough like you to bring you down."

The room has gone silent, cameras flashing as waiting police enter through the main doors. Isabelle speaks quietly with the lead detective, handing over files.

"Your own ego brought you here," Jessica says. You were too busy gloating to notice the cracks in your own foundation.

Lancaster's face twists. "You think this is over? I still own—"

"Nothing." Mr. Kim steps forward. "Your assets are frozen pending investigation. Your board has already voted to remove you. And your son?" He glances at Chris. "He's chosen a different path."

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