Page 39 of Idol Lives
Seong Woo offered a chilly handshake. “I think our paths may have crossed,” he replied, his tone deliberately dismissive. He wasn’t just discarding his usual friendliness. He was reminding David of their hierarchy–a power move Jason couldn’t help but admire. He felt much more confident in their scheme to win David’s trust and cooperation.
The shift in the room’s dynamic was obvious. Naomi seized the moment, crisp and focused. “David, thank you for joining us. As you know, we’ve been conducting a comprehensive audit of existing contracts–” She paused, letting the implication hang in the air.
“Yes, Naomi,” David smoothly replied. “You should’ve received my report yesterday afternoon.”
“I did.” Naomi gestured toward Seong Woo. “But we’re here for a different reason today. Seong Woo has a proposal for us.”
“Thanks, Naomi.” Seong Woo mirrored her informal tone, emphasizing his alliance with her and further isolating David. He leaned forward, resting his forearms lightly on the polished wood conference table, projecting an air of confidence that Jason knew was backed by both wealth and experience. “As you may be aware, I’m representing the Imperative Group. We’re a diverse holding company with interests in various sectors through East and Southeast Asia.”
Seong Woo paused, his gaze subtly gauging David’s reaction. David sat a bit straighter, his interest stirred by the mentionof Seong Woo’s powerful family conglomerate. “We’re always exploring new partnerships,” he continued, “especially those that allow us to expand our global reach. As Brightstar has established a strong foothold in North America and other key markets, we believe there’s significant potential for mutually beneficial collaboration.” He smiled. “I realize this might sound vague, but it’s purposely so. Before getting down to specifics, I’d like to get your perspective, David. What do you see as Brightstar’s most promising areas for growth?”
Seong Woo’s approach was undeniably clever. It wasn’t just the potential deal. It was about subtly flattering David, luring him into a false sense of importance. They wanted him to feel like a valued consultant–that his opinion was crucial to the success of this partnership. It was a calculated risk–appealing to David’s ego to gain his trust and, ultimately, his cooperation.
David, initially cautious, visibly relaxed under the warmth of Seong Woo’s attention. “Well, since you asked–” he began, a note of self-importance creeping into his voice. He launched into a detailed analysis of Brightstar’s recent expansion efforts, highlighting potential synergies with the Imperative Group’s existing holdings. Jason could see the wheels turning in David’s head, the gears of his ambition starting to spin.
David spoke with growing confidence as he continued, his initial hesitation forgotten. Jason watched everything unfold with both unease and grudging admiration. David might not be the most likable guy, but he knew his shit. Seong Woo listened attentively, occasionally nodding and interjecting with strategically placed questions that kept David engaged and eager to share his expertise.
“It should be clear,” David smugly summed up, “that apartnership between Brightstar and the Imperative Group would be highly beneficial for both companies.”
Seong Woo thoughtfully nodded. “So it would seem.” He turned to Naomi, a subtle shift in his demeanor. “I’m glad you brought him into this meeting. I have much to bring back to my father. Of course, as part of our due diligence, we’ll want to see agreements from any similar partnerships you’ve entered.”
David’s facade briefly slipped, but he quickly recovered his poise. “Naturally. I can have my team prepare a report–”
Jason’s phone loudly buzzed, cutting off David’s flow. He frowned, silencing it without removing it from his pocket. “Sorry.”
David curtly nodded. “No problem. As I was saying, my team–”
Jason’s phone buzzed again. He groaned, pulling it from his pocket. An unfamiliar number flashed across the screen. Anyone with his private number was already saved in his contacts. Unease shivered through him as he excused himself from the table. “I should probably take this.” He didn’t wait for a reply, heading directly for the doors. “Hello?”
“Jason? It’s Danny Crash.”
Jason dramatically groaned. The last person he’d expected to hear from was the gossip blogger who’d hounded him through the most notorious years of his social life. “What the fuck, Danny? How the hell did you get this number?”
“Oh, you know,” Danny replied, oozing faux-familiarity. “Good reporters have their ways.”
“I’m fucking serious, Danny.” Jason’s voice was ice, not bothering to hide his anger. “How did you get this fucking number?”
“Oh.” Danny nervously chuckled. “Sophie Gibson gave it to me after one too many whiskey sours at Cathedral. I held onto it just in case.”
Of course, it was goddamn Sophie Gibson. She never could keep her fucking mouth shut. “This better be good, Danny, because if it’s not, I’ll–”
“It’s about Tae Hyun.”
“Tae Hyun?” Jason’s mind screeched to a halt, the gears grinding as he struggled to keep up. “What about him?”
“Look, I’m calling as a friend,” Danny said, suddenly defensive. “This story’s already breaking. It’ll be all over the blogs within the hour.”
“Just tell me, Danny. Now.”
Danny huffed. “Oh my god, Jason. You’re such a fucking drama queen. Alright, here’s the deal.K-star Dailyjust dropped a bombshell story. Tae Hyun and his new J-pop boy toy were spotted palling around Harajuku, with photos and everything.”
Jason’s stomach clenched as the rapidly rising tension in his temples made them ache. “Yeah, I know. He told me about that.”
“Okay, but did he mention the part where they’re apparently having an affair?”
“What?!” Jason’s shout echoed through the corridor, making Justice visibly jump at his nearby desk. Jason ignored him. “There’s no way Tae Hyun would–”
“Of course, it’s not true.” Danny dramatically huffed. “It’s never true. Until it is. But they’ll slap a rumored or alleged label on it, and their asses are covered. I’m sorry. I figured you’d want to hear it from a friendly voice first.”
