Page 76 of Idol Lives
Jason had also given Eunice Kim, his apparently unshakable Chief of Staff, a copy of those files. She’d been understandably shocked to learn of everything David had been up to. He didn’t specifically mention David’s final act of desperation, but he knew she’d fill in the blanks. Then, he made her acting President until Naomi was well enough to resume her duties. Her first order of business was a full audit of the legal department, a move that filled Jason with cautious optimism.
And Naomi was finally awake. He’d rushed back to her bedside as soon as he heard, only to find her chatting with Lily while she ate from a hospital pudding cup. Lily-who’d also been an unwitting victim of David when he’d locked her in a storage closet to distract the men guarding Naomi’s door.
“I can’t believe that asshole really did it,” Naomi angrily commented when Jason filled her in on what she’d missed.
Jason snorted. “Which part?”
“All of it,” Naomi huffed. “The embezzlement, the accident, the–” She paused, catching herself in time before she said too much. “The other thing.”
“Yeah,” Jason quietly uttered. “That. So, now that you’re awake and all, I gotta ask. Are you gonna quit?”
Naomi’s eyebrows briefly shot up. “Quit?” She chuckled to herself as she spooned the last of her pudding into her mouth. “Why would I quit?”
Jason frowned, unsure if Naomi was fucking with him or not. “Well, you know–” He casually gestured toward the hospital bed.
Naomi shook her head. “Honey, the way I see it, this is my first vacation in literal years. And I’m certainly not giving up that much money after this. So, no. I’m not quitting.”
Jason relaxed his shoulders, breathing out the tension he’d been holding. “Good. I’d hate having to replace you already. As it is, I–”
“Go,” Naomi interrupted, her tone surprisingly firm.
“What?” Jason frowned again. “You want me to leave you alone?”
Naomi shared a knowing look with Lily as the pair chuckled, clearly at Jason’s expense. “No, sweetie. I mean, go to Tae Hyun. It’s not like we have to worry about David anymore. And I’ve already talked to Eunice. Things will be fine.”
A police siren’s distant wail dragged Jason back to the present as his limo pulled up to the imposing structure of the VIBE City Arena. It was a curvy hulk of a building, like most indoor arenas, but was new enough to feature a two-story tall LED sign that proudly displayed Tae Hyun’s smiling face like a beacon in the twilight. He glanced at his phone, a frown creasing his brow. He was late.
Jason quickly messaged Tae Hyun.Just getting here. Lemme know if it’s not too late to see you before the show
After waiting for a few moments, the typing indicator started bouncing. Then, the reply came through.
Hi, it’s Yun Seo. Tae Hyun said to say he loves you and he’ll see you after his set
Jason sighed. “Looks like I’m going straight to the box,” he said to Seong Hyeon.
Seong Hyeon nodded, catching Jason’s eye in the rearview mirror. “Of course, sir. I’ll alert Ms. Kim to your arrival. She requested a brief meeting before the show.”
Jason grimaced. Another meeting. Another reminder of the responsibilities he’d taken on running Big Hammer. But he understood why, with everything that had happened becauseof Ren. And the show, as they say, must go on. “Okay.”
The thunderous buzz of the sold-out crowd hit Jason as he entered the luxury box. The space was opulent, as expected, with plush leather seating and dimmed lighting. But it was the view that truly took his breath away. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a sweeping view of the stage, whereLiwanag, Tae Hyun’s new P-pop opening act, was in the midst of a high-octane performance. Their vibrant streetwear and infectious energy, a far cry fromSweet Beast’s manufactured perfection, had the crowd roaring with approval. Jason felt a pang of envy, never having seen Tae Hyun perform from the show floor. But the ever-present reality of his fame made that impossible. And Seong Hyeon wouldn’t allow it in a million years anyway.
Jason settled in to catch the tail end ofLiwanag’s set. The crowd was clearly into it. Their cheers reached a fever pitch as the group launched into their final song. He couldn’t help but wonder if this was the fresh start Tae Hyun needed–a chance to surround himself with genuine talent and positive energy.
Jason felt more than heard someone enter the suite behind him. He didn’t bother turning to see who it was. The list of people Seong Hyeon would’ve allowed inside was short. Then Mina sat on the couch beside him, smiling as she watched the group’s lead dancer execute a series of gravity-defying moves that made Jason’s jaw drop.
“They’re really something,” Mina commented with noticeable awe. “I’m glad we could get them on the tour.”
“Yeah,” Jason admitted. “I hope they’ll work out better thanSweet Beast.”
Mina’s smile briefly fell. “That was unfortunate,” she agreed. “And so unexpected. I’m still having trouble wrapping myhead around it.”
Jason nodded, understanding how she felt. A year ago, he would’ve felt the same way. But his immersion in the K-pop universe had taught him that a lot of darkness often lurked beneath the glitz and glamor. “So, Seong Hyeon mentioned you wanted to meet with me?”
Mina nodded, her expression hard and all business. “Yes, sorry. I know you’ve got a lot on your plate right now, but–”
“It’s fine,” Jason interrupted, rising from the couch to find the bar. “Right now, I’m all yours.”
Mina tentatively smiled as she tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. “I’ve been speaking withLiwanag’s management about having them continue on the rest of the tour. We’ll need new promotional materials, of course. And then there are all the logistics. New travel and accommodation arrangements, new visas, new–”
