Page 17 of Idol Lives
Naomi, who’d been observing the exchange with a decidedly neutral expression, finally spoke. “If you two are done sizing each other up, maybe we can get to why you’re here, David.” She opened her briefcase and removed a pair of thick folders. “These are the contracts Jason’s personal lawyer drafted outlining my appointment as President of the Brightstar Group.”
David nodded, taking the open seat beside Jason. “Of course, Ms. Bell. I–”
“Just Naomi, please.”
David nodded again. “My apologies, Naomi. I can have my office–”
“I’d like you to review them,” Naomi interrupted, the edge in her voice unmistakable. “If you don’t mind.”
Jason was nearly impressed enough with Naomi’s show of dominance that he almost didn’t notice how she’d so quickly involved a complete stranger in their business dealings. Nearly. “Hey. Why does he need to see them?”
Naomi sighed, offering Jason a familiar look of exasperation and disappointment. But he’d faced far more withering judgment from her over the years, and it never stopped him from doing whatever he wanted before. “Bernie’s an excellent lawyer, but he specializes in the entertainment industry. David is a corporate attorney.” She slid one of the folders across the desk to David’s waiting hand. “Your corporate attorney, in fact.”
David flipped the folder open and scanned the top page, his expression revealing nothing. “As Brightstar’s Chief Counsel, I advise and protect your business interests, Mr. Park. Bringing on a new Chief Executive comes with a variety of risks. My job is to help minimize those.”
Jason frowned, already seeing how powerful a partnership between David and Naomi would be. Part of him–the part he got from his father–was immediately threatened. And he didn’t trust David, sure that something sinister lurked beneath his expensive haircut and immaculate suit. Then again, that’s exactly what you wanted in an attorney. And Naomi was a ride-or-die. If Jason couldn’t trust her, he was already fucked. “So it’s still my call,” he stated, more for his benefit than theirs.
“Of course.” David flatly agreed, showing no hint of histrue feelings about Jason’s obvious inexperience. “This is your company, and I work for you.”
“And I could fire you if I don’t like how you do your job.” Jason leaned back in his chair, trying to project an air of authority.
“Absolutely,” David replied with a hint of amusement. “Of course, I’d advise you to read my contract first.”
Jason couldn’t help but chuckle. “Spoken like a true lawyer.”
“Naturally.” David’s smile was fleeting but genuine. “But your father was happy enough with my work, so I have no doubt you will be too.
The mention of his father twisted something inside Jason. While he had no shortage of complaints about Gerald Park, he was undeniably a genius when it came to business. Sitting in his 27th-floor office was proof enough of that. If David had managed to please him, it was a testament to his skill–just as Eunice’s continued employment spoke volumes about hers. He might not like it, but they were probably both good for Brightstar.
So, Jason held his tongue. Arguing wouldn’t change anything. Honestly, he was totally outmatched anyway. He wasn’t built for this kind of meticulous legal scrutiny. Pulling out his phone, he scrolled through his social media feed, hoping for a distraction. A new post from Tae Hyun popped up–a candid shot of him sitting on his hotel room bed blowing his followers a friendly kiss. A sudden stab of guilt twisted in Jason’s gut. He should’ve been there with Tae Hyun, not stuck in his father’s too-big office playing CEO.
Then, a subtle shift in the air caught his attention. He looked at Naomi as she watched him, her expression a mix of amusement and something deeper–maybe a hint of concern.David, on the other hand, seemed genuinely curious.
“Everything alright, Jason?” Naomi asked, softer than before.
“Yeah,” Jason lied. He wasn’t ready to admit how much he missed Tae Hyun, especially with David in the room. He might be on the payroll, but Jason wasn’t sure he was truly on his side. “Everything’s great. So, how long does this review usually take?”
Naomi shrugged. “That depends on–”
“I’m done,” David interrupted, snapping his folder closed. “And, I have to say, this is solid. Bernie knows how to write a contract. Some of the boilerplate isn’t exactly our style, but it’s functional.” He slid the folder back to Naomi with a subtle flourish, a satisfied undercurrent in his grin.
Naomi blinked in surprise. “That was quick.”
David smiled. “You get what you pay for, and you’re paying for the best,” he replied without a hint of irony. He reached for Gerald Park’s gold fountain pen–
“Uh–”
David hesitated, glancing at Jason, who squirmed under the sudden scrutiny, a flush creeping up his neck.
“I, uh–I actually don’t know how to use one of those.”
David’s eyes twinkled with subtle amusement. He twisted the base of the pen’s stand, revealing a hidden inkwell. “It’s simple enough.” He slowly dipped the gleaming nib. “The key’s in the pressure.”
Was that a pickup line? Jason wasn’t sure. He’d never considered office supplies all that romantic. Not even expensive office supplies. “Okay, sure.”
After handing over the pen, Jason and Naomi signed the contracts. The room’s atmosphere subtly shifted again as theink dried and their new roles became official.
David quickly gathered the papers. “Allow me to make copies for your records,” he offered. “The originals, of course, will be safely stored in the company’s official legal archives.”
