62 : The Emptiness That Found Its Home

The next days went by in a blur. The HR Department had already resolved the issue and in less than a day, no one in the building dared to speak a word about the rumors again. Min Jae continued to carry out his responsibilities at work. For the past few days, it had become his distraction. He focused on his work night and day to somehow get his mind off of some things--to get his attention away from the emptiness that found its home in his heart.

Three weeks. He still needed to wait for three more weeks just to know and to prove that he really is the father of Na Rae's child. The more he thinks about it, the more he feels disgusted with himself. And when he does, memories of Eun Young flashes back in his mind. The way her eyes looked at him with disgust and hatred, it made Min Jae hate himself all the more.

It took him a lot to restrain himself from looking for Eun Young and the kids. He tried hard not to track their whereabouts. He tried hard to not drive to every building in search of his wife and his children himself. Min Jae knew that he was the least person Eun Young wanted to see right now. Even if he did risk everything just to go and see them, he might just not bear the hateful look on Eun Young's face when she sees him.

The office doors leading to Min Jae's office suddenly flew open, snapping him back to reality. Kang Suk Ju entered and without stopping to catch his breath, he relayed his message. "The chairman... Chairman Lee just arrived and he immediately called for a meeting in ten minutes." He announced. "I have yet to find out the agendas but... I heard Director Cho mention something about your possible dismissal."

Min Jae's eyes instantly flickered to Suk Ju. "Do you have any idea what it might be about?" Suk Ju continued to ask. Min Jae didn't reply. Instead, he got up from his swivel chair and grabbed his blazer. He swiftly put it on and without bringing anything else with him, he made his way out of the office.

Frustrated, the ignored Kang Suk Ju tailed him. "Wha-what the hell are you doing Lee Min Jae?!" He called out to him. His position is f****** at stake here! Did he forget to put his sh** together that he's actually going to that meeting without an armor?!

"Didn't you just say we were called for a meeting in ten minutes? What's wrong with being a little early?" Min Jae responded. He stepped inside the elevator while the dumbfounded Suk Ju stared at his confidence with utmost confusion. "Don't be late. Also, fix your tie... It's ruined." Min Jae advised before the elevator doors closed between them.

Chairman Lee Jung Il rarely makes unexpected visits. When he does, it definitely means something important should be immediately discussed. The chairman is well respected by everyone in the company. He had reached great milestones and achievements during his time as CEO and he always prioritized taking good care of their shareholders. Hence, no one else dared to fight for this man's position. His wealth was beyond comparison and his power is not one to mess with.

Min Jae arrived first in the conference room. Not long after, other directors and key officers followed after him. Everyone proceeded to their own seats. Majority of their expressions were solemn and most of them refrained from speaking to the others. Some people threw quick glances at Min Jae who was calmly seated at his place. Obviously, even though they stopped talking about it, they still had the CEO's issue in mind.

Aware of this, Min Jae presented himself as someone unaffected. Ever since he took on the responsibility of being the CEO, some of the people he's working with never seemed to fully place their trust on him. There were still some who remained loyal to him. But as the leader of the empire, he had also gained himself some enemies. To them, especially to the elders, he's just the heir of the chairman. He's nothing but a powerful man's son. Despite all the success and triumphs he'd gifted the company and despite proving himself worthy, to the others, he's still a kid who will never be as great as his own father. Now that the rumors began staining his reputation, they now had something to say against him. After all, make just one mistake... and that's all everyone would ever see.

The chairman entered the room and in unison, the board stood up out of courtesy. Min Jae's father headed to his seat. And after sparing a short glance at his son, Lee Jung Il announced the commencement of the meeting. Everyone settled.

The directors were relieved to know that their agenda was the annual year end conclusions and preparations. However, this meeting was scheduled to take place two weeks from now. What's the need to rush? "The year is coming to an end soon." The chairman began, addressing the single question everyone had on their minds. "For years we have been the pioneer in the business industry... wouldn't it be better for us to pick up the pace? Else, the industry won't save us a slot." He explained.

The board agreed and so without another word, they proceeded. As part of the agenda, the CEO had to report the company's status. It was his responsibility to enlighten the board of their stand in the industry which means he'll have to report about the achievements and recent projects they've handled throughout the year. To Min Jae, this wasn't an issue. He already knew what he had to say inside and out. He supervised majority of these projects so he was confident when he stood in front of the board.

"Our main goal for this year was to expand our horizons internationally. We have already secured our grounds in Asia--in our own nation and as well as our neighboring countries. But this year, we dreamed bigger as we aimed to reach European borders." Min Jae introduced.

One by one, he began to show the board their successful programs. There were a few questions along the way, but none that he couldn't answer. Their stocks have fairly increased along with the monthly income. So far everythinh was going alrighg. It wasn't until he was already introducing the next projects and steps the company is planning to take on for the upcoming year when suddenly, someone intervened.

"Forgive me for cutting you off CEO Lee." Director Cho apologized. He first turned to the man on the other end of the table. "May I speak about something, Chairman Lee?" He asked.

Lee Jung Il looked at Director Cho. After a few seconds, he gave his approval.

Turning back to the Min Jae, Director Cho continued. "With all due respect CEO Lee, what happened to the partnership we were about to sign with Mrs. Dubois? Wasn't that part of your agenda in France too? I don't seem to recall you mentioning that in your presentation just now." He said with a provocative tone present in his words.