The atmosphere inside the office was anything but alive. They were back in their old office — the one with the shady businesses.
“You can stay here until you resolve things,” the landlady had said to Moby.
Then, she smiled at Zeno, holding onto his hands. “I hope the best for you and your entire family. Such a fine young man.”
All of the artists were there, and as much as Moby tried to liven up the atmosphere, it wasn’t working at all.
“Can they really do this?” Sarang muttered, appearing down. “Is J-Slick going to take over the company?”
“The trial hasn’t started yet,” Moby pursed his lips. “I’m sorry for the delays in everything.”
“What do you have to apologize for?” Zeno asked, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
Leni turned to him. “Is it just me or are you calmer than all of us? You’re the one with the most to lose, but you appear the most composed.”
Zeno sighed and leaned against their old couch. “Justice should be served.”
He remembered the look on Bobby’s face. It was so… broken. He could only imagine how his wife and children were feeling. They lost the person that provided them with everything. Zeno knew Seulgi would hold up well, but an innocent family does not deserve this.
Zeno wasn’t sad. He was fucking enraged.
Jace pursed his lips and leaned his elbows against his lap before breathing out.
“Unfortunately, it’s not always like that. Justice is scarce on this planet.”
“Damn right,” Zeno muttered. “But justice will be served,” he smirked, changing the atmosphere inside the room.
They turned to each other, unable to speak as Zeno continued staring into nothing with a cunning expression.
“Am I the only one scared?” Leni whispered.
Jace shook his head. “I’m scared, too.”
Meanwhile, Moby cleared his throat, capturing Zeno’s attention.
“Zeno… did you do something?”
Zeno innocently looked at all of them. “What could I have done?”
***
“What are you doing here?” Bobby asked, not coldly but tired, as J-Slick visited him in the precinct.
J-Slick smiled. “Why? Can’t I visit my old boss?”
Bobby sighed. “Spare me the formalities. What do you really want?”
“Nothing,” he said. “I got everything that I want now. You’re locked up, and I’m going to acquire your company and artists soon. I wanted to pay a visit because I was a little bit sorry.”
“Don’t worry, though. After all of this is over, you can go back to your family. Then, maybe, you can look for a normal job — one that you are good at. But, I highly doubt you’d be good at anything, mediocre at best.”
Bobby sighed, shaking his head. “What have I ever done to you?” he asked in an exasperated tone. “I was nothing but kind. I took over your debts. I gave you great songs. I treated you like family.”
“You’re stupid,” J-Slick spat. “There is no family in this industry. You must be on a high right now because Zeno Han is under your care, but he’s going to be mine soon.”
Bobby froze, and for the first time, he felt anger consume him. “Is this what you wanted all along?”
J-Slick shrugged. “You can see it whatever way you want. This is probably the last time we’re speaking like this. Let bygones be bygones.”
“Don’t hold a grudge with me, alright?” he chuckled. “I’m afraid you wouldn’t be able to take it.”
“I have a good company now, one that’s going to be better, and…” J-Slick trailed off. He even had the support of Oska Baek, providing him with the best resources for this case. He chuckled, throwing his head back in utter amusement.
“Anyway, just think of it that I fulfilled your dream for you,” J-Slick said, standing from his seat. Bobby also stood and banged on the glass partition. However, J-Slick didn’t budge. Instead, his smirk merely widened.
“Monster,” Bobby spat.
“Thanks,” J-Slick smiled, taking it as a compliment.
“You will not get away with this.”
J-Slick laughed once more. “Sure, sure,” he sarcastically said. “Bye, Bobby…”
“… and bye-bye Dreamy Entertainment.”
With that, he walked away with Bobby still trying to get to him, but failing.
He chuckled as he closed the door. “Empty threats,” he said.
Just then, his assistant went over to him, a frown on his face. “Coffee?” J-Slick said.
The coffee was handed to him. They walked away from the precinct with J-Slick’s head held high.
“Sir,” his assistant said, but he didn’t pay attention. He was too happy!
“Sir,” his assistant repeated.
“SIR!”
J-Slick finally stopped, turning to him with a glare. “Did you just shout at me?”
The assistant, already breathless, appeared very concerned. “I can’t help it. I needed to capture your attention, sir.”
J-Slick clicked his tongue. “I do not want to get yelled at.”
“Someone’s calling you, sir.”
“Give me,” J-Slick muttered, grabbing his phone before freezing. His heart thudded against his chest, and he gave the coffee to his assistant before wiping his sweaty palms on his jeans.
Then, he finally answered the call.
“Mr. Lee!” J-Slick happily exclaimed. He wondered why this particular person was calling. In his career, they had talked only a handful of times.
Was he finally going to have a promotion? A higher position in his company? Will he increase their shares?
Just the thought of it made J-Slick want to cream his pants. This was grooming to become a perfect day!
“J… Slick?” Mr. Lee asked, finding the name abhorrent. “Is that your government name? What kind of parent would name their child as such? Were you named after lube?”
J-Slick laughed. “Oh, you’re very funny, sir.”
“I wasn’t joking.”
J-Slick paused before turning back to serious mode.
“What made you call me, sir?” he asked, tapping his hand on his lap. He felt nervous because he wanted to impress this man at all costs.
Why? Well, of course.
This was none other than Mr. Lee — the owner and CEO of Mirae Axis, one of the leading food corporations in the entire country.
Also, the parent company of Continuous Dominance.