He arrived later, right before dinner, and they both sat in the study. He tossed those pictures on the desk, lit his cigar, and said, "You better do it before you lose everything I worked for until now. "Junior felt a cold knot tighten in his stomach as he looked at the pictures. They were damning, capturing moments that could unravel everything. The study, usually a place of comfort and intellectual refuge, now felt like a cage trapping him in a web of expectations and threats.
"I know, Dad," Junior replied, his voice barely above a whisper. He picked up one of the photographs, examining it closely as if hoping it would change under his scrutiny. "But there's got to be another way. She doesn't deserve this."
His father blew a cloud of smoke, the scent of the cigar filling the room. "Deserve got nothing to do with it, son. It's about survival. It's about the legacy. Our legacy. You think I built all this just to watch it crumble because of a mistake?"
Junior clenched his jaw. He knew his father was right, at least in his own mind. The family business, the reputation, the power – it all hung in the balance. But the thought of betraying Rain, of sacrificing her for the sake of ambition, gnawed at his conscience.
"What's it gonna be, Junior?" his father pressed, leaning forward, eyes boring into him. "You gonna man up and do what's necessary, or are you gonna let everything slip through your fingers?"
Junior took a deep breath, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. "I'll handle it," he said finally, the words tasting bitter in his mouth. "But I want you to know, this... this changes everything."
His father nodded, a satisfied gleam in his eyes. "Good. Now go make it right."
Rose's office
Rose: [stands up to welcome her parents] Hello, why didn't you give me a heads-up? I would have gladly come over to visit. Please, have a seat. [requests her PA to bring tea for her parents, then takes a seat]
Mr. Jung: It's all right. We just wanted to step out for some fresh air.
Mrs. Jung: Yes, and we thought we'd pop by the office to make sure everything is in order.
Rose: Mom, please, everything is running smoothly here. Any issues, and you would have known by now. [her PA brings in the tea, serves them, then exits] Please, enjoy some tea.
Mr. Jung: [sips his tea] How are things going with Junior? Is everything progressing, or should we expect to wait another four years?
Rose: Dad, don't worry about the shares right now. When the time is right, we will tie the knot. Rest assured, everything will fall into place. Those shares and the Lees will cover all our past losses. [expresses determination]