Chapter 4 - Gossip

The man assaulted by the veil-covered woman was none other than Derek Park.

Derek Park—CEO of Apex Enterprise—was a name that commanded immediate respect in Shanlin City, a name whispered in awe and fear. His presence was as towering as the skyscrapers that defined the city, his reputation a blend of ruthless precision and visionary leadership.

Under his watch, Apex had grown into a colossal empire, its reach extending far beyond Shanlin's borders. Known for his ruthless efficiency and sharp eye for opportunity, Derek's business strategies left competitors trembling. No one in Shanlin was unfamiliar with the name Apex Enterprise.

Every move Derek made was calculated, his every decision a step toward cementing his dominance in the business world. Competitors crumbled in his wake, and allies knew better than to betray him. He was a man with no room for weakness, his cold, calculating demeanor making him as much a symbol of power as a feared figure.

At the helm of the company was his father, Edward Park, the chairman who had laid the foundation for Apex's rise. But it was Derek's unwavering resolve and sharp vision that had transformed it into the juggernaut it had become. Under his leadership, the company expanded into new industries, breaking ground on projects that would reshape entire sectors.

In the world of business, where loyalty and betrayal often walked hand in hand, Derek stood out as an enigma. He was a man driven by ambition, with a personal life shrouded in mystery. Few dared to pry into his affairs, and those who did rarely walked away with answers.

In Shanlin City, Derek Park was a force to be reckoned with, and Apex Enterprise was his kingdom.

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In another well-known and upscale part of the city, Starlight Bay, the Park family lived in a grand mansion filled with history and tradition.

This prestigious neighborhood, home to the city's most powerful families, was where the shocking news of a mysterious veiled woman entering Derek's personal home reached the Park family.

In the dining hall, the family sat down for breakfast, enjoying a lavish spread at the long table. At the head of the table sat Harold Park, the former Chairman of Apex Enterprise. His laughter echoed in the room, bringing both comfort and irritation to those around him.

His wife, Lily Park, watched him with an annoyed expression. The news of a trespasser on their grandson's property concerned her, but her husband seemed unfazed, as if it were a joke to him.

To Harold, however, it was an intriguing story about a woman who dared to enter Derek's space, and he found it amusing.

"Isn't it remarkable ?" Harold chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "A woman entering our grandson's home, and he isn't even looking to settle down at the age of 28. This could be quite the tale."

Lily shook her head, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "This isn't a joke, Harold. What if she had bad intentions? We can't just laugh it off."

Meanwhile, Derek's mother, Emily Park, bustled about in the kitchen, her worries for her son evident in her furrowed brow. Derek's father, Edward, had already left for the office.

Suddenly, the first-floor door swung open, and out came Ryan Park, Derek's younger brother. Clad in a funky pajama set and sporting his trademark messy blonde hair, he yawned broadly as he emerged from his room.

Ryan was known for his vibrant personality and his frequent appearances in the entertainment industry; he was one of the leading stars in the entertainment world.

However, he had another side that only those close to him knew about: he was the family's self-proclaimed gossip queen.

As he descended the stairs, the sound of his grandfather's hearty laughter caught his attention, piquing his curiosity about what had unfolded in his absence.

"Grandpa, what's got you laughing so much this morning?" Ryan hurried down the stairs and asked, his voice laced with genuine intrigue.

"Ah, here comes the entertainment face with the bird nest," Harold chuckled under his breath, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"It's not a bird nest; it's my overrated beauty face," Ryan shot back, rolling his eyes. "You wouldn't understand, old man."

"Enough of your nonsense!" Lily interjected, lightly smacking Harold's hand. "It's nothing to joke about; a woman trespassed at your brother's place."

At this revelation, Ryan's eyes widened in shock, as big as soccer balls. This was the kind of news that would have him glued to his seat.

A woman at his big brother's place, who is known for his chaste reputation throughout the city. It was a tantalizing story he couldn't resist. He hurriedly slid into the seat beside his grandfather, his stomach tingling with curiosity.

"Grandpa, tell me everything! What did she do? How did she get in?" Ryan leaned in eagerly, the thrill of gossip igniting his imagination and ready to devour the details of this unexpected tale.