### **Arc 3: The Rise of the Rival**
#### **Chapter 6: A Dangerous Proposition**
The morning sun bathed the city in golden light, but Jae-min's mood was anything but bright. His phone buzzed incessantly with notifications, a mix of business reports and messages from allies congratulating him on his recent victory against Noah. Despite the success, he knew Noah wasn't the type to lick his wounds and walk away.
As he sipped his coffee in the penthouse, Elyra appeared beside him, her holographic form perched on the edge of the counter.
"Good morning," she greeted. "Ready for today's update?"
Jae-min set his mug down. "Let me guess, Noah's already plotting his next move?"
"Correct," Elyra confirmed, her tone sharp. "I intercepted a communication between Noah and the Graysons. He's proposing a new partnership—one that involves acquiring several smaller companies in your portfolio."
Jae-min raised an eyebrow. "A hostile takeover?"
Elyra nodded. "Precisely. He's using proxy investors to mask his involvement. If we don't act quickly, he could start chipping away at your empire."
Jae-min clenched his jaw. Noah was relentless, but so was he.
---
Later that afternoon, Jae-min met with So-ra in a sleek, modern conference room at his headquarters. She was already reviewing a stack of documents, her focus razor-sharp.
"So," Jae-min began, "how do we stop Noah this time?"
So-ra looked up, her eyes gleaming with determination. "We fight fire with fire. If he wants to play dirty, we'll outmaneuver him. I've identified the companies he's targeting. If we buy them out before he does, it'll not only block his plan but also strengthen our position."
"Do we have the funds for that?" Jae-min asked.
Elyra's voice chimed in from the room's speaker system. "With the system's resources, you can allocate funds for strategic acquisitions. Plus, these purchases could open up new revenue streams."
Jae-min leaned back in his chair, a small smirk forming. "Alright. Let's turn the tables on him."
---
That evening, Jae-min attended a networking gala hosted by one of the targeted companies, a mid-sized tech firm specializing in AI solutions. The event was a mix of business formalities and casual mingling, but Jae-min had one goal: securing a deal.
As he navigated the crowd, he spotted someone familiar—Ji-ah, the fiery journalist who had played a role in his earlier triumphs. She was dressed in an elegant red gown, her presence commanding attention.
"Jae-min," she greeted with a sly smile. "What brings you here tonight?"
"Business," he replied smoothly. "And you?"
She shrugged, holding up a glass of wine. "I'm here for a story. But something tells me there's more to this gala than meets the eye."
Before he could respond, the CEO of the tech firm, an older man named Mr. Choi, approached them.
"Mr. Kang," he said, extending a hand. "It's an honor to meet you."
"The honor's mine," Jae-min replied, shaking his hand firmly. "I've been following your company's work in AI. Impressive innovations."
Mr. Choi beamed. "Thank you. We're always looking for ways to push the boundaries."
Jae-min didn't waste time. "I'd like to discuss a potential partnership—or perhaps an acquisition. I believe your company has immense potential, and I'd like to help it reach new heights."
Mr. Choi's expression shifted, curiosity mixed with caution. "That's a bold proposition. Perhaps we can discuss it in more detail over dinner tomorrow?"
"Of course," Jae-min agreed, his mind already calculating the next steps.
---
As the night wore on, Jae-min found himself drawn into a deeper conversation with Ji-ah. She was sharp, perceptive, and unafraid to challenge him—a refreshing change from the corporate crowd.
"You're playing a dangerous game, aren't you?" she remarked, swirling her wine.
"Business is always dangerous," Jae-min replied. "But I've learned to take risks."
Ji-ah studied him for a moment, her gaze piercing. "Just be careful, Jae-min. People like Noah don't fight fair. And if you're not careful, someone could get hurt."
Her words lingered in his mind long after the gala ended.
---
The next morning, Elyra presented Jae-min with new intel. "Noah's proxies are moving faster than expected. They've already secured a 15% stake in one of the targeted companies."
"Then we move faster," Jae-min said. "Set up meetings with the other CEOs. I want deals on the table by the end of the week."
Elyra hesitated. "There's one more thing. Noah has reached out to Ji-ah. He's offering her an exclusive interview to spin the narrative in his favor."
Jae-min frowned. Ji-ah was independent, but Noah's influence was undeniable. If he swayed her, it could complicate things.
"Keep an eye on her," Jae-min instructed. "And let me know if she takes the bait."
Elyra nodded, her expression resolute. "Understood. But Jae-min... be careful. This is just the beginning."
As Jae-min prepared for the battles ahead, he couldn't shake the feeling that Ji-ah's warning was more than just words. Noah was a threat—but he wasn't the only one.