### Arc 3: The Rise of the Rival
#### Chapter 12: **The Aftermath of Truth**
The night after the gala was anything but quiet. News outlets exploded with the revelations about Noah's corrupt empire. The exposé had gone viral, with headlines such as **"Noah Corporation Under Fire: Shocking Truth Revealed"** and **"Is This the End of a Titan?"** flooding every major platform. Jae-min sat in his penthouse, watching the chaos unfold on a massive television screen, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Ji-ah, curled up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn, chuckled as another commentator called for a full investigation into Noah's dealings. "You didn't just steal the show, Jae-min—you blew it up."
"That was the plan," Jae-min said, swirling the wine in his glass. "But this is just the first punch. Noah isn't the type to stay down. He'll fight back, and when he does, I need to be ready."
Elyra's holographic form appeared, hovering by his side. "You've dealt a significant blow to his public image. But Noah is resourceful. He'll try to control the narrative, and he might even use illegal means to retaliate."
Jae-min nodded. "Exactly. Which is why we need to stay ahead of him. Elyra, did you get anything useful from the mole?"
"Plenty," Elyra replied, her eyes glowing as streams of data flowed across a virtual screen. "He provided access to Noah's private server. I've already uncovered hidden accounts and shell companies. If we strike the right places, we can cripple his financial base."
Ji-ah raised an eyebrow. "And what about his allies? Noah has connections everywhere—politicians, businessmen, even underground networks."
Jae-min leaned back in his chair, his mind already working on the next move. "We'll target his support system. Isolate him. Once he's cornered, even his allies will abandon him."
---
Meanwhile, at Noah Corporation's headquarters, the atmosphere was tense. Noah sat at the head of a long conference table, his expression dark as his executives nervously avoided eye contact. Soo-min stood by his side, her usual poise shaken by the sudden turn of events.
"How could this happen?" Noah snarled, slamming his fist on the table. "Who leaked the information?"
"We… we're still investigating," one of the executives stammered. "But the evidence is overwhelming. The authorities are already looking into—"
"I don't care about the authorities!" Noah roared. "I want Jae-min ruined. He thinks he can humiliate me? Fine. Let's show him what happens when you play with fire."
Soo-min placed a hand on Noah's shoulder. "We still have options. There are people who owe us favors. We can launch a counter-campaign to discredit him. Make him look like the villain."
Noah's eyes glinted with malice. "Do it. And find me something—anything—I can use against him. Personal, professional, I don't care. I want him destroyed."
---
The next morning, Jae-min arrived at his company to find the media waiting outside. Reporters bombarded him with questions about the revelations and his role in exposing Noah.
"Mr. Jae-min, do you have any comments on Noah Corporation's scandal?"
"Were you involved in leaking the information?"
"Is this a personal vendetta against Noah?"
Jae-min raised a hand, silencing the crowd. "My focus has always been on building a better future for everyone. Corruption and exploitation have no place in our society. If someone is exposed for their misdeeds, it's because the truth always comes to light. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."
He walked into the building, leaving the reporters buzzing with speculation.
---
Inside, his team was already hard at work. Ji-ah met him in his office, a stack of documents in hand. "Noah's counterattack has started," she said, dropping the papers on his desk. "They're spreading rumors about you—claims that you've been involved in shady deals, bribery, and even illegal gambling."
Jae-min sighed, flipping through the papers. "Predictable. Anything solid?"
"Nothing that can stick," Ji-ah replied. "But it's enough to plant doubt in people's minds."
Elyra materialized, her expression serious. "They're also reaching out to your business partners, trying to convince them to cut ties with you. If they succeed, it could damage your reputation and financial standing."
Jae-min smirked. "Let them try. I've built my relationships on trust and transparency. They won't fall for Noah's tricks."
---
That evening, Jae-min hosted a private dinner with some of his key allies—business leaders, investors, and influential figures. Ji-ah and Yeon-hee were by his side, charming the guests and ensuring the atmosphere remained positive.
During the dinner, Jae-min addressed the rumors head-on. "I know some of you have heard the accusations being thrown around. Let me assure you, they're baseless. My record speaks for itself. I've always operated with integrity, and I won't let anyone tarnish that."
The guests nodded in agreement, their trust in Jae-min unwavering.
Yeon-hee leaned over, whispering in his ear. "You're handling this well. But be careful. Noah's desperation makes him dangerous."
"I know," Jae-min replied, his gaze steely. "But I didn't come this far to back down now."
---
Later that night, Jae-min stood on the balcony of his penthouse, overlooking the city. Elyra appeared beside him, her expression thoughtful.
"You've started a war, Jae-min," she said. "But wars aren't won with just one battle. Are you ready for what's coming?"
Jae-min turned to her, his resolve unshaken. "I've been ready since the day I lost everything. Noah can throw whatever he wants at me. I'll keep moving forward."
Elyra smiled faintly. "Good. Because this is only the beginning."
As the city lights sparkled below, Jae-min knew the road ahead would be treacherous. But with his determination, his allies, and the system by his side, he was prepared to face whatever challenges came his way.