“I think it’s him.” Stephen said as Edward, Robert, Andrew, and John sat around his dining table.He had invited them over on neutral territory. It was dangerous for Edward and Robert to be seen too often at his club.If the authorities or rival mafia families and gangs realized that it housed the headquarters of the Essen Mafia, it could be used as leverage against his friends.It was best to meet at a place where no one would look or suspect anything.“We will still need proof, he could either still be hiding, not wanting to reveal his identity, or it could be someone your uncle planted.” Robert suggested as he slowly considered the situation.
“Hi Charlie.” Stephen greeted as Charlie picked up the call. Stephen was currently being driven by one of his bodyguards to the airport. His uncle Armand would be arriving in the next hour with his entire family. “Why did you call me, Stephen? Isn’t it enough that you pestered me yesterday?” Charlie grumbled as Stephen watched the scenery as his car drove by. “I just wanted to ask how you are. Vanessa and I both realized that we haven’t been visiting as much or checking up on you.” Stephen told Charlie. He wasn’t lying, both he and Vanessa felt bad about how much they had neglected Charlie while they were in Marina. Back when they were in another country, Stephen lived with Charlie so they would see each other everyday. Even when Vanessa and Stephen moved in together, they still lived with Charlie. Now that they were in Marina city they hadn’t even had a proper dinner with him yet. “You guys have been busy, I’m sure Eldrich Cho has been keeping his grandson busy.” Charlie hi
Stephen watched as Eldrich Cho exchanged fake pleasantries with Armand and his family.The old man acted as if there was no bad blood between him and his third son, but Stephen knew better.He thought back to the car ride from the airport to the Cho Mansion.“There have always been families that are interested in our wealth and influence.” Armand explained as the car drove through the highways, unobstructed by traffic. “But they never attempted to do anything.”Stephen nodded as he listened to his uncle.Armand Cho might have been younger, but Stephen believed he might just be smarter and wiser than both Vincent a
“Now Anastasia, we both know that your situation back then was very different to Stephen’s and Vanessa’s.” Claudette Cho said, scolding her sister-in-law.Since Vincent’s arrest, Claudette seemed to recover faster. In the past she was not as active or as happy. She would normally sit down and stay silent when there was a large group.It also probably helped that everyone that had gathered that day was family.Vincent’s siblings all knew that he was not a good husband to Claudette. As a matter of fact they had all backed Eldrich Cho when he forbade Vincent from divorcing Claudette.With the combined influence of Claudette’s family, the So family, as well as Eldrich Cho’s influence, there was no way Vincent could divorce his wife.“Let me at least tell them.” Anastasia grumbled. “Who knows, they might pick up something from this story.”“Mom, just let Aunt Anastasia tell her story.” Stephen urged as he placed a hand on his mother’s shoulder. Claudette frowned, but didn’t object as eve
The meal went quite well, Stephen was surprised at how well everyone got along especially when his grandfather was merely watching.It seemed that if it weren’t for Armand’s and Anastasia’s issues with their father, the family could be quite peaceful.It was already late when Stephen and Vanessa bid everyone goodnight and made a move to leave.Stephen’s friends had left before them in order to give the family more privacy.“Stephen!” Armand Cho called out as he ran after the couple as they were about to leave the Cho family Mansion.“Uncle Armand, is there anything I can do for you?” Stephen aske
“As I mentioned in the past I will spread you all out between departments, the long term goal of this is for me to have trusted and capable people in each.” Stephen announced as Amalia slid a folder to him.The folder contained all the details for each member of his team and the department they would be moving to.“It feels like you’re sending us away.” Carissa said with a frown.“Maybe we should start with you.” Amalia teased, making Carissa roll her eyes.Over the time that Amalia had been part of Stephen’s team, she had gotten quite close to his people and they treated her like a normal employee, something Amalia valued.
“Mr. Cho, it’s an honor to meet you in person, Young Master Cho.” This was the line that almost every executive that Stephen met that day said.He could recite by heart the praises they rained on him.It wasn’t all the same, some spoke of how good looking he was. Other about how impressed they were with his presentation.They also told him how much they looked forward to working with Stephen in the future.Stephen wanted to laugh and roll his eyes at most of them. He knew that many had been loyal to his uncle and father, some even knowing that the two men had plotted against Stephen. And yet, here they were while his father and uncle waited for their trial, rotting in jail.<
Stephen, Vanessa, and Stephen’s uncle Armand drove up to the apartment complex where Charlie lived. When they arrived, both Vanessa and Armand were shocked by the sight of the residetial complex.“Uncle Armand, do you have any idea what this place is and what Uncle Charlie does that would allow him to stay in a place like this?” Stephen asked as his driver pulled up to the driveway.“I am aware of what Charlie does, but I didn’t think that he had managed to climb this high up.” Armand looked out, as he seemed to be trying to process his brother’s situation. “The only sure way for us to find out is Charlie tells us, but knowing what he does, he might never tell you.” Arman shrugged as they saw Charlie at the entrance, walking up to meet them.“Armand?” Charlie gasped as he suddenly ran towards Armand and hugged his brother. “I didn’t think you would want to see me after last time.” “Why wouldn’t I?” Armand questioned his brother as he gave him a hug. “Our relationship can survive s