When Stephen arrived in the office the next day, he acted as if nothing had happened. He carried his laptop to his office, greeted everyone as usual, including Michael who nervously glanced between Stephen and Amalia. Michael had learned the truth, Amalia wasn’t in this team just because the chairman favored Stephen, she was here because he was her brother. It was no wonder that Amalia had easily adjusted to Stephen, they acted as if they had known each other for a long time from the start, because they had. “Meeting, ten minutes, my office.” Stephen announced as soon as he realized that the entire team was there. Vanessa had recovered all of the files last night, they would be able to complete the entire project within the day. Everyone quickly gathered their things or headed to the bathroom, while Isabelle prepared coffee and snacks for everyone.“It will be a long one, won’t it boss?” Isabelle asked as Stephen passed her.“I want it done today, I might have to bother you to o
“You aren’t attending tonight?” Amalia asked as she stayed behind to speak with her brother. It was six in the evening and Stephen had allowed his team to go home.They had progressed quite well that day and were ready to present in three days.“No, but Vanessa will be going with a friend and several bodyguards.” Stephen told his sister as he made the finishing touches on the presentation.“Don’t tell me you’ll be working the entire evening? I know for a fact that Robert and Edward will be at the Charity event tonight.” Amalia said, crossing her arms on her chest. “Grandpa told you to build your connections. You’ve been gone for too long.”Stephen sighed, his sister was truly being too insistent. “Vanessa will be there, building her own connections. My presence will only make things worse for her.” Stephen reminded his sister about how lowly he was right now compared to his fiance. “So you will just stay in the office and work?” Amalia asked, clearly annoyed at her brother.“I will
“Smile, you look like you’ve been forced to come here. Don’t be so stiff.” Amalia whispered to her brother as they approached the host and his wife.To Stephen’s surprise, the host’s wife was none other than Ginny Yeo, his wife’s officemate. “Miss Cho, it’s an honor to have you as a guest.” Ginny’s husband greeted. Stephen knew him from when he was younger. He was a few years older than Stephen and they went to the same school in the past. “Mr. Yeo, this is my guest, Malcolm Reyes. He is a guest of the Cho family.” Amalia told the man as she introduced him.“Welcome to Marina, Mr. Reyes, you will not find a better host than the Cho family.” The man said as he praised the Cho family.“It is a quick visit, but the Cho family and mine have been good friends for generations. I am happy to spend time with them.” Stephen said.“Oh, I see Edward and Robert, I should introduce Malcolm to them. Please, excuse us.” Amalia told their host as she dragged Stephen away. Stephen couldn’t help bu
“Emily Ty.” Stephen said over the phone as he spoke to John. He didn’t need to use the Cho Industries resources to make Vanessa’s cousin suffer. “Are you sure you want to do this?” John asked, everyone around Stephen knew how he refused to hurt the Ty family because of his fiance.“It wasn’t me that they offended.” Stephen answered.“Alright boss, we’ll get all the dirt on her and her branch of the family. I should have it by the time you get home, enjoy the party.” John told Stephen as Stephen thanked him and ended the call. “What did you do?” Amalia asked as she kept watch, making sure no one got too close to Stephen. Of course that was incredibly difficult since most of the guests wanted to introduce themselves to the mysterious Malcolm Reyes. “I just asked for an investigation.” Stephen responded.It was the truth, he had done nothing yet.“I was not offended.” Amalia insisted. “Also I don’t need you to come to my rescue, I’ve survived six years without you.”“You don’t need t
“Vanessa.” Ginney hissed as she pulled her friend away, afraid that she would offend the Cho family and their friends. It was practically suicide to do that, and it would be quite contrary to what Vanessa wanted to achieve with that night.“Very well.” Stephen said, laughing at his fiance’s request he never expected her to stand up for the friend that had so badly offended them in their past few meetings. The guests were all shocked when the man they had perceived to be quite stubborn submitted to this woman. Many couldn’t help but wonder if Malcolm Reyes carried a torch for Vanessa Ty. It was not surprising to the people around if a man like Malcolm Reyes liked Vanessa, not only had she also captured the attention of other rich young masters, but she was quite amazing in her own right.She was not just beautiful, but intelligent as well. She had her own career and came from a decent family.“Miss Ty is truly very fortunate.” One of the bystanders said. “She has not only has a man
“Where are you?” Vanessa asked over the call as she spoke to Stephen.“At Cho Mansion, grandpa wanted to talk after I dropped Amalia off at home.” Stephen said knowing that by now the Ty family would be well aware that they were coming after Emilia Ty and her side of the family.“Grandpa and my dad are in hysterics!” Vanessa exclaimed over the phone. “They want us to come home.”“Your family has never wanted anything to do with me, Vanessa.” Stephen reminded her.“I know, but I think they want you to come over because of your connection to Cho Industries. Alona has also been called home too, he isn’t happy.” Vanessa complained to Stephen. “I know you are behind this.”“And what if I’m not?” Stephen asked. He didn’t want to lie to Vanessa, but it seemed this time he might just have to. He needed to protect both Vanessa and the Cho family, and Emilia Cho’s offense to Amalia was not something that he could easily overlook.The Cho family must never look like they could be easily bullie
“Are you stupid?” Stephen asked, directly insulting Vanessa’s family for the first time. “Do you really think this is the Cho family’s style?” “Wha- what do you mean?” Lynn asked in a shaky voice. “If the Cho family went after you, you wouldn’t even know till it was too late.” Stephen hissed. “If it were really the Cho family after you, there would be no collateral damage. Clearly this is someone else.” Lynn was about to say something but was stopped by her daughter. “If not the Cho family, then who?” Vanessa asked, worried about the answer she was about to get. She was well aware of how powerful Stephen could be if he took advantage of his resources, but that was the thing about Stephen, he didn’t like making too much noise. Stephen frowned as he looked at his fiance, he tried to gauge if she would be mad, but as usual, she kept a calm demeanor around her family. “The Chos have a guest in the city now.” Stephen told them as he looked at Vanessa. “I heard about him from som
When Vanessa had calmed down, Stephen drove them home. That night she slept soundly in his arms, but when she woke the next day it was as if the whole world around her had gone crazy. “What’s wrong?” Stephen asked as he noticed her staring blankly at her phone. “Your people have already started?” Vanessa asked as she looked at him. Stephen placed a hand on her back and gently stroked her, trying to calm her down. “They have, I wanted this to be done as quickly as possible.” Stephen explained. “Are you mad?” Stephen had considered that there was a chance that Vanessa would hate him for what he had done. Emilia was still family, and he had gone after hers, something he had long sworn never to do. “No.” She answered, surprising Stephen. “Emilia deserved it, and you are in a way, saving my family from its members that would leech off of them.” Stephen nodded as he understood her answer. “Ginny sent me a message, she’s worried. So is Kimberly.” Vanessa explained. “They heard ab