When Stephen declared the changes when it came to who would inherit the Cho family fortune in the future, Ina was no longer able to keep the reporters in line.Stephen decided to end the press conference there and move on.He, Vanessa, and Hans all left the stage and returned to Stephen’s office at the top floor. They were greeted by Paolo’s laughter as they entered the room, he was playing with Amalia and Robert. “Shouldn’t you be putting out the fire I just started downstairs?” Stephen asked as he gave Robert an amused look.His friend was never big on children.As a matter of fact, Robert was probably the one that was most against having children in their friend group. So it was quite the surprise for Stephen to see Robert happily playing with a child.“They don’t need me to put out that fire.” Robert chuckled as his phone began to ring next to him.“Shi-” Robert began to curse.“Language!” Both Hans and Stephen shouted, making Robert jump in surprise. “You two are going to scar
“The Lu family is working with the underworld?” Hans asked as he glanced at his cousin in disbelief. Over the years the Underworld was one part of Marina City that both families had failed to control. If the Lu family managed to pull into their fold the leaders of the Underworld and Stephen was not the head of the Essen Mafia, they would have easily crushed the Cho family.“They don’t, sir. At least not yet.” John clarified as he spoke to the cousins over the phone.“What do you mean?” Hans asked.“No one person can rule over the underworld of Marina City, let alone this country.” John told Hans. “The city and this country is too diverse for any one person to take control. There is also the matter of people like the Lu and Cho families that make taking control even more difficult.”“Isn’t the Essen Mafia powerful enough to get them to follow?” Hans asked as he looked at his cousin.“Not as just the Essen Mafia.” Stephen said with a smile on his lips. “Huh?” Hans was now even more
“Congratulations!” A young man energetically greeted his friend as he entered the elegant balcony overlooking the buzzing crowd of businessmen, socialites, and celebrities down below. His hazel eyes shined with mischievousness as he combed his fingers through his jet black hair. “Uncle must be so happy to have won the elections.” He added as he raised a glass to his friend. This young man was Stephen Cho, the only son of the famed Cho family, the richest family in the country. The friend he was greeting was Edward Hao, the son of a very powerful political family. Edward looked like he was built for politics, he carried an air around him that simply charmed everyone, it also didn’t help that he managed to get the best features from both of his parents. “Thank you.” Edward Hao said as he gave Stephen a nod and raised his glass. “I’m glad you could join us, weren’t you supposed to fly out for university today?” “I was.” Stephen Cho confirmed. “So what are you doing here?” Their oth
When Stephen came to, everything around him was white, the ceiling was white, when he turned his head the walls were white, even the sheets that covered him were white. He groaned as he tried to get up, but a strong hand pushed him back down. “I wouldn’t do that, nephew.” A deep intimidating voice said, making Stephen shake his head and look closer. “Uncle William!” Stephen tried to struggle from the elder man’s grasp, but found himself too weak and unable to get up on his own. “Let me go!” He shouted. “Stephen, will you calm down! I’m not here to harm you, I saved you from dying.” William Cho said as he tried to calm Stephen down. Stephen stared at his uncle William as he tried to process what the man had said. He recalled leaving the hotel, then nothing after that. Seeing the confusion on Stephen’s face, William sighed and shook his head as he lifted his hand from his nephew’s chest. “I was driving home, when I just so happened to see you crawling on the side of the street,
“Will you be able to manage?” William Cho asked his nephew as his driver slowed down in front of a bus stop at the edge of the city. Stephen had recovered completely and was now holding in his hands his ticket to a new life, one where no one would know him. “Yeah, you gave me enough money to start a new life. Plus the proper records to go to a good enough university.” Stephen nodded as he placed his hand on the car door. “Take care, I’ll send people to check on you in Lowe city.” William Cho offered his hand to shake. Stephen frowned at the gesture, he knew there was no love between him and his uncle, but he had hoped for at least some affection from the man as he was leaving. “Who knows, I might not be in Lowe city anymore by the time you remember to contact me.” Stephen said as he shook his uncle’s hand and grinned. He already had a plan. Lowe city was merely a pitstop for him. He would go on to study internationally, where he would learn all the tools he needed to come ba
Stephen groaned as he turned off the alarm of his phone. It was day fifteen since he left his identity of Stephen Cho behind to be Stephen Sy, and last night had been another unpleasant night after the previous one. In order to be truly independent, he started to search for a job the moment he was settled in his new place. At first he was picky, searching only for jobs that he felt was proper for the former heir of the Cho family, but he found no such luck. As a matter of fact there were even several instances where people laughed at him because of his crazy expectations. It was either he wanted too much pay or he didn’t have the proper qualifications. He also soon learned that the good jobs were snatched up by those with the proper connections, one that he was now lacking. That’s how he landed his current one, he had to look at jobs with lower requirements, ones that would accept someone like him, someone with no experience at all. “Yeah?” Stephen asked as he answered his phone
“Sir, your friend is capable of doing that. I’m not a servant.” Stephen did his best to sound respectful and to avoid a fight. He was well aware that Emerson and his friends were the type that got everything that they wanted. He also knew that Emerson came from one of the large and powerful political clans in Lowe city.Stephen’s collar was suddenly grabbed, making him close his eyes. He recalled how his father had started with the same actions when he beat Stephen up over a mistress and an illegitimate child.“Do you know who you are refusing?” One of Emerson’s friends asked.Stephen slowly opened his eyes when he realized that Emerson’s friend wasn’t going to beat him up, or at least wasn’t yet.“Now, now, David, don’t be so rash.” Emerson’s tone was mocking and cold, as if he wanted to make things worse for Stephen.“He disrespected you.” The man called David complained to Emerson.“Poor boy here can still change his mind. So will you pick it up?” Emerson asked as he looked Stephe
Stephen smiled as he exited the university building, he was one step closer to his goals.He couldn’t help but think back to four years ago, when he had been beaten up by an entitled young man and saved by Charlie.He owed Charlie everything. After Stephen had gone against the Yu family of Lowe City, Charlie’s business was affected. Interestingly, Charlie didn’t seem bothered. He simply asked Stephen what his plan was. When Stephen told him that he intended to go to the neighboring country where he had been accepted for university on a scholarship, Charlie told him he would tag along.Ever since then, Charlie had been like an older brother to him.“So I’m guessing now we can date?” A petite woman with long brown hair asked as she ran up to Stephen. “You’re being silly, why would you want to date me?” Stephen shook his head as he continued to walk away.The woman, Vanessa Ty, was very persistent. She had told Stephen that she liked him from the moment they met, and Stephen had done