Hans kept glancing at Stephen nervously as he sat at the head of the table. His eyes also wandered to the familiar man that Stephen had introduced as his good friend John.John was in deep conversation with Andrew, Stephen’s other right hand man. Unlike most people, Hans knew that those two men were some of the most influential and powerful people.One was Stephen’s right hand man in the underworld while the other was Stephen’s right hand man in Cho industries. Both men wielded considerable influence despite not coming from powerful backgrounds. “Relax.” Hans heard Amalia tease him. Stephen had him sit higher up on the table, a symbol of how much trust he placed in his cousin and a symbol of their mended relationship. Hans was well aware of how events like tonight were used by heads of the family, such as Stephen and his grandfather Eldrich, to send a message.Tonight Hans knew that the message was. The Cho family was strong, the Cho family was united, and the Cho family’s futu
“Settle down!” Stephen announced as everyone around the table stopped their conversations and turned their attention to Stephen.“Now that you know the truth about him, I’d like to introduce you all to Paolo Cho.” Stephen had already asked for the adoption papers to be processed and Hans had already signed off. Paolo was his and Vanessa’s adopted son now and no one could question that fact.Hans picked Paolo up from his seat and carried the little boy.Now that everyone knew that Paolo was Hans’ son they could clearly see that the father and son duo did indeed look alike.They had the same eyes, the same hair, and even the same body type. Paolo smiled at Hans then looked around the room.Hans whispered something into Paolo’s ear, Paolo nodded and waved at everyone and gave them a sweet smile.“Paolo might be Hans’ biological son, but Hans and I have spoken and he isn’t ready to be a father.” Stephen told the members of the Cho family. “The reason why Paolo’s family name is Cho and n
Hans was surprised that his relatives were able to stay silent about Paolo’s existence. He had expected that at least one of his relatives would have gossiped the information to a friend.But it seemed that their fear of Stephen was even stronger, as no one had said a word and there were no signs of the news breaking out. Hans was currently at Philip Tower where his cousin had provided him with a temporary office. It was from here that he was coordinating with his managers and assistants back at home.He had been working hard in the day and at night he would come home and spend some time with Paolo before bed.Hana was a constant fixture, always watching over his interactions with his own son. Aside from Hana, Stephen had also introduced him to another young woman who kept him company when he interacted with his son. Her name was Alona Ty, a cousin of Stephen’s wife.Stephen said that Alona had her own story to tell and that Hans might be able to find it out on his own if she trust
“This is a bad idea.” Hana hissed as they entered another toy store. Hans was carefully taking note of everything that Paolo picked out, making sure. That he knew exactly what his son liked and didn’t like.He had informed his parents the night before that he had a son and both took the news quite well.They were surprisingly calm and happy about the news. Of course they were disappointed that Paolo’s mother was not Hans’ wife, but they were at least happy that Stephen had not forced their son to marry Paolo’s mother. “The press don’t know how Paolo looks.” Hans reminded Hana. “It’s you that they know.” Hana glared at Hans as he insinuated that if anyone was going to be the cause of Paolo’s identity being revealed to the press, it would be Hana. “I would never do anything to harm Paolo.” Hana said as she argued with Hans.“And yet you are here.” He said coldly as glared at Hana. Things were usually much more difficult with Hana around. He needed to be nice to her when she was co
When Stephen heard the news about what had happened, he quickly left his office and ordered both John and Andrew to utilize all of their resources to figure out what had happened.He was glad that he had sent the extra security detail to watch over Paolo. When Hans had told him that he wanted to take Paolo to the mall, Stephen had a bad feeling that something could happen.He knew that Stephen had no ill intentions towards his own son, Stpehen just had one of those bad feelings. Unfortunately, he was right. The press that Robert should have had under control had somehow managed to find out that Stephen’s so called illegitimate son was shopping with members of the Cho and Ong family.Stephen was out for blood.From what they had managed to quickly gather, someone had released information about the trip. “Alona seemed worried about something.” Vanessa told him over the phone as they spoke while on the phone while Stephen was being driven back home. “She wouldn’t tell me, I think she
“They are in Paolo’s room, sir.” A maid informed Stephen as soon as he had arrived. Paolo, Alona, and Hans had arrived before him and Vanessa.They had placed the boy in his room, but according to Hans he was afraid to leave Paolo. The little boy might wake up and find himself alone after what had happened. “Thank you.” Stephen told the maid as he rushed up the stairs to check on his adopted son.When he entered, Paolo was still fast asleep and the adults sat to the side, silently discussing what had happened.“Cousin.” Hans stood up to greet Stephen, who nodded and gestured for him to sit back down.“How is he?” Stephen asked as he walked up to Paolo and gently brushed the hair off of the sleeping child’s face.“He slept soundly in the car as we drove home.” Alona told Stephen as she watched the interaction between Stephen and Paolo.It was clear from the way Stephen acted that he loved Paolo. She saw the same love in Hans’ eyes when he was watching over Paolo, but as Hans had tol
“Are you alright?” Alona said as she joined Hans on the home bar, He was drinking away his pains and worries. “I will be.” Hans said as he finished the contents of his glass.“But obviously you’re not.” Alona said as she dragged Hans off of his chair.“Where are we going?” Hans asked as they walked out the door of the mansion. “Did my cousin ask you to take me away?” He questioned.“No, I’m doing this because you are the victim here that everyone seems to have forgotten.” Alona told him as a driver tossed her the keys to the car that was waiting on the driveway.“The victim that everyone has forgotten?” Hans asked as Alona forced him to get into the passenger’s seat. By the time he realized that Alona was the one driving, it was too late. “Wait, what? You’re driving?!” Hans shouted as Alona stepped on the gas and drove them away from Cho mansion.“Relax, I’ve been driving for years.” Alona told him. “Don’t be so sexist, just because I’m a woman doesn’t mean I can’t drive well.” H
Stephen had been exhausted by the night before.Paolo had woken up in the middle of the night and cried out for both Hans and Stephen. Stephen had been sleeping with the little boy at the time, but he refused to calm down unless his Daddy Hans was there.It seemed Paolo had settled on what to call them.Hans was Daddy, and Stephen was Papa. In the same way, he called Vanessa his Mama. When Stephen had asked a maid to call for Hans, his cousin seemed like he was about to burst into tears because his son had called for him.“Boss?” Andrew called, waving his hand in front of Stephen. “Sorry, Paolo had a hard time sleeping after yesterday’s incident. What were you saying Andrew?”Stephen asked as he tried to focus on the discussion at hand.“The bidding for the latest piece of land that that government has put up for sale starts in a week. The procurement director wanted to ask if you wished to purchase it.” Andrew informed Stpehen as he handed him the details of the piece of property.