Stephen and Vanessa got a taste of popularity as the entire day people were either trying to contact them or the press was camping outside of Cho Industries. They believed that Vanessa would come to Philip Tower and that she would make an appearance, unfortunately for them she was already in the building. Stephen returned to his old office and continued to work as if nothing had changed, so did most of his team except Amalia and Andrew.He had given the pair the task of finding which department each team member would be more suited to work at. Stephen wanted his people to earn the respect of the other employees, he wanted their work ethic and intelligence to shine.“Sir, some of the department heads were wondering if you would have dinner with them.” Isabelle asked as she knocked on Stephen’s office door.“Not today, Isabelle.” The good thing about being the new Vice President, Stephen didn’t even need to explain himself. He could refuse and people wouldn’t dare question him.Step
“We have always been supportive of Vanessa and Stephen’s relationship.” Amalia rolled her eyes as she watched the news. “They wanted to engage Vanessa to someone else while Stephen was there, what are these idiots talking about!” Amalia exclaimed as she continued to watch the interview.Stephen chuckled behind her as he leaned against the frame of her bedroom door. “I have a high tolerance for their bullshit.” Stephen said as he walked over and sat next to his sister. “I don’t want Vanessa to lose her family the way we just did.”Amalia frowned and crossed her arms. “Did you ask Vanessa what her thoughts on her family doing this are?” Amalia asked her brother, choosing not to sugar coat her words.She loved him and cared for him and she didn’t want to see him making a mistake because he was too stubborn. “We will discuss it tonight. There are many things that Vanessa and I need to talk about.” Stephen said, shaking his head as the news flashed several photos of Stephen growing up.
Stephen looked up at the building before him, he hadn’t expected Charlie to move into such a high profile place. The apartment buildings also had state of the art security, the kind which even the Cho family couldn’t even breach. Most of the occupants were dignitaries from other countries and high ranking officials based on what Stephen could gather.He never knew that Charlie had that much money, or that he had placed such a premium on his security. It was the complete opposite of everything Stephen thought Charlie was. Throughout their travels, Charlie would place them in any apartment that could fit their budget and their needs. He never seemed to look over his shoulder and lived carelessly.“Young master, won’t you go in?” One of his bodyguards asked.They had found it odd that Stephen was just standing outside and didn’t even bother entering the lobby. He had been so deep in thought that they didn’t want to question him before. “I will.” Stephen said as he looked at the sim
“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