Chapter 79 The Trap At Daesans
Before Mark Arrives
The glass at the top floor of Daesen Energy Headquarters shone like a knife in the sun; sharp, cold, merciless.
Inside the CEO’s private lounge, laughter rolled like it belonged to men with clean conscience.
But it was the opposite.
Director Hale Reed sat with his legs crossed, swirling the amber liquid in his glass while the CEO, Mr. Jang pretended not to tremble.
A thick envelope laid on the desk between them, positioned like a bomb.
“So as we were saying,” Hale motioned as he tapped on the envelope.
“You’re sweating again, Jang. That tells me you’re guilty.”
His smile widened, not kindly but professionally cruel.
Jang finally grabbed the envelope and flipped it open.
His face got pale.
“These… these are internal audits. The government audits and no one has access to these.”
“And yet,” Hale interrupted, taking a slow sip, “it's before us”
Jang flipped through the papers faster, like maybe they would change if he read them quickly enough.
“You leaked the energy credits,” Hale continued, his voice slow and menacing.
“You funneled government contracts to ghost subsidiaries. If this hits the press, your career… your company… your children’s future…” He shrugged.
“Well. You understand.”
Jang’s breathing was fractured. “Why are you doing this?”
Hale leaned back, hands steepled.
“Because you owe me something.” he added, setting down his drink.
“The CEO of Simmons Group is on his way here. I want him rejected. Publicly,”
“I want the embarrassment to be the first thing on the news,” Hale’s tone curled like smoke.
“And don’t worry… I’ve already invited the press”
Outside the building, a dozen reporters adjust cameras and microphones , waiting for a man who has no idea he’s stepping into his own execution.
Hale rose, dusted off invisible lint, and patted Jang's shoulder.
“Make this humiliating, Jang. Think of it as… insurance.”
Then he left the office without a backward glance.
☬☬
Mark’s POV
I couldn't sleep for days, nor eat either.
I probably shouldn’t be behind the wheel of any moving vehicle, but desperation makes people commit small, stupid sins.
Daesen Energy glowed in the morning light. Their logo reflected light into the city.
“I hope this really works,” I prayed silently.
The deal that could stabilize liquidity, stop the stock from bleeding out, and keep the board from ripping my skin off in the next meeting.
When I pull into the private parking lot.
I fixed my tie in the rear-view mirror.
“Becca,” I muttered, imagining she was the one arranging the tie.
Her voice floated through my memory;
“Mark… breathe. You’re the best,”
My grip tightened on the steering wheel.
I needed that voice today.
Inside Daesen’s building, a secretary with a stiff bun led me to the waiting room.
“Mr. Jang will be with you shortly, sir.”
Shortly became ten minutes. Then twenty. Then forty.
By the time minute forty-seven hit, something in my chest twisted.
Why is it taking so long?
I glanced around. The secretaries kept exchanging glances. The security stood too close to the door.
There was this tension in the air and I could feel it.
My phone rang, showing Collins Id
“Sir, we confirmed that your PA was denied entry yesterday. Security claimed the CEO was in a restricted meeting.”
I rub my forehead.
Restricted? For a routine financial discussion?
“Sir, should I…”
The door clicked open.
“Mr. Simmons,” a voice said “The CEO will see you now.”
The moment I stepped into Jang’s office, I felt it.
The shift in temperature, hostility. Surprisingly, there were a lot of cameras around.
Wait!
Cameras?
They’re positioned behind the door, facing the desk.
Small and hidden but undeniably present.
Before I can speak, Jang stood up
No handshake. No greeting.
“Mark Simmons,” he announced loudly “Let me be plain. Daesen Energy will not invest in Simmons Group.”
My heartbeat slowed.
“What? Mr. Jang, I think there’s been…”
He cut me off.
“Your company is collapsing. Your stocks are in freefall. Why should we fund a sinking ship?”
My mouth went dry.
“This was a mutually discussed bridge loan. It's actually temporary”
“The board of Daesen has no interest in supporting your mismanaged company,” he says louder.
And then suddenly, there were__
FLASH. FLASH. FLASH.
Reporters burst into the office like wolves.
Microphones in my face. Cameras snapping.
Flashing lights exploding.
My stomach dropped through the floor.
“What is this?” I whisper.
“Mr. Simmons!” A reporter shoved a mic at my chin.
“Is it true Simmons Group is on the brink of bankruptcy?”
“Is this your second failed venture this quarter?”
“Did Daesen reject your emergency funding request because they no longer trust your leadership?”
I tried to breathe but I felt suffocated. My brain spun, my vision blurred.
Jang stood behind his desk, arms folded, watching the chaos he created.
Another question sliced through the noise:
“Did investors flee because of your rumored scandal with your assistant?”
My vision tilted.
Rumored scandal?
With Becca?
Who the hell?
Another flash almost blinded me.
“Mr. Simmons, sources say board members are demanding your resignation. Care to comment?”
I was sweating, my fingers trembled.
“Move, just move,” I mutter, forcing myself through the mob.
They follow, shouting and recording.
The security wasn't helping me, of course they wouldn't.
All this was already orchestrated by a third party.
By the time I broke outside into the courtyard, sunlight hit me like a punishment.
I force my way to the car, my hand shaking so hard that I almost miss the door handle.
When I slammed the door shut, the silence inside felt violent.
My breath stuttered.
I grip the steering wheel. My knuckles had become white while my eyes burnt.
My Panic attack…
The humiliation spreads through my body like a toxin.
Someone setted this up.
Someone wanted me destroyed.
My phone rang again.
Collins.
I swallow hard and answer.
“Sir…” His voice rang “The videos are everywhere. It’s trending on all platforms. The board… they’re asking questions.”
Of course they would. That's what the do when everything is already falling apart.
I closed my eyes trying to get a grip of myself.
“Sir,” Collins continues, “there’s something else.”
I brace myself.
“Becca just landed.”
My chest twisted so sharply I nearly gasped.
“Should… should we tell her what happened?”