05
The Brightstar Group’s headquarters was a 27-story monolith of glass and steel on Wilshire and San Vicente at the western edge of Beverly Hills. A monument to Gerald Park’s boundless ambition, its sheer size was impossible to ignore. Los Angeles shimmered like a mirage reflected in the building’s mirrored facade, beautiful and unsettling all at once. While the building had underground parking and a private executive elevator, Jason chose to use the front door for his first-ever visit. He couldn’t think of a more important statement to make on his first day at Brightstar than letting everyone see him arrive. If there was one thing he knew, it was how to make an entrance. He and Seong Hyeon, standing just far enough behind him to make it clear who the star was, shared a knowing look. Everything in Jason’s life had already changed. But they were about to make all that real.
Gliding through the revolving doors, Jason was struck by a wave of cool, conditioned air. The sounds of Wilshire traffic disappeared, replaced by the echoing murmurs of hushed conversations. Polished granite floors stretched towards a massive reception desk, gleaming beneath the glow of an immense, geometric chandelier. Even the sharply dressed security guards gave off an aura of quiet power .
A vast, modern interpretation of a Korean mountain landscape dominated the long wall behind the reception desk. Muted blues and greens swirled against a backdrop of textured gray, a touch of tradition in the heart of this otherwise modern space. It was a subtle reminder of Gerald’s roots and the heritage Jason had all but ignored until recently.
Jason was suddenly caught up in a strange mix of emotions. A surprising flash of pride–this was his father’s legacy. A sharp awareness of his own outsider status–he was a celebrity in a world ruled by ruthless pragmatism. And underneath it all, a hint of excitement tempered by apprehension. He’d made grand entrances before, but this stage, this audience, was brand new to him.
Before he could take more than a few steps, an older woman, impeccably dressed in a charcoal gray suit, approached with measured strides.
“Mr. Park,” the woman smoothly greeted him with a subtle cadence in her accent that hinted at her Korean heritage. “Welcome to the Brightstar Group. I’m Eunice Kim, Chief of Staff.” She paused, letting her title and imposing presence do whatever it was supposed to. She was obviously a frontline soldier sent to ensure Gerald Park’s legacy remained intact. The shadow of some unknown judgment beneath her composed features suggested she didn’t think it would. “I trust your father mentioned me?”
Jason had definitely seen her at his father’s funeral. But he had no idea who she was at the time. “He may have.” Maybe a little honesty was the best defense against her silent scrutiny. “Until recently, my focus was–” He paused, already second-guessing his choice to avoid the private entrance. “–elsewhere. ”
Eunice’s lips tightened with obvious disapproval. “Of course. Nonetheless, my role remains vital.” Her subtle emphasis on my hinted at the unspoken worry beneath her professional facade. “If you’ll follow me, I can give you a brief tour on the way to your office.” She briskly turned, her posture rigid. “It’s important for you to become acquainted with the environment–” She trailed off, but her implication was clear. This wasn’t optional. It was a test of his willingness to yield control.
Jason’s initial impression shifted. Eunice Kim wasn’t merely a guardian of his father’s legacy but a woman already fighting for her position in this new regime. And he realized it would be like that with everyone. People who’d somehow secured their stations under his tyrant father now found themselves with a complete unknown in charge of the company. Except he wasn’t really an unknown. A simple web search would reveal plenty. Most of it was unflattering. And none of it said he was qualified for the position he’d fallen into. But, whatever she thought of him, Eunice was still from the C-suite, which said something. Intrigued and a little amused, he fell in step behind her. The game had officially begun, with far higher stakes than he’d initially assumed.
After a brief stopover at the reception desk to get security badges–apparently, even the company owner wasn’t immune from that requirement–Eunice bypassed the elevators to take Jason and Seong Hyeon up the grand bamboo and steel staircase leading to the mezzanine. Jason tuned her out as she described the origins of the lobby chandelier and the giant mural. He was famously bad at building tours and didn’t care about the art at all. But he cut her off when she suggested they make accounting their next stop. “You know, I think we can save the rest for later. I’m supposed to meet with Naomi Bell soon.”
Eunice pursed her lips, unhappy with Jason’s interruption. But he was her boss, so she nodded. “Of course, Mr. Park. You should know that Ms. Bell hasn’t yet arrived for the day.”
It wasn’t like Naomi to be late. If anything, he’d expected her to already be waiting for him, so he’d made an effort to be on time for once. Hopefully, she was alright. “Okay, then, please just take me to my office.”
Eunice nodded. “I assume you’ll be taking over your father’s office?”
Jason shrugged. “Unless you know of a better one.”
Eunice’s silent reproach said she didn’t. After using the private executive elevator to travel to the top floor, she stopped before a set of imposing double doors, their polished wood gleaming beneath the overhead lighting. “Your office,” she announced with almost reverent formality before opening the doors and stepping aside.
Jason hesitated at the threshold, stuck in a haze of apprehension and curiosity. This was the center of his father’s domain. It was also a place he never thought he’d see, let alone command. The office itself was a study in understated elegance–far less ostentatious than the mansion but still brimming with an undeniable intensity.
Floor-to-ceiling windows wrapped around two walls, offering a breathtaking panorama of the sprawling LA skyline. A heavy, granite-topped desk stood at the center, its surface uncluttered save for a minimalist lamp and his father’s trademark gold fountain pen. A bland selection of impressionist art adorned the walls, offering a bit of color in the otherwise neutral palette. The space simmered with subtle power and calculated efficiency, a far cry from the over-the-top extravagance of his Bel Air home. And, it was the second center of his father’s power Jason had recently taken over. The thought made him a little sick.
Jason ignored his unease, straightening his shoulders and firming up his posture as he walked inside. Appearances mattered. And this wasn’t just an office. It was another example of the very real differences between him and his father. Gerald Park had built an empire from that very desk on the strength of his drive and determination, while Jason had built his stardom on his charm, talent, and good looks. It was hard to ignore his nagging doubt. Could he even fill this space, or would his father’s legacy always overshadow him?
“Here you are, Mr. Park.”
Jason had almost forgotten Eunice was still there. “Thank you.” She silently stood by, clearly expecting more from him. “Uh, please make sure Naomi doesn’t have any trouble when she gets here.”
Eunice offered a single nod. “Of course, Mr. Park. Anything else?”
“Could you have someone bring me an Americano?”
A second nod. “I will.” Eunice didn’t wait around for any additional coffee orders, heading straight for the door and closing it behind her.
Jason quietly chuckled. “Isn’t she delightful?”
“I couldn’t say,” Seong Hyeon dryly replied. “Do you need me to wait for Ms. Bell? If not, I’d like to meet the corporate security team.”
“Go for it.”
As Jason’s trusted Security Chief, it was only natural that Seong Hyeon assumed the same role at Brightstar. Anyone else might’ve been intimidated by something like that, but not him. That was probably why Eunice Kim’s arrogance couldn’t quite mask her worry, wondering if Jason planned to replace her. He didn’t, but maybe Naomi would.
Naomi, who was late. That was almost as odd as Jason showing up on time. Jason sat at his father’s–no, his desk–and pulled out his phone to check for any messages. Nothing. Not even from Tae Hyun. That was understandable. It had to be late in Tokyo. So Jason typed a message for Tae Hyun to see when he woke up.
Hope you’re sleeping well and getting enough to eat. I miss you
Then Jason opened Tae Hyun’s social feed. He’d been dutifully updating it for his fans, posting selfies from the plane and hotel room, pics from his airport meet and greet, and even one he’d taken with Ren Yoshida. Jason used his thumb and forefinger to zoom in, getting a good look at the Sweet Beast singer. Typical J-pop style, from his oversized pants to his chunky, spiked hair. A handsome face with the sharp angles and flawless skin you’d expect from an idol. His fake smile was perfect enough that it could’ve been genuine. Hopefully, they were getting along. Jason had never done a concert tour, but he’d worked with plenty of co-stars he hated. Liking them made the job so much easier. But Tae Hyun was a pro. He’d put on an excellent show either way.
The double doors thumped as they forcefully swung open, depositing a far more harried-looking Naomi than Jason was used to seeing into the office. He ignored the nagging doubt poking around his thoughts as she approached his desk. Everyone was allowed to have bad days. Jason would hardly hold it against someone who’d put up with so much shit from him over the years. And she still looked resplendent in her white silk crepe suit with a highly-tailored jacket and wide-legged pants.
“What happened?” Jason innocently smiled. “Did you get lost?
Naomi grunted, tossing her soft leather briefcase on the desk across from Jason. “They were supposed to send a car for me this morning, but someone gave the driver the wrong damn address.” She huffed as she pulled out one of the chairs on her side of the desk and dropped into it.
“I’m sure it’s not personal,” Jason offered. “They probably just don’t like you.”
Naomi scowled, clearly in no mood for Jason’s shit. “That’s the literal definition of personal.”
Jason chuckled. “Well, they definitely don’t like me, but I still scored the big office.” He paused, thoughtfully frowning. “Actually, I suppose this should really be your office.” He pushed his chair back and stood, holding it out for Naomi. “Here. You take it.”
“What?” Naomi shook her head. “No, I–”
“Take the chair,” Jason firmly cut her off, “Madame President.”
Naomi sighed, showing some of the stress she’d been trying to hide. “Are you sure about this?” Jason nodded. “Really sure?”
Jason nodded again. “I am. So, unless you changed your mind–” He trailed off, gesturing toward the chair.
Naomi stared at Jason’s chair–no, her chair–for long enough that he thought she might actually turn him down. But she smiled instead, slowly rising and coming around the desk. She settled into her new seat, allowing Jason to gently push it into position under the desk .
“I think it fits.” Naomi absolutely beamed. “Thank you.”
Jason chuckled as he wandered to the more familiar side of the desk and took Naomi’s old seat. “Don’t thank me yet. We’ve got a whole building full of people wondering just what the fuck we think we’re doing in here.”
Naomi nodded, her smile briefly slipping. “I know. I’m one of those people.” She reached for her bag and slid it closer. “But I have the contracts ready, and–”
The door thumped open again, revealing a handsome figure radiating confident authority. His sleek black hair was perfectly styled. His lightly tanned skin, flawless. Everything about him, from his sharp, tailored suit to the subtle gleam of his designer watch, screamed privilege and ambition. He couldn’t have been much older than Jason, if at all, but of the three people in the late Gerald Park’s office, he was the only one who seemed to belong there. Not even the coffee cups and saucers he balanced with apparent ease diminished his aura of quiet power.
“My apologies for interrupting.” The man’s smooth voice was surprisingly deep for his youthful face. “Good morning, Mr. Park, Ms. Bell.” He set a steaming cup before each of them. “Ms. Kim mentioned you wanted an Americano, Mr. Park. I took the liberty of bringing a latte for you, Ms. Bell.”
Jason frowned, his gaze fixed on the expensive fabric of the man’s suit. “Uh, thanks. But you’re way too well-dressed to just be a coffee runner.”
The man’s smile was polished and charming. He could’ve been an actor in a courtroom drama. And something about his face seemed hauntingly familiar. Had they worked together before?
“Oh, I’m not a coffee runner. I’m your lawyer. ”
Jason snorted. Were his new employees deliberately fucking with him? First, the error with Naomi’s driver, then the world’s best-dressed coffee runner? “No, you’re not. My lawyer’s a middle-aged white guy named Bernie with an office in–actually, I don’t know where his office is. But you’re definitely not him.”
The man offered a single nod, acknowledging the obvious truth of Jason’s statement. “Let me clarify. I’m Brightstar’s Chief Legal Counsel. Since you now own Brightstar, that makes me your lawyer.” He offered Jason his hand. “I’m David Soh Jr.”
“Ah.” Jason nodded, taking David’s hand as the pieces finally fell into place. He’d met him at his father’s funeral. “Junior?”
David’s polite laugh was as polished as his easy smile. “My father was Chief Legal Counsel before me. I guess I inherited the position from him.”
Jason tilted his head, playfully smirking. “Guess we’re both lucky like that, huh?”
David chuckled with genuine amusement, not the polished sound from before. “Indeed,” he replied, a subtle sparkle in his eyes. “Lucky, or perhaps–” He paused, his grin spreading a little wider. “–destined?”
Naomi, who’d been observing the exchange with a decidedly neutral expression, finally spoke. “If you two are done sizing each other up, maybe we can get to why you’re here, David.” She opened her briefcase and removed a pair of thick folders. “These are the contracts Jason’s personal lawyer drafted outlining my appointment as President of the Brightstar Group.”
David nodded, taking the open seat beside Jason. “Of course, Ms. Bell. I– ”
“Just Naomi, please.”
David nodded again. “My apologies, Naomi. I can have my office–”
“I’d like you to review them,” Naomi interrupted, the edge in her voice unmistakable. “If you don’t mind.”
Jason was nearly impressed enough with Naomi’s show of dominance that he almost didn’t notice how she’d so quickly involved a complete stranger in their business dealings. Nearly. “Hey. Why does he need to see them?”
Naomi sighed, offering Jason a familiar look of exasperation and disappointment. But he’d faced far more withering judgment from her over the years, and it never stopped him from doing whatever he wanted before. “Bernie’s an excellent lawyer, but he specializes in the entertainment industry. David is a corporate attorney.” She slid one of the folders across the desk to David’s waiting hand. “Your corporate attorney, in fact.”
David flipped the folder open and scanned the top page, his expression revealing nothing. “As Brightstar’s Chief Counsel, I advise and protect your business interests, Mr. Park. Bringing on a new Chief Executive comes with a variety of risks. My job is to help minimize those.”
Jason frowned, already seeing how powerful a partnership between David and Naomi would be. Part of him–the part he got from his father–was immediately threatened. And he didn’t trust David, sure that something sinister lurked beneath his expensive haircut and immaculate suit. Then again, that’s exactly what you wanted in an attorney. And Naomi was a ride-or-die. If Jason couldn’t trust her, he was already fucked. “So it’s still my call,” he stated, more for his benefit than theirs.
“Of course.” David flatly agreed, showing no hint of his true feelings about Jason’s obvious inexperience. “This is your company, and I work for you.”
“And I could fire you if I don’t like how you do your job.” Jason leaned back in his chair, trying to project an air of authority.
“Absolutely,” David replied with a hint of amusement. “Of course, I’d advise you to read my contract first.”
Jason couldn’t help but chuckle. “Spoken like a true lawyer.”
“Naturally.” David’s smile was fleeting but genuine. “But your father was happy enough with my work, so I have no doubt you will be too.
The mention of his father twisted something inside Jason. While he had no shortage of complaints about Gerald Park, he was undeniably a genius when it came to business. Sitting in his 27th-floor office was proof enough of that. If David had managed to please him, it was a testament to his skill–just as Eunice’s continued employment spoke volumes about hers. He might not like it, but they were probably both good for Brightstar.
So, Jason held his tongue. Arguing wouldn’t change anything. Honestly, he was totally outmatched anyway. He wasn’t built for this kind of meticulous legal scrutiny. Pulling out his phone, he scrolled through his social media feed, hoping for a distraction. A new post from Tae Hyun popped up–a candid shot of him sitting on his hotel room bed blowing his followers a friendly kiss. A sudden stab of guilt twisted in Jason’s gut. He should’ve been there with Tae Hyun, not stuck in his father’s too-big office playing CEO.
Then, a subtle shift in the air caught his attention. He looked at Naomi as she watched him, her expression a mix of amusement and something deeper–maybe a hint of concern. David, on the other hand, seemed genuinely curious.
“Everything alright, Jason?” Naomi asked, softer than before.
“Yeah,” Jason lied. He wasn’t ready to admit how much he missed Tae Hyun, especially with David in the room. He might be on the payroll, but Jason wasn’t sure he was truly on his side. “Everything’s great. So, how long does this review usually take?”
Naomi shrugged. “That depends on–”
“I’m done,” David interrupted, snapping his folder closed. “And, I have to say, this is solid. Bernie knows how to write a contract. Some of the boilerplate isn’t exactly our style, but it’s functional.” He slid the folder back to Naomi with a subtle flourish, a satisfied undercurrent in his grin.
Naomi blinked in surprise. “That was quick.”
David smiled. “You get what you pay for, and you’re paying for the best,” he replied without a hint of irony. He reached for Gerald Park’s gold fountain pen–
“Uh–”
David hesitated, glancing at Jason, who squirmed under the sudden scrutiny, a flush creeping up his neck.
“I, uh–I actually don’t know how to use one of those.”
David’s eyes twinkled with subtle amusement. He twisted the base of the pen’s stand, revealing a hidden inkwell. “It’s simple enough.” He slowly dipped the gleaming nib. “The key’s in the pressure.”
Was that a pickup line? Jason wasn’t sure. He’d never considered office supplies all that romantic. Not even expensive office supplies. “Okay, sure.”
After handing over the pen, Jason and Naomi signed the contracts. The room’s atmosphere subtly shifted again as the ink dried and their new roles became official.
David quickly gathered the papers. “Allow me to make copies for your records,” he offered. “The originals, of course, will be safely stored in the company’s official legal archives.”
Jason watched David leave the room, the expensive folders tucked neatly under his arm. He couldn’t help but grin, overcome with sudden relief at having finally passed on the responsibility of running Brightstar to someone who could actually do it. “Looks like we could trust him after all.”
David, already at the door, paused and turned, a glimmer in his eyes that Jason couldn’t quite decipher. Then he smiled. “Everything in this business is built on trust,” he said as the doors closed behind him.