Rise of Silent Genius

The days following Wang Soo's decision to manage Celin and Will's co-working space were a whirlwind of activity. Despite the success of their counter-campaign against Albeirt's sabotage, a new challenge loomed on the horizon—one that would test Wang Soo's resilience and his team's unity.

Yura and Han Ko's Betrayal

At the sleek, minimalist offices of Kcreative, Yura sat across from Han Ko, her fingers drumming nervously on the polished wooden desk. Their recent meeting with Albeirt had left her feeling uneasy, but his arguments were compelling.

"We can't afford to let Wang Soo's new project affect our brands," Albeirt had warned. "The backlash from his reputation will hurt all of you."

Han Ko, ever the pragmatist, had initially dismissed the idea. But as days passed, his logical mind began to weigh the risks.

"Yura," he said now, breaking the tense silence, "Albeirt might be right. Wang Soo's project could cast a shadow over everything we've built."

Yura's anger flared, but beneath it was a nagging fear. "So what do you suggest? We cut ties completely?"

Han Ko sighed. "Not publicly. But we need to ensure Kcreative is insulated from any fallout. If that means working with Albeirt to keep our image intact, then so be it."

Reluctantly, Yura nodded. She hated the idea of siding with someone as conniving as Albeirt, but her loyalty to Kcreative outweighed her personal feelings for Wang Soo.

Albeirt's smug grin widened as he hung up the phone. Yura and Han Ko's agreement to collaborate with him was the final piece in his plan to dismantle Wang Soo's new venture.

"Let's see how he handles this," Albeirt muttered, pouring himself another glass of whiskey.

His next move was to leak false information to investors about the instability of Will and Celin's business partnership. He knew that by sowing discord, he could create cracks in the foundation of their new project.

Late one evening, Ja Hid stayed back at Kcreative's office to finalize some content for an upcoming campaign. As he walked toward the break room to grab a cup of coffee, he overheard voices coming from the conference room. He paused when he recognized Albeirt's distinct tone.

"Wang Soo's project is too risky," Albeirt was saying. "If you two want to protect Kcreative, you need to distance yourselves completely. Trust me, the backlash will be brutal."

Yura's voice followed, hesitant but firm. "We're not abandoning him, but we can't let his reputation drag us down either. What's your plan?"

Ja Hid's eyes widened as he pieced together what was happening. Quietly, he backed away from the door and grabbed his phone. Without hesitation, he texted Wang Soo:

"Just overheard Albeirt with Yura and Han Ko. They're planning something. We need to talk ASAP."

Wang Soo walked into the shared workspace where he, Celin, and Will had been working tirelessly. The usually vibrant atmosphere was subdued, and he could feel the tension in the air.

"What's going on?" he asked, setting down a tray of coffees.

Will looked up from his laptop, frustration etched on his face. "We've been getting calls from investors pulling out. Apparently, someone's been spreading rumors about us."

Celin clenched her fists. "It's Albeirt. Who else would stoop this low?"

Wang Soo's jaw tightened. "We need to address this head-on. Call for a meeting with all remaining investors. I'll handle the presentation myself."

As Wang Soo prepared for the investor meeting, communication within the team began to falter. Will and Celin's demanding schedules left little room for collaboration, and their once-strong partnership started showing cracks.

One evening, Wang Soo found Celin sitting alone in the workspace, her head in her hands.

"Celin, what's wrong?" he asked gently.

She looked up, her eyes red from tears. "Will and I haven't had a proper conversation in days. He's so focused on impressing his dad that he's neglecting everything else."

Wang Soo placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'll talk to him. But you two need to find common ground. This project depends on both of you."

The meeting was held in a sleek conference room, its glass walls offering a panoramic view of Creatis. Wang Soo stood at the head of the table, his confidence unwavering despite the stakes.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice steady, "I understand your concerns. But let me assure you, our vision for this co-working space is stronger than ever."

He outlined their progress, shared testimonials from early supporters, and presented a revised business plan that addressed the rumors head-on. By the end of his speech, the room was filled with nods of approval.

One investor, an elderly woman with sharp eyes, spoke up. "You've convinced me. I'm staying onboard."

Others followed suit, and by the end of the meeting, most of the investors had recommitted. Wang Soo breathed a sigh of relief, but he knew this was just one battle won in a larger war.

That night, Wang Soo confronted Albeirt outside a lavish gala where his brother was attending. Albeirt, clearly drunk, smirked at Wang Soo's approach.

"What do you want, little brother?" he slurred.

"To know why you're so intent on ruining my life," Wang Soo said, his voice low but firm.

Albeirt's smirk faded, replaced by a flicker of guilt. "You always had everything. Talent, friends, respect. I had to work twice as hard for half as much."

"So you decided to destroy me?" Wang Soo asked, his tone incredulous.

"You wouldn't understand," Albeirt muttered before stumbling away, leaving Wang Soo to grapple with the weight of his brother's jealousy.

The following morning, Wang Soo met with Celin and Will, determined to address the cracks in their team.

"We need to talk," he said, his tone serious. "This project can't succeed unless we're all on the same page."

Will nodded, guilt evident in his expression. "I've been so focused on proving myself to my dad that I lost sight of what really matters."

Celin placed a hand on his. "We can't let this come between us. We're in this together."

Wang Soo smiled. "Then let's move forward. Stronger. Together."

With their renewed commitment, the team set their sights on the next phase of their project, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

End of Chapter 12.