533.

534.

The morning buzz around the Park Group Headquarters seemed to pause for a moment when Jimin stepped into the threshold, buttoning his tailored suit jacket, looking elegant yet imposing. His aura commanded respect and obedience. The no-nonsense gaze swept lazily across the lobby and the waiting area, well aware of the gazes on him.

The chaos around him always seemed to pause as if the time itself halted around him as they all stopped to stare. The staff at the reception stood respectfully, bowing and greeting him. He acknowledged the greetings with a subtle nod. Pushing a hand inside his pocket, he strode to the VIP elevator, his confident steps echoing through the grand lobby.

A soft music greeted him inside the elevator, such a calm contrast to the hustle and bustle outside. But the false sense of calm worked like a charm on many until they got to their cabin where real war of the day began. As for Jimin, he knew he was heading to a dog fight.

The so-called briefing was added last minute and he already received information that almost all of the board members were present at the meeting. His father conveniently took off today and sat at home, which worked in his favor. Jimin had no one to control him today.

"As per our source, they've been in there over an hour and talking in hushed tones," Secretary Cha informed. "Our source walked in twice in disguise of handing them refreshments and she noticed the change of topic or the hush of silence in her presence."

Jimin huffed. "I know it's June. You don't have to pretend we're in some undercover movie shit."

Secretary Cha chuckled. "It's gives a air of mystery." He beamed. The movie fanatic was hopeless and Jimin just rolled his eyes. The beta was a hard worker and dedicated to his job. It was hard to find loyal employees like him so over the five years they've worked together, Jimin allowed him to be less formal on occasion.

The elevator ding announced their arrival to the desired floor and the wide doors opened to reveal the sleek, modern office space with floor-to-ceiling windows that showed the fellow skyscrapers plunging into the sky and offered a panoramic view of the city below. Once again, he noticed the hush of silence and hurried steps of the employees ready to greet him at this level.

Jimin nodded curtly to every greeting, storming his way to the conference room. The first strike would be his. June hurried to hold the door open for him and he noticed the silent nod she sent at Secretary Cha.

"Good morning, gentlemen," Jimin addressed as soon as he entered, glancing at the watch to see he was five minutes late. "Apologies for the delay." He took his father's seat, causing several eyebrows to lift in surprise but he ignored them all, crossing his legs at the knee. "I was caught up with something."

"We can see that," one of the quipped, scrunching his nose. "We'd appreciate it if you kept your bedroom adventures to yourself."

Jimin laughed in amusement. "I'd appreciate it if others let me keep it to myself too," he retorted. "Unfortunately, that isn't how things are, right?" All traces of laughter left his face. "Privacy is only a myth as long as nosy people who like to poke their noses where it doesn't belong exist."

A few of them snorted but one leaned forward. Mr. Ha was a respectable man and a voice of reason among the other hot-headed alphas. He was one of the few Jimin genuinely respected.

"Jimin, there's something I wish to discuss," he started. "I'm aware the board has no business with your personal life but a few photos have come to my attention and I'm worried the resulting scandal would harm our business."

"Are you talking about the club photos that were taken without my consent?" Jimin leaned back in his chair. "Or are we talking about how someone leaked it to the tabloids, causing my mom to spend a sleepless night, taking all nasty, condescending articles down?"

Mr. Ha's expression sobered. "Both, I guess." He cleared his throat. "Is it true that this omega is younger and is a student? Is it true that he's trading his body for monetary rewards?"

Jimin boomed with laughter. He threw his head back at the way the sentence was framed. It was obvious Mr. Ha didn't want to offend him but was also amusing at the same time. "Partially true," he replied once he stopped laughing. "The person I am with is seven years younger than me and is a student. We are dating with our parents' blessings. That's all this board has to know right now."

There were several gasps and sudden whispers in the boardroom. Mr. Ha seemed satisfied with the answer and nodded in understanding.

"We're lowkey because that's how we intend for our relationship to be at this point in time. I'm sure many of you might find this hard to believe considering my not-so-prideful past but I'd appreciate it if you can respect our privacy and give us this time. It's our relationship after all." He grinned.

"So are you going to mate this omega?" Mr. Jo asked, a deep frown pulling the corners of his mouth down.

"Hopefully," Jimin responded. "All I can reveal is that I'm committed to this omega. I haven't popped the question yet, but just so you all know I fully intend to do that. Any other questions?"

"How are you planning to deal with this leak? There is a lot of misinformation being spread." It was Mr. Ji. He was also one of the few sensible ones.

"The photos in question were taken at the Elite club, which as you all know has a strict no photography policy. But a VIP client, who recognized me, had violated this rule and sneaked into the private VIP room we were in and took photographs without our knowledge or consent. My team is investigating and looking further into this while we have also escalated this issue to the Elite Club management. Fortunately, Kim Seokjin, my dear friend, is the major investor and one of the respected members of the board. This breach is personal to him and I've asked him to handle this as he sees fit."

There was a small smile on Mr. Ha's face now compared to the rest of the board members. "I see," he said before anyone else could reply and stood, glancing at the time. "Considering you're already aware of the issue and have taken steps to solve this, I don't see any need for this meeting to continue." He pushed his hands into his pockets. "I've got somewhere to be and was rushed here for no reason." He glanced at the others. "Stop bringing up such trivial things on this board in the future. People like me have actual jobs to do unlike a few of you rush over upon hearing your wives' gossip in the bedroom," he snapped. Don't trouble me again for such things."

"Does no one cares for the fact that omega is a regular?" one that didn't deserve to be addressed by his name, asked from the back. He was one of the last members of the board joined only two years ago.

"A regular?" Mr. Ha frowned. His unwavering gaze met Jimin briefly. "I heard the omega has agreed to date him and that he already has his parents' blessings. I'm not his father and I don't see why omega's birth status is any of our concern."

The same one scoffed. "You wouldn't be saying the same when the stock markets come crashing down. This company's entire future is now at risk because of him," he snarled.

"Right now, Park Jimin is an employee of this company just like everyone else outside that door and he doesn't represent the Park Group as a whole," Mr. Ha shot back. "His track record at work is flawless ever since he took that position and he has never once set a drawback on this company's finances. I still don't see why his choice in dating is being discussed right now when the only concern of this board should be the Park Group."

"You're always on his side as expected," Mr. Song retorted with a snort. "He has escaped narrowly because of his mother this time. What makes you think he's safe in the future? What about another leak? I don't think the public takes kindly to such things. He's sleeping with a student, who is also a witness to the case against Jun-Myeon."

Mr. Ha frowned. "I still don't see how this is relevant to the company. We are known for having the highest number of regular wolves in our workforce. We are praised for the fair wages and the benefits we offer. Why is this an issue here? Are we still in the 1940s? Times are changing and people's perspectives are changing, no?" He gazed at the others. "Enlighten me here. The consequences of this relationship are his to bear and I don't see why this board has to be involved in such a thing. I'm sure Jaehyun has already considered the outcome before giving him the blessing, no?"

"You don't understand—"

"It's you, who don't understand, Mr. Song. I'm not the father of Park Jimin, neither are you. Not my child, not my responsibility. Not my son-in-law, not my family reputation that's in question. If there was a question, there is. In short, this is none of my fucking business. I had to rush here and leave the delicious breakfast my mate made for me because you said the sky is going to crash down on us." He threw his hands in the air. "Get your heads outta your asses and find something else to do." Mr. Ha stormed out of the room.

Jimin chuckled and watched everything unfold with amusement. Mr. Ha was one of the seniormost board members and the others mostly looked up to him. He once worked with his grandfather and continued to retain the position on the board after his grandfather's death. He was also his father's mentor, who supported him firmly when everyone else was against the Park family.

Shin Kang-de sat unmoving in the corner. His face is dark and emotionless. He said nothing. He barely paid any attention to the meeting.

Jimin stood. "Thank you, gentlemen. I have a meeting at ten and I'd better prepare for it. See you soon."

He didn't wait around and approached the door.

"So this is how you're gonna respond?" Mr. Song asked. "Only months ago you were sleeping around with other omegas on a daily basis. Now you've downgraded to a regular omega as if there's no purebred omega left for you to taste," he sneered.

"I'd mind my tone if I were you, Mr. Song." He whirled around to face him. "It's not my fault your son couldn't hold my attention for more than ten seconds. He's a purebred, isn't he? I never laid a finger on him. Doesn't that make him an exception? How would you know how many omegas I've slept with? He asked me for a dance and I refused. Is that what got your knickers into a twist this morning?"

Mr. Song's features darkened and the corners of his mouth pulled into a scowl.

"It's true I used to sleep around, but I never paid money in exchange for pleasure. And none of my flings were someone of that kind. Whatever happened between us was consensual with mutual interest. I don't see anyone I've been with complaining about it." He cocked his head to the side. "What is your problem?"

"I—"

"Jungkook is mine, Mr. Song. The Park family is prepared to fight for him with everything we got. You don't want to test me by doing some shit you shouldn't be doing. Your son stands no chance with me. There are others in this room, who have tried before and failed. FYI, I never laid a finger on any of your sons or daughters. The most I did is exchange a few words out of respect I have for you in public gatherings. Most of them weren't even interested in me and vice versa anyway. I've always been respectful where your families are concerned so I do not understand the need to pin me as a manwhore when I've never been anything other than respectful toward yours."

Mr. Song pursed his lips.

"Even if Jungkook rejects my marriage proposal, I'd never come back or consider any of your spawns if that's what you're wondering. I'm not the type to mix business and pleasure. Have never been and never will. So you can erase any ideas you get into your bald, gray heads." He waved a hand. "I'd rather remain single than marrying one from this so-called elite circle." He took a deep breath, eyes narrowing at them. "I really hope this is the last time we are here to talk about my personal life that has got nothing to do with business. If you wish, you can compete with me at work. Bring in more profit and try to beat me there. If not, you have no right to talk." He stormed out of the boarding room, leaving the bewildered members behind.

***

A/N: If you had seen my Twitter you'd have known that I've been through Thunderstorms and been going through a heavy monsoon season. As a result I'm having constant power cuts and no internet. I'm a BSNL user so an Indian reader would know how bad the network can get during rain. Using a little window of time and power I have to upload this. I can't tell when the next update will be because of this situation. In the process of installing an inverter, but the weather is really bad here so don't know when the guys will come.