Chapter 6 [6]

"You're really lucky," Jimmy, one of Rico's colleagues, said right after the introduction with the new CEO of MaC wrapped up. "I think your performance over the past year has made our new CEO place a lot of hope in you, Mr. Rico."

Rico let out a small chuckle, careful not to look too self-satisfied.

"You flatter me, Mr. Jimmy. I don't think I'm the only one who caught Mr. Josh's attention. You know he holds pretty high standards for his team."

"You're right."

The casual conversation flowed easily, with Rico and Josh at the center of it all. And it wasn't without reason-Rico had unexpectedly become the highlight of Joshua Miller's first appearance that afternoon. The strikingly handsome CEO had praised Rico's impressive work and expressed a desire to collaborate closely with him while leading MaC's Korean branch.

Rico felt all his efforts to climb the corporate ladder had finally paid off. He'd done everything-everything-to secure his position, even shamelessly courting Clara Jung, the daughter of one of MaC's board commissioners. In the ruthless game of corporate politics, especially in a company as massive as MaC, failing to play smart meant getting crushed or stuck in obscurity.

But that wasn't Rico's fate. He dreamed big. He wanted a title, a place high enough to command respect-from allies and rivals alike.

Clara walked into Rico's office moments later, her steps light, a smile she couldn't quite hide blooming on her face. Joy lit up her delicate features. The maroon business suit she wore stood out beautifully against the soft cascade of her dark brown hair.

"You were incredible," Clara whispered, awe in her voice. "Everyone was looking at you, Darling. Even Mr. Josh seemed to really take notice."

Rico glanced at her, still reclining in his chair. "They only saw what I wanted them to see."

Clara stepped closer, stopping right in front of him. Her gaze brimmed with admiration-like a girl head over heels in love. "But still, you stood out from everyone else. I've always known how brilliant you are, Rico. But seeing others acknowledge it... I felt so proud."

Rico offered a faint, knowing smirk. He was well aware of how deeply Clara loved him-and that made everything easier. Her feelings were a tool, and he intended to use them to their fullest.

"Then keep feeling proud, Clara. This is just the beginning," he murmured, gently pulling her closer to him.

Clara bit her lower lip. "My father's hosting a dinner tonight. Some of the board members and top execs from HQ will be there-including Mr. Josh. I want you to come with me."

Rico laughed softly, running his hand slowly down Clara's back. "Is that a request, or an order, hmm?"

Clara couldn't hide how flustered his teasing made her. Her cheeks grew visibly red. "A request. I want everyone to know who's by my side."

"You don't need to ask if I'll come," Rico replied without missing a beat. "I'm always by your side."

Clara looked relieved, glowing with happiness. She didn't realize that in Rico's mind, the only person who truly mattered... was himself.

"Since you're already this close to me," Rico murmured, his voice low and lazy, "could you help calm me down for a bit? Before I get to all the tasks Josh dumped on me?"

Clara let out a soft laugh but didn't object. "Alright." She leaned down-lower, and lower-until her face was level with the seat of Rico's chair.

"Should I start with my hands, or... my mouth?"

Rico licked his lips, impatient. "Whatever you do, I'll love it."

***

In his calm, minimalist office, Josh stood by the tall window, watching the Seoul skyline dim as night crept in. The sound of approaching footsteps broke the stillness, followed by a cautious voice.

"I've prepared a full report on Ricardo Dallas," Dylan said as he placed a tablet on Josh's desk.

Josh didn't take it right away. He kept his gaze fixed on the window, his voice cool and quiet. "Are you sure it's accurate this time, Dylan?"

Dylan hesitated. "I understand you're still upset about the Pamalove Bar incident. But I swear, I double-checked everything this time. It won't happen again."

Josh finally turned and picked up the tablet with deliberate slowness. His eyes scanned the screen sharply before shifting to Dylan.

"One mistake can be forgiven. Two means you didn't learn." His tone was cold, almost surgical. "Don't force me to consider a replacement. But... for now, I still trust you. For now."

Dylan bowed slightly, swallowing hard. "Thank you, sir. You won't be disappointed."

Josh opened the report. Photo after photo, financial records, promotion history, and a detailed list of Rico's business trips scrolled by. He flipped through each page with unshaken focus.

"Promoted too fast," Josh muttered. "His first three years were mediocre at best."

"He's close to Clara Jung. Their relationship goes beyond professional. And-"

"-backed by Jaeyoon Jung, one of the board commissioners," Josh cut in, his voice low but razor-sharp. "Clara's family has long-standing ties with MaC's central holding. No wonder their golden boy suddenly rose to the top."

Josh exhaled slowly and set the tablet down on the desk. "What's next on my schedule?"

"You've been asked to attend a formal dinner tonight," Dylan informed him. Josh gave no response. After a pause, Dylan added, "I've arranged everything."

Josh didn't respond right away. He kept staring out the window, as if calculating a deeper move behind his silence. A faint smile touched his lips-barely noticeable.

"If someone like Rico can rise through dirty tactics," he murmured, "let's see how high he can climb before he falls."

Dylan didn't fully understand what Josh meant, but as his most trusted man, questioning Josh wasn't in his job description.

"Keep a close eye on Rico, Dylan. If necessary, assign someone specifically to monitor him."

Dylan frowned. "Is... Rico really that much of a threat to MaC?"

Josh let out a short laugh. "No."

"Then why go through the trouble?"

"Because of a promise." Josh grabbed the blazer he had draped over the back of his chair. "Come on. Let's not be late for dinner. I'm hungry."

"Yes, Mr. Josh."