The return to the LX headquarters was a study in controlled tension. Min Jae moved through the gleaming corridors with a deliberate, subdued energy. The arrogant defiance of the previous night was gone, replaced by a weary, almost sullen compliance. He kept his gaze downcast, his responses to staff curt and dismissive. He was playing the part of a prodigal son, scolded and brought to heel.
Do Hyun was waiting for him outside his office, a silent, watchful sentinel. His expression was, as always, unreadable, but Min Jae detected a new layer of assessment in his gaze.
"Your father wishes to see you in the boardroom at noon," Do Hyun said, his voice neutral. "There are... matters to discuss regarding the quarterly forecast."
A summons. Of course. The first move in re-establishing control.
"Fine," Min Jae muttered, not meeting his eyes. He brushed past him into his office, shutting the door with a little more force than necessary, a calculated display of residual petulance.
