Chapter 5 Pressure Points

• For some reasons, Xavier didn't like the aura of the man, and he felt he may be a dangerous man.
• He wonders if he was Harold Park that was trying to marry Kim using her situation as leverage.
• There was only one way to know.
• Hang around to see what the man was going to do.
• He saw the man wait at the reception area, pulling out his phone to type something.
• “I’m at your office now. You owe me. Let’s discuss.”
• The sender’s name made Valerie's stomach twist.
• Victor Chen, the gang boss she had tried so hard to avoid.
• Panic gripped her as she remembered the circumstances of her debt.
• A few months ago, during a critical expansion of Chels Global, she had entered into a deal to clear goods through the port.
• At the time, it seemed like the right move, a necessary risk to push her company forward.
• But there were some complications that came up.
• Unnecessary delays, and fees she had no idea she would have to pay, and at the end, she found herself in a financial strain, which meant deep trouble.
• Now, the gang boss just told he is at her company to discuss.
• She felt uneasy as she prepared herself for the confrontation ahead.
• She knew Victor would be eager to collect, and his presence alone is enough reason to be intimidated.
• After all, he was not just a regular business man, he was also a gang boss, and pretty sure he had no issues using that kind of power.
• Valerie stepped out of her office, her heart racing as she made her way to the reception area.
• As she got there, she saw Victor leaning against the reception desk with a smirk on his face that sent chills down her spine.
• He stood strong and looked around like he always got his way.
• “Ms. Kim,” he said, his voice calm but rude.
• “I hope you’re ready to talk about our deal.”
• “Victor,” Valerie said, trying to stay calm.
• “I didn’t think you’d come here yourself.”
• He laughed quietly, a scary sound. “I thought we should meet in person. I’m getting tired of waiting for my money. The more you wait, the less patient I get.”
• Valerie felt her throat tighten.
• “I’m trying. I just need a little more time.”
• Victor moved closer, his face getting serious.
• “Time? You think I have time to waste? You’re in a tough spot, Valerie. You know that, right? And I’ve heard rumors about you planning to marry Harold Park. Is that your answer?”
• Hearing Harold’s name made her shiver.
• “That’s not your business,” she said sharply, trying to hide her fear.
• “Ah, but it is. Harold and I have an agreement. He cares about your problem and wants to help... but for a price.” Victor’s eyes shone with cruelty.
• “If you don’t want to owe me, you should think about his offer carefully.”
• Valerie tightened her fists, feeling both angry and desperate.
• “I won’t be forced to marry anyone,” she said firmly.
• “Do as you please,” he said, stepping back.
• “But know this: if you don’t pay me by the end of the week, I’ll handle things myself. And you won’t like what happens.”
• Victor walked away, and Valerie suddenly felt scared and unsure.
• She watched him leave, feeling the weight of his threat around her.
• Her heart beat fast as she went back to her desk, trying to understand what had just happened.
• Meanwhile, Xavier stayed in the lobby watching all this happen.
• After talking to Valerie, he felt like something wasn’t right.
• When he saw the gang leader come into the building, he moved closer out of curiosity.
• He watched Victor’s confident way, how he got everyone’s attention without saying much.
• The tension was evident, and his instinct told him his meeting was not ordinary.
• There was more to it.
• As he watched Valerie and Victor talk, he felt both protective and frustrated.
• He wanted to step in and confront the man who controlled her, but he knew jumping in without knowing everything might make things worse.
• Then, Xavier saw Valerie’s face change.
• She looked calm, but he could see that she was scared.
• It was clear she was overwhelmed, and the situation was more serious than he had thought.
• After a moment, Valerie turned and walked back into her office, shutting the door behind her.
• Xavier felt an urge to follow her, but he hesitated.
• He needed to know what was happening, but he also didn’t want to intrude on her personal space.
• He waited, pacing the lobby, until he could no longer stand it.
• He approached her office door and knocked gently, hoping she would let him in.
• “Valerie?” he called softly. “Can we talk?”
• There was no immediate response. After a few moments, the door opened slightly, and Valerie looked out with a guarded expression.
• “What do you want, ?” she asked, her voice tight.
• “I saw that man leave. What’s going on?” he pressed, concern etched on his face.
• She let out a sigh and moved back so he could enter. "It's not easy to explain," she said quietly.
• “ how?” Xavier pressed, crossing his arms. “Is he threatening you?”
• Valerie paused, and he could tell she was struggling inside.
• She seemed caught between wanting to open up to him and wanting to stay strong on her own.
• "Victor is… mixed up in some business I thought I could handle," she finally said, looking down.
• "But things went wrong. Now he wants me to pay back a debt I owe him.”
• “What kind of debt?” Xavier asked, frowning.
• “It’s about a shipment we cleared through his port,” she said, her voice tinged with frustration.
• “I thought it would help the company, but it went wrong. Now he’s using it to pressure me.”
• Xavier felt a heavy weight in his chest. “So Harold Park is part of this too?”
• Valerie nodded, her face turning cold. “Yes. He knows everything and is working with Victor. They’ve trapped me. Marrying Harold seems like the only way to escape.”
• Xavier stepped closer, his tone firm. “Then let me help you.”
• Valerie looked away, her expression tight. “It’s not that simple. If I push back, they’ll ruin everything, my company, my reputation. I’ve worked too hard to lose it all.”
• “Then let me help you,” he said, moving closer. “I can….”
• “No!” she said loudly. “Thank you, but I don’t want your help. I need to handle this myself.”
• Xavier felt hurt when she said no.
• “You’re making a mistake,” he said softly.
• “I’m doing what I have to do to protect my company,” she replied firmly, her resolve clear.
• “I can’t rely on anyone else.”
• He started to speak but stopped, seeing how determined she was.
• It was clear she didn’t want his help, even though things were dangerous.
• “Okay,” he said quietly. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
• Valerie looked at him and softened a little.
• “Thanks for caring, but I have to do this by myself.”
• Xavier nodded, feeling sad. He turned to leave, his heart heavy with disappointment.
• As he walked out of her office, he heard the elevator doors open.
• Harold Park came out, looking angry as he looked around the lobby.
• “Valerie,” he called, walking fast toward her office. “We need to talk.”
• Xavier stopped, watching Harold come up to Valerie with a strong, serious look.
• He still doesn't recognize him.
• In a split second, Harold noticed Xavier and looked at him.
• Their eyes met, and given that Xavier was just coming out of Valerie's office, he was standing in Harold's path.
• Xavier was a bit surprised why this particular person was looking at him like he recognized him.
• Then Harold kept walking towards him.
• While Xavier waited, trying to see what this other man was up to up by staring and walking towards him.