The meeting in Germany was the very reason Williams and Secretary Kim had traveled so far.
Inside Keller & Stein International Holdings, one of Germany's most respected industrial investment companies, the atmosphere was formal and heavy with expectation.
At the long glass conference table, Director Heinrich Stein, his assistant, and several senior managers sat on one side.
Across from them, sat Williams and Secretary Kim__ calm, composed, and focused.
Secretary Kim's hands were folded on the table, his expression neutral, but inside, his heart was far from steady. He understood business very well… but English was not his strength. This was Williams' field today.
After brief introductions, Director Stein spoke first.
"Mr. Adam's proposal is… ambitious," he said carefully. "Expanding your company into Germany is not a small matter. Why should we trust such a partnership?"
Williams met his gaze without hesitation.
"Because we are not coming to take," Williams replied in clear, steady English.
"We are coming to build... together."
The managers exchanged glances.
Williams continued, opening the documents he had prepared.
"My father's company dominates three major markets in Asia. We control our supply chain, our logistics, and our manufacturing. What we lack is a strong European base. What your company lacks is access to the Asian market at this scale."
He slid the documents forward, as he continued.
"This partnership gives us both what we cannot achieve alone."
Director Stein studied the papers in silence.
"What about risk?" one of the managers asked.
Williams nodded. "We share it. We invest equally. Profits are divided fairly. Losses are carried together. My father does not believe in partnerships where one side bleeds and the other watches."
The words were firm, confident, and carried the weight of someone who understood power.
Secretary Kim watched him quietly.
This was not the careless boy who used to sleep through meetings. This was a man.
Director Stein leaned back in his chair, his eyes now sharp with interest.
"And what makes you think you can manage this expansion?" he asked.
Williams' answer came without pause.
"Because I've lived in this country. I understand your system, your people, and your standards. And because failure is not an option when the future of an empire is on the table."
Silence filled the room.
Then Director Stein smiled, gently.
"You speak like a man who already owns the company," he said.
Williams returned the smile as he said, "my dad will love you for that".
A few of the managers chuckled.
The tension in the room softened.
After another hour of negotiation, figures, projections, and responsibilities. Director Stein finally stood and extended his hand.
"We will proceed with the partnership."
Williams stood and shook his hand firmly.
"Thank you, Director Stein."
As they left the building, Secretary Kim finally let out the breath he had been holding.
"Young Master… that was incredible," he said quietly.
"I've never seen you like that."
Williams only smiled.
"I told my father I wouldn't disappoint him."
Secretary Kim nodded, pride shining in his eyes.
Meanwhile, in Italy, Mr. Adam paced slowly around his hotel room, his phone clutched in his hand.
His meeting had been postponed to the next morning, yet his mind refused to settle.
It wasn't the deal in Italy that troubled him.
It was Williams.
He stopped by the window, staring out at the quiet street below.
He has never truly lived inside the business world… Always sleeping in meetings… easily distracted…
A tired sigh escaped him.
"How will he cope," he murmured, rubbing his forehead, "when even Secretary Kim struggles with English?"
Just then, his phone rang. And the sound of the phone made he froze.
The caller ID read 'Secretary Kim'.
Without wasting a second, he answered.
"How did it go?" His voice came out sharp with urgency.
There was a brief pause on the line, then...
"Congratulations, sir," Secretary Kim said. "The meeting was a complete success."
Mr. Adam's breath caught.
Secretary Kim continued, describing everything __how Williams spoke with confidence, how he led the negotiation, how the German directors listened, how the partnership was later agreed on.
As the words poured in, Mr. Adam slowly lowered himself onto the edge of the bed.
For the first time in days, the tightness in his chest began to ease.
"That's… very good," he said quietly. "I'm impressed."
At that moment, the door to Secretary Kim's room opened and Williams stepped inside.
"Sir," Secretary Kim said, holding out the phone. "Your father." He said pointing the phone to Williams.
Williams took the phone and place it on his left ear.
"Dad."
There was a short silence. Then Mr. Adam's voice softened as he said "You did well."
Williams' grip on the phone tightened slightly.
"I'm proud of you," Mr. Adam added.
The words struck deeper than any lecture ever had.
"Thank you, Dad," Williams said.
A small smile formed on Mr. Adam's lips on the other side of the world.
"We'll be returning home today," Williams said after a moment. "Everything here is settled."
"Good. My meeting is tomorrow, I hope it comes out a success too."
"I trust you, dad", Williams replied.
After a few more quiet words, they ended the call.
Secretary Kim watched him, his expression warm.
"You handled yourself like a true heir today."
Williams didn't reply, but something in his eyes had changed ___steadier, stronger, as if he had finally stepped into the space that had been waiting for him all along.
-----
The next day at Seoul, the cool morning breeze brushed against Linda's face, lifting strands of her hair as she rode toward school.
Saturday always felt different___quieter and calmer.
Today wasn't for classes. Like every other day. Today was for training.
She had been at it for weeks now, and she could feel the change in her body. Her movements were sharper. Her balance steadier. The fear that once slowed her down was slowly being replaced by something stronger.
By the time she reached the school compound, the sun was already climbing.
She parked her bike and headed straight for the training hall.
Mr. Kwon was there, standing near the center of the hall, arms crossed, his presence calm as he waited for Linda.
"Good morning, sir," Linda said, bowing slightly.
He gave her a short nod and said. "Change."
A few minutes later, she returned in her
training uniform, tying the last strap of her gloves as she stepped onto the mat.
Without wasting time, Mr. Kwon motioned for her to take her stance.