Corporate Villainy: Trampling Protagonists as a Business Dad

David burst through the abandoned factory's door. Sweat poured down his face as he carried a phone in his outstretched hand.

"Sir, you need to take this call. It's important."

What's so important that you are disturbing me at a time like this David. Vincent frowned not expecting David to behave like this.

David paused at his words, realizing his behavior of interrupting Vincent like that in front of others was very unprofessional. "I apologize sir." David calmed down a little as he bowed slightly. Sigh, I really need to retire.

Moving aside his thoughts, he said in urgent but calm tone "Sir, Mr. Shahkuk Khan from sector 11 is calling."

Vincent frowned deeper wondering why that old man is looking for him so urgently but then he looked at David who was looking at Jin tied up to the chair. He turned his head to look at Jin and immediately understood.

Right now Jin's eyes were like a student who thought the teacher forgot about the homework. He had a wild grin on his bloody face as if all his efforts had bore fruits.

"Tsk..." Vincent took the phone from David's hand and answered in a tone one would speak to an elder "Mr. Shahkuk, how are you? It has been a long time since I heard from you."

"Haha, Mr. Vincent, I am doing well thanks to a very kind young man. I hope... he is also doing equally well." the old man said in a delightful voice but one could fell a sharp intent in the latter half of the voice.

Look at this old man. Getting straight to the point throwing aside any greetings. Is he trying to intimidate me?

Vincent's eyes narrowed as he perfectly understood what was going on. Vincent of course knew who Shahkuk Khan was talking about. He was saved by Jin and was also responsible for Jin getting out of the hospital early. Jin probably called this old man before he was captured. This old man knew that he knew about Jin knowing him. Now the question was which kind of old man he was.

Vincent gestured to Fredrick while pointing towards Jin. Fredrick was the team leader of the team whose member was killed by Jin. Fredrick was like a rabid dog unleashed as he took out a military knife and stabbed Jin directly in the knee.

Is that all it took? On the other side of the call Shahkuk Khan shook his head in disappointment. When his son, Selmon, told him that Vincent seem to have changed, he expected something more today.

Turns out he is still just a—

Before he could finish his thought, an agonizing and piercing scream blasted in his ear across the phone.

"That's commendable, Mr. Shahkuk, investing your goodwill in such a spirited young man. I'd only remind you that not all ventures deliver returns… and some carry liabilities best kept off the books."

"Liabilities… yes," Shahkuk said, his voice still pleasant but carrying the weight of a man who had already decided the matter. "But you see, some liabilities become far more expensive when mishandled. I trust a man of your reputation knows when to cut cleanly… and when not to cut at all."

Vincent said nothing, letting the silence stretch until the faint hum of the call and Jin's suppressed groans became the only sound between them.

Then the old man spoke again, this time with that unmistakable senior's authority that expected obedience.

"Vincent boy, this young man once saved my life. I owe him a debt I will not forget. I am asking you to give me face… and let him walk away from this. I will compensate you appropriately but if you don't… then don't blame me."

Give him face?

Vincent's mouth twitched once, a small movement that betrayed the flash of irritation beneath his composed exterior. He'd seen this script before. These so-called protagonist protectors. The powerful elders who would move heaven and earth, even burn their own bridges, for some brat who had once done them a favor or showed them martial arts in a random park. And Jin had done more than that — he'd dragged Shahkuk out of the jaws of death. That kind of debt might as well be carved into bone. And in those stories, the antagonist always bowed their head.

Not today though.

Vincent's tone, when it came, was calm… but it carried the finality of a closing coffin lid.

"Mr. Shahkuk, I respect you and the history you carry. If it were any other matter, I would gladly honor your request but there will be no negotiations on this matter. The young man you're speaking for…" He glanced at Jin, who's grin was quickly changing to one of despair. "…will not see another sunrise."

There was a pause. Then, faintly, Shahkuk's amused chuckle returned but it was colder this time. "Then I suppose we are finished here, Mr. Vincent."

"We are."

The line went dead.

Vincent lowered the phone, sliding it into his jacket pocket without looking away from Jin. "Keep him breathing," he ordered Fredrick.

Fredrick's knife was still slick with blood as he sheathed it, his glare never leaving his brother's murderer.

"Everyone out."

Everyone started leaving but Fredrick remained still looking at Jin with bloodlust. Vincent frowned. He didn't like it when people didn't follow serious orders.

"What are you waiting for?" Vincent asked impatiently.

"Sir, let me kill him instead. You don't have to—"

"Are you disobeying me again? Don't think I don't know you trying to kill him before he was brought here. You won't be given this opportunity as your punishment for defying my orders. Now get out."

Fredrick's jaw tightened, his breathing sharp through flared nostrils. For a moment, Vincent thought the man might actually snap and do something stupid. But then, with visible effort, Fredrick forced the bloodlust back behind his eyes, gave a clipped nod, and stepped away.

As the heavy footsteps of the others faded into the distance, the factory fell into an oppressive silence.

Jin didn't speak for a while. The defiance from before was gone, replaced by a hollow look that clung to him like a shroud. After a long silence Jin asked,

"Why?"