Chapter Text
Korn places a placating hand on his son's shoulder, silently willing his son to refrain from murder until they receive confirmation that the deal set up between their family and the family of the man sitting sloppily in the seat across from went well. He cannot blame Kinn for the anger he feels after hearing such a callous remark about his son-in-law. The stereotype surrounding unmarked, pregnant omega still holds an unfortunate amount of weight in today's society.
He is understanding of Kinn's and Porsche's relationship, knows there is genuine love between the two which has resulted in his first grandchild; to be born on the first day of December, and does not question the lack of Kinn's mating mark on Porsche's neck. So long as his son is content and Porsche's safety is maintained, he keeps to his own thoughts. There is nothing to be done anyway as he knows Kinn will burn the family's legacy to the ground if anything happens to Porsche.
Or he will die trying.
Kinn is to take his place as the head of the main family once he reaches his 35th birthday, a mere few months from now. And while he has spent years preparing his son for the role, he has never known someone to love as fiercely as his son when it comes to their family. Has never known someone to be as fiercely protective of their family as Kinn is protective of theirs. But even he knows that no one will come before Porsche; not anymore.
"Mr. Wanjaantapun-"
The meeting is interrupted when the door is thrown open and Tankhun all but races inside, expression one of genuine panic. Both Arm and Pol are right behind him, twin expressions of worry. "Kinn, you must hurry! Porsche collapsed in the garden and now he's in medical. Doctor Type is with him now but he's unconscious."
Kinn finds his eyes. "Papa." Kinn is not asking for permission to leave but rather telling him he is dismissing himself from the meeting.
"Go."
"We're in the middle of an important meeting," the annoyance across from Korn snaps, his scent indicating his displeasure.
Such a tone used towards any of his children, regardless of their age, has Korn glaring at the man. He feels Chan tense right behind him, turns his head slightly to see his hand carefully rest on his waist just above where his gun is hidden from view.
"Oh, hush!" Tankhun replies with no concern for business. "I don't care what you have to say."
"Excuse me," Kinn states, disregarding any tension starting to build in the room. "I am needed elsewhere." He nods to the man and then to him. "Papa, I will review the conclusion of this meeting before the day is over."
Korn nods. "Send my regards." He moves to take Kinn's seat. "Someone send for more tea."
"Of course, sir!"
Soon enough, those in the room only include himself, Chan, and the infuriating man on the other side of the table. "Mr. Wanjaantapun, it would be in your best interest to not upset my sons; especially the one who is preparing to take my place in the coming months. Kinn is far less kind and understanding than myself, especially where his pregnant husband is concerned. I suggest you keep your less-than-tolerant ideas to yourself to avoid conflict with him and to maintain a partnership with our family."
"Surely it is not bad enough to interrupt a very important meeting."
A maid politely knocks on the door, still open, and bows respectfully. "Khun Korn, I have brought the tea you have requested." On the tray sits a delicate pot of cinnamon tea and two teacups. But what keeps Korn's gaze on the tray is the somewhat smaller, blue teapot next to the bigger one. "Khun Kinn asks that I add this on the side, with the belief that your meeting will be successful."
"What is it?"
Rude.
Despicable.
Korn rarely interacts with the sort.
"A special brew that is only served when business is successful. My son is very confident that today's meeting will end favorably." Korn pours his own cup. "For now, would you like some of this more simple brew? It's a cinnamon blend—"
"I'd much rather have the other blend. We're simply waiting on a phone call from one of my men to confirm what we already know to be a successful deal."
Calmly, Korn grabs the handle of the smaller teapot and pours some into the other cup. "This is a lavender and vanilla blend." He can feel Chan's distaste for this man from behind him.
"Do enjoy—"
A sharp ringing interrupts him.
"There's the call!" The man exclaims. He answers but doesn't put it on speaker but Korn can tell just by his body language that the deal did not, in fact, succeed. And as the man continues speaking, it becomes obvious that he's stalling in order to think of a way to leave his current predicament.
Korn only needed to glance over his shoulder for Chan to be ready if necessary.
The call ends.
"Deal went off without a hitch!"
A bold lie.
"Wonderful," Korn replies with false pleasantness. "Please enjoy your tea. We can begin discussing how to move forward in a bit." He takes a sip compared to the other cup being emptied in one gulp.
The following grimace has Korn hiding a smile behind his teacup.
"How is it, Mr. Wanjaantapun?"
"D-Delicious."
Korn sighs and places his teacup down. "Mr. Wanjaantapun, do you believe a business partnership should be built on lies?"
"O-Of course not!" The man's face is starting to lose color.
"Interesting answer." He adds a bit of milk to his tea. "It's interesting because that's exactly what you intend to do. And considering that it is my son who is expected to oversee our end, lying about your capabilities puts him in a difficult position." Korn watches as the man grabs his throat, fear in his eyes. "And I do not appreciate you lying to me and therefore my son."
"W-What?"
Korn adds two sugar cubes to his tea. "Unfortunately for you, it doesn't matter that you lied. You've managed to upset two of my three children. My son is incredibly protective of his husband and their unborn child. What I mean to say," he tastes his tea to see if it's to his liking, "is that you've sealed your fate and my son has chosen how you will die. I do appreciate that he choose a mess-free option."
The man is turning blue, eyes already rolling back into his head, and he drops to the floor where he seizures for a moment before going completely still.
He sighs. "Call for someone to get rid of him."
Korn enjoys his tea as the body is removed shortly after.
"Anything else, Khun Korn?" Big asks as he and Pete stand before him after disposing of the body.
"What room is Porsche resting in down in medical? I intend to go see him."
"He was brought to room four," Big answers.
Korn stands up. "Alright. Carry on with your duties."
"I am to return to Khun Kinn," Big replies.
Pete straightens up. "I've been ordered to await Khun Kim's and Khun Porschè arrival and escort them directly to Khun Porsche, sir."
"Very well." And he leaves with Chan one step behind him and Big two steps behind Chan, such as the expected formation.